9 Warning Signs of Parasites
One of the most common worm infections in people worldwide, ascariasis is uncommon in the United States. Most infected people have mild cases with no symptoms. But heavy infestation can lead to serious symptoms and complications.
Ascariasis occurs most often in children in tropical and subtropical regions of the world — especially in areas with poor sanitation and hygiene. At this stage, you may experience signs and symptoms similar to asthma or pneumonia, including:
Persistent cough
Shortness of breath
Wheezing
After spending 10 to 14 days in the lungs, the larvae travel to the throat, where you cough them up and then swallow them.The larvae mature into adult worms in the small intestine, and the adult worms typically live in the intestines until they die. In mild or moderate ascariasis, the intestinal infestation can cause:
Vague abdominal pain
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea or bloody stools
If you have a large number of worms in the intestine, you might have:
Severe abdominal pain
Fatigue
Vomiting
Weight loss or malnutrition
A worm in your vomit or stoolTalk to your doctor if you have persistent abdominal pain, diarrhea or nausea.