Diseases
ascariasis
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Ascariasis is a type of roundworm infection. These worms are parasites that use your body as a host to mature from larvae or eggs to adult worms. Adult worms, which reproduce, can be more than a foot (30 centimeters) long.
Symptoms
- most people infected with ascariasis have no signs or symptoms
- moderate to heavy infestations cause various signs or symptoms
- in the lungs: persistent cough, and shortness of breath
- in the intestines: vague abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
- severe abdominal, pain fatigue
Causes
- a person has to come into contact with soil mixed with human or pig feces that contain ascariasis eggs or infected water.
Risk factors
- age. most people who have ascariasis are 10 years old or younger.
- warm climate. in the united states, ascariasis is more common in the southeast.
Diagnosis
- blood tests
- stool tests
- imaging tests
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is ascariasis?
Ascariasis is a type of roundworm infection. These worms are parasites that use your body as a host to mature from larvae or eggs to adult worms. Adult worms, which reproduce, can be more than a foot (30 centimeters) long.
What are the symptoms of ascariasis?
most people infected with ascariasis have no signs or symptoms, moderate to heavy infestations cause various signs or symptoms, in the lungs: persistent cough, and shortness of breath, in the intestines: vague abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, severe abdominal, pain fatigue
What causes ascariasis?
a person has to come into contact with soil mixed with human or pig feces that contain ascariasis eggs or infected water.
Which medicines are used for ascariasis?
albendazole, flubendazole, levamisole, mebendazole
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