Roundworm
In most cases, a roundworm infection doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms.
When symptoms occur, they usually follow a two-stage course, as described below:
The early-phase symptoms of a roundworm infection only affect a small proportion of people and are rare in the UK.
Symptoms usually begin 4-16 days after swallowing the eggs and last up to three weeks. They include:
The late-phase symptoms of a roundworm infection are even rarer in the UK, particularly in adults. If there are a lot of mature worms in the intestine, they can cause blockages. This won't occur before six weeks after the eggs have been swallowed.
Signs and symptoms associated with mature worms include:
However, most people have no symptoms.
If your intestines are blocked due to a large number of worms, you will probably experience vomiting and severe abdominal pain.
Roundworms can infest the human digestive tract, specifically the small intestine. A roundworm infection is also sometimes known as ascariasis or acaris.
In most cases, a roundworm infection doesn't cause any noticeable symptoms. Some people have a high temperature, dry cough and shortness of breath.
A roundworm infection begins when you swallow roundworm eggs. Eggs can be present in food or drink, or in the soil in which food has grown.
Roundworm infections can be successfully treated using one of a number of medicines.
As well as treating roundworm infections with medication, the infection can be controlled by improving sanitation and health education.