15240 Roundworms

Overview

Roundworms are a type of parasitic worm that can live in your bowels. The most common roundworm infection is caused by Ascaris lumbricoides. You can get it by swallowing roundworm eggs, usually from contaminated food, water, or hands.

Roundworm infection is common worldwide, especially in tropical and subtropical regions with poor sanitation. In the UK, it is most often found in people who have traveled to or come from high-risk areas.

It affects people of all ages, but children living in areas with poor sanitation are most likely to get roundworms because they often play outdoors and may not wash their hands well.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Most people have no symptoms at all.
• Mild abdominal (tummy) pain or discomfort.
• Bloating or a feeling of fullness.
• Nausea or occasional diarrhea.
• Seeing a worm in your stool or in the toilet.

Symptoms in children

• Poor appetite or loss of weight.
• Stomach pain, especially around the belly button.
• Worms in a nappy or in stool.
• Irritability or trouble sleeping.

Symptoms in older adults

• Unusually tired or weak.
• Abdominal pain that comes and goes.
• Shortness of breath if the worms move into the lungs (rare).

Causes

Main causes

• Swallowing roundworm eggs from contaminated soil, food, or water.
• Touching contaminated surfaces or objects and then touching your mouth.
• Not washing hands properly after using the toilet or before eating.

Risk factors

• Living in or visiting areas with limited clean water and sanitation.
• Traveling to tropical or subtropical regions where roundworms are common.
• Working with soil in areas where roundworms are present.
• Having poor hand hygiene, especially after touching pets or soil.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have severe belly pain, repeated vomiting, or see blood in your stool, get same-day medical advice.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you see a worm in your stool or under your child's bottom.
• If you have ongoing tummy pain, bloating, or diarrhea that does not go away.
• If you have traveled to a high-risk area and have any suspicious symptoms.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, travel history, and whether you have seen any worms. The main test is to check a stool (poo) sample for roundworm eggs.

Tests that may be done

• Stool sample test (most common).
• Blood test to look for signs of infection (not always needed).
• In rare cases, imaging like an X-ray or ultrasound if a complication is suspected.

What to expect at your appointment

The doctor will give you a small container and instructions for collecting a stool sample. The sample is sent to a lab, and results usually come back within a few days. You can return to work or school while waiting.

Treatment

Roundworm infection is treated with antiparasitic medicine that your doctor prescribes. The medicine kills the worms in your intestines, and the worms then leave your body in your stool. One to three doses are usually enough.

Self-care at home

• Wash your hands with soap and water after using the toilet and before touching food.
• Wash all fruits and vegetables in clean water before eating.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming in lakes, rivers, or pools that may be contaminated.
• Clean your toilet and bathroom surfaces regularly.
• Wash bedding and clothes in hot water if you or your child have roundworms.

Medical treatments

Your doctor will prescribe an antiparasitic medication that is taken by mouth. It is usually given in one or two doses, and repeats after a couple of weeks if needed. You may also be given a medicine to calm any tummy symptoms. Always take the full course exactly as your doctor or pharmacist advises.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is rarely needed for roundworms. It is only considered in the rare case that a large number of worms cause a blockage in your bowel (intestine) and medication alone cannot resolve it.

Living with this condition

While taking your medicine, keep normal routines but pay extra attention to hygiene—especially handwashing. Everyone in your household should also wash hands well to prevent spreading the eggs.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep your fingernails short and clean.
• Shower or bathe daily, especially before bed.
• Change and wash underwear, pyjamas, and bedding regularly.
• Encourage children to wash hands after playing outside and before eating.

Diet and exercise

There is no special diet for roundworms, but eating a balanced, nutritious diet helps your body recover. Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you have had diarrhea. Light exercise is fine and can help you feel normal again.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

It is natural to feel embarrassed or anxious about having worms. Remember this is a common infection and not a sign of poor personal character. The infection is easily treated, and your doctor will be supportive and non-judgmental.

Prevention

Yes, roundworm infection can be prevented with good hygiene and safe food and water practices. Washing hands, cooking food fully, and using clean water are the most important steps.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine for roundworm infection.

Screening programmes

Routine screening is not needed for most people. If you are travelling to an area where roundworms are common, ask your GP or travel clinic for advice before you go.

Complications

If left untreated

• Bowel obstruction (blockage) if many worms gather together.
• Malnutrition and poor growth in children, because the worms use nutrients from food.
• Worms moving into the bile duct or pancreas, which can cause severe pain and infection.
• In very rare cases, worms reach the lungs and cause breathing problems.

Long-term outlook

With proper treatment, roundworm infection is cured in nearly all cases. The worms are killed, symptoms go away, and the infection does not cause long-term harm. You can get it again if you are exposed, but prevention habits will keep you and your family safe.

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