There are many worms that live as parasites within the
human intestines. Some worms may be as long as a meter
such as tapeworm or as small as in millimeters
such as pinworms. The commonest worms that could
be found in the human intestine are the roundworm
and hookworm. There are also other kinds of worms
that can be in the human intestine but are quite rare.
These worms are swallowed as eggs or as larvae in the
food or water that we have. Sometimes these eggs are
present in the soil in the sandboxes and playgrounds
and playing would spread these eggs from the soil onto
all hands where they could remain under our fingernails.
Putting our fingers into the mouth may cause the eggs
to pass into our system. These eggs and larvae then
hatch in the intestine and reside as adult worms over
there. They then lay thousands of eggs that pass in
our stools and spread to other people thus continuing
the cycle of infection.
These worms are parasites i.e. they live off
other organisms. These worms take nourishment from the
food that we eat. Hookworm may also suck blood from
our body. Sometimes these worms may block the intestine
and not allow the stool to pass. Pinworms may also cause
itching around the anal region.
Generally worms are very common in children. Your doctor
may give you medicine if he suspects that you may be
having worms in the intestine. This medicine will remove
the worms from the intestine and you will be able to
see them in your stools next day. The medicine may have
to be repeated after 3 months to ensure that no eggs
remain in the intestine. Your doctor may ask for a stool
examination and even may do a test by placing a small
piece of tape on your anus. This tape will be seen under
the microscope to see if there are any eggs. Your doctor
may also give the anti-worm medicine to all the people
in the house.
The best way to prevent would be to wash your hands
with soap and water before eating food, after using
the toilet and after playing outside.
Also keep your fingers short
and clean and then worms can remain on an outside scene".
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