We all have at least once during our lifetime experienced stomach pain which is usually not that serious. However this pain is such that it has always occurred from time to time due to several reasons such as a food item or any other gastric issues. Although it has several causes , some of them might be more serious than the others thereby leading to an intense, sharp and severe stomach pain. The causes behind these might involve getting an abdominal muscle pulled or an internal infection or even something as serious as a heart attack.
However one such cause of stomach pain that is quite uncommon and usually goes unnoticed is due to worms. We already know that parasitic worms do affect the skin and open wounds thereby causing an infection or worsening the area that is already affected, but one pressing thought that many people have is “Can worms also cause constant stomach pain?”.
Now there have been cases reported of worms few know that these worms can also affect the internal organs; particularly the abdomen and creating havoc.
Constant stomach pain that these worms cause is mostly related to the worm’s life cycle and the body’s response to them. These mainly include intestinal blockage, inflammation, and allergic reactions to the worms.
Stomach Pain due to Worms
Stomach pain can be a symptom of intestinal worm infections, which are caused by various types of parasites. These infections can lead to a range of abdominal issues, including pain, cramping, bloating, and diarrhea. Other symptoms like loss of appetite, nausea, and weight loss may also occur.
What are these intestinal worms
Intestinal worms are parasites – organisms that live in and feed off a host. In this case, the human intestine becomes home to various types of worms that reproduce and survive by consuming the nutrients meant for the body.
There are two main types of intestinal parasites:
- Helminths: Multicellular worms like roundworms, tapeworms, and flukes.
- Protozoa: Single-celled organisms like Giardia and Entamoeba histolytica, which can multiply inside the human body.
What Do Worms Look Like?
The following is a general representation of what an intestinal worm might look like.
However there are different types of worms that affect humans and these worms differ from each other based upon their length, morphology and other distinct characteristics as given below.
Worm Type | Appearance |
Threadworms | White, thread-like, 2–13 mm long, visible to the eye |
Strongyloides | Microscopic larvae, adults 2–3 mm long |
Dog Hookworm | 12–15 mm long, hook-shaped with a large mouth |
Pork Tapeworm | Flat, ribbon-like, up to 7 meters in length |
Beef Tapeworm | Can reach 12 meters in length |
Dwarf Tapeworm | 2–4 cm long, 1 mm wide |
Whipworms | 4 cm long with a whip-like thin end |
What type of worms commonly found in humans
The most common helminths include:
- Ascaris lumbricoides (Roundworm)
- Trichuris trichiura (Whipworm)
- Ancylostoma duodenale and Necator americanus (Hookworms)
These are collectively known as soil-transmitted helminths or geohelminths, and they affect over a billion people worldwide. While they rarely cause death, their impact on nutritional health, cognitive development, and immunity is significant, especially in children.
Common intestinal protozoa include:
- Giardia intestinalis (Giardiasis)
- Entamoeba histolytica (Amoebiasis)
- Cyclospora cayetanensis (Cyclosporiasis)
- Cryptosporidium spp. (Cryptosporidiosis)
These often cause diarrheal illness and are transmitted through contaminated food and water. Amoebiasis alone accounts for up to 100,000 deaths annually worldwide.
How do worms enter the stomach?
Worms primarily enter the body through:
1. Contaminated Food and Water
Eating raw or undercooked meat (especially pork and beef), unwashed fruits or vegetables, or drinking unclean water can introduce worm eggs or larvae into the digestive system.
2. Contaminated Soil and Surfaces
Soil fertilized with human or animal waste can harbor worm eggs. Children playing outdoors or adults gardening without gloves may ingest contaminated particles unknowingly.
3. Direct Skin Penetration
Some worms, like hookworms, can penetrate the skin—often through bare feet—entering the bloodstream and eventually the intestines.
How Do Worms Cause Stomach Pain?
The pain caused by intestinal worms arises from several mechanisms:
- Irritation of the Intestinal Lining: Worms such as hookworms attach to the gut wall, sucking blood and causing inflammation.
- Intestinal Blockage: In severe infestations, roundworms may form large clusters, causing bowel obstruction and intense cramping.
- Inflammatory Reaction: The body’s immune response to worms may trigger abdominal pain and discomfort.
- Secondary Complications: Migrating worms or larval forms can affect other organs, exacerbating the symptoms.
Examples:
- Hookworms: Cause pain, nausea, and iron-deficiency anemia.
- Whipworms: May lead to Trichuris dysentery syndrome—pain, rectal bleeding, and tenesmus.
- Tapeworms: Cause bloating, perianal itching, and mild pain.
- Pinworms: Lead to itching (especially at night) and can irritate the anal and vaginal areas.
How will you know you have worms?
Intestinal worms can cause a variety of symptoms, including abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, fatigue, and weight loss. Some people may also experience anal itching, particularly at night, due to pinworms. Visible signs like worm segments or eggs in the stool are also indicators. If you suspect a worm infection, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Symptoms of Worm Infections
You may not always see the worms, but these signs can suggest their presence:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Persistent diarrhea or constipation
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue or weakness
- Itchy anus (especially at night, in case of pinworms)
- Visible worms or worm segments in stool
- Teeth grinding (bruxism) during sleep
Who’s at Risk of Getting Worms?
You may be at higher risk if you:
- Live in areas with poor sanitation
- Frequently consume undercooked meat
- Walk barefoot on contaminated soil
- Travel to tropical/subtropical countries
- Work in agriculture or livestock
- Have pets that aren’t dewormed
- Have a compromised immune system
- Are a child under 8 years old
What Complications Can Worms Cause?
Left untreated, worm infections may lead to:
- Malnutrition – Worms absorb vital nutrients from your gut.
- Anemia – Especially from blood-feeding worms like hookworms.
- Growth delays – Infected children may experience stunted growth.
- Bowel obstruction
- Liver, lung, or brain complications – From migrating parasites
- Pregnancy complications – Increased health risks to both mother and fetus
How Are Worm Infections Diagnosed?
Doctors use a range of methods:
- Stool analysis: To detect eggs or worms.
- Scotch tape test: For pinworms, tape placed around the anus collects eggs.
- Blood tests: To check for anemia, elevated eosinophils, or parasite-specific antibodies.
- Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT, or MRI to detect tapeworms or obstructions.
- Colonoscopy: Rarely used, but may be needed in complex cases.
How do i eliminate worms from my body
In some cases, the immune system may manage minor infections. But most cases require antiparasitic treatment.
Common Treatments:
- Albendazole (Albenza)
- Mebendazole (Vermox)
- Praziquantel (Biltricide) – for tapeworms
One of the safest and most recommended oral options is Iverguard 12 mg. It contains ivermectin, which works by paralyzing adult worms and allowing the body to flush them out naturally. Iverguard 12 mg is especially effective against roundworms, threadworms, and strongyloides.
Treatment usually lasts 1–3 days, and symptoms improve quickly. A repeat stool test after a few weeks helps confirm the worms are cleared.
Is Deworming Legitimate Medical Practice?
Yes. Deworming is widely endorsed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is part of routine healthcare in many developing countries, especially for children. Though natural cleanses and herbs are popular online, they often lack clinical validation.
If you suspect you have worms, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis. They may recommend trusted, clinically effective antiparasitic agents like Iverguard 12 mg for safe elimination.
How to Prevent Worm Infections
Hygiene Tips:
- Wash hands before eating or cooking.
- After using the toilet, clean your hands thoroughly.
- Keep fingernails short and clean, especially for children.
Food and Water Safety:
- Cook meat thoroughly (minimum 160°F/71°C for ground meats).
- Wash fruits and vegetables well.
- Avoid untreated drinking water or ice when traveling.
Environmental and Travel Cautions:
- Avoid walking barefoot on soil.
- De-worm pets regularly.
- Use boiled or purified water in high-risk areas.
Key Takeaways
- Intestinal worms are parasites that infect the human gut, causing stomach pain, bloating, cramps, diarrhea, and other digestive symptoms.
- Common worms include roundworms, hookworms, whipworms, tapeworms, and pinworms, as well as protozoan parasites like Giardia and Entamoeba.
- Worms can enter the body through contaminated food, water, soil, or by direct skin contact, especially in areas with poor sanitation.
- Stomach pain is caused by inflammation, irritation of the intestinal lining, intestinal blockages, or immune reactions triggered by the parasites.
- Visible signs include worms in stool, anal itching (especially at night), and symptoms like nausea, weight loss, and fatigue.
- Diagnosis is done through stool tests, Scotch™ tape test, blood tests, and occasionally imaging or colonoscopy.
- Iverguard 12 mg is a trusted antiparasitic medicine that works by paralyzing and eliminating worms from the intestines.
- Treatment duration is usually 1–3 days; symptoms typically improve within a week of starting medication.
- Deworming is a medically proven and necessary practice, especially for at-risk groups like children, travelers, or those in unsanitary conditions.
- Prevention includes good hygiene, safe food and water practices, avoiding barefoot contact with soil, and regular deworming when recommended.
FAQs
1. What does stomach pain from worms feel like?
In heavy ascariasis infestation, a mass of worms can block a portion of your intestine. This can cause severe abdominal cramping and vomiting. The blockage can even make a hole in the intestinal wall or appendix, causing internal bleeding (hemorrhage) or appendicitis.
2. What are the symptoms of a parasite in the gut?
Gut parasites can cause a range of symptoms, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. More severe infections can lead to complications like anemia, intestinal blockages, and even issues like seizures or muscle damage. Symptoms vary depending on the type of parasite and the severity of the infection.
3. How do you know if your body is full of parasites?
It can be tricky to know for sure if your body is full of parasites, as many people experience no symptoms or only mild symptoms. However, several signs and symptoms can suggest a parasitic infection, including digestive issues, fatigue, skin problems, and muscle pain. If you’re concerned, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
4. What are the symptoms of rope worms in humans?
Rope worms, a term sometimes used to describe stringy, mucus-like material expelled during bowel movements, are not recognized as a legitimate intestinal parasite by the medical community. They are often confused with mucus buildup or mucoid plaque, which can be a normal part of the digestive process or a result of other conditions. However, if you’re experiencing symptoms like abdominal pain, changes in bowel habits, or fatigue, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
5. How do I deworm myself?
To effectively deworm yourself, it’s crucial to first identify if you have a worm infection and then use appropriate medication or treatments. Consult a doctor for diagnosis and prescription medication, or consider over-the-counter options like pyrantel pamoate for certain types of worms. Following up with hygiene practices and potentially treating your household can prevent reinfection.