Varieties of Parasitic Worms – Roundworms
Roundworm infections are uncommon in the United States but more prevalent in regions with poor sanitation. Learn about roundworm symptoms, transmission methods, and when to seek medical care. Discover how COMBANTRIN® Chocolate Squares 24 Pack can help treat these rare but serious infections.
Roundworms occur most frequently in regions with high population density and inadequate hygiene and sanitation systems – fortunately, the United States doesn't fall into these categories. Children playing outdoors in countries with poor sanitation and high population density have been known to contract these worm infections, especially when fecal matter is present. If, based on the information you find here, you think your child or a family member might have a roundworm infection, contact a healthcare professional immediately.
We understand how crucial it is for caregivers to be prepared for any possibility when it comes to their children's health and wellbeing, so here's our comprehensive guide on roundworms, how they enter the body, what symptoms they cause, and – most importantly – how to eliminate them in case of infection.
Learn about the more common pinworm infections in children
Understanding Roundworms
The roundworm is a parasite that can enter the body and cause some uncomfortable side effects for children.
Also called 'nematodes', these worms prefer to live in the human digestive tract, but certain species can migrate to different areas of the body. It's been said these worms resemble cooked spaghetti, and they range in size from just a few millimeters long, up to an incredible two meters¹.
How Do You Contract Roundworms?
Infections are very uncommon in the United States, but if you suspect your child may have contracted one, it's advisable to seek medical attention for additional treatment and guidance.
The most frequent method of contracting roundworms is through contaminated soil¹. The eggs and tiny larvae thrive in soil, but they can easily enter the body if someone gets infected dirt on their hands and then transfers it to their mouth. Children can acquire the infection by putting dirty fingers in their mouths – something we know many children do occasionally! However, it's important to remember that these types of infections are rare in the United States, and it's therefore unlikely that children in this region could contract such infections domestically.
Many household pets also experience roundworms – they're common parasites in dogs and cats², for example. Your pet can pass the eggs in their feces, contaminating the soil and putting curious, playful children at risk of contracting the worms.
Read about parasitic worms in humans
Contrary to popular belief, a roundworm infection isn't an indication of poor hygiene. Children are naturally curious and often have no hesitation about coming into contact with dirt while playing or learning! While it can help to teach children not to play with animal waste and to wash their hands as frequently as possible, it's also important for caregivers everywhere to understand that worms are a natural part of growing up for many children, and antiparasitic treatment is not a hygiene warning sign, but a sensible part of comprehensive adult care.
Learn more about recognizing worm symptoms
What Are the Symptoms of a Roundworm Infection?
In many cases, infections don't actually produce many outwardly visible symptoms. But when symptoms do appear, they manifest in two distinct phases³:
'Early-phase' symptoms: newly-hatched larvae can travel from the small intestine (where they typically reside) into the lungs, which can cause several symptoms, including fever, dry cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing. Experts have yet to determine why some people infected with roundworms experience these symptoms, while others don't. Early-phase symptoms can become apparent 4-16 days after the eggs or larvae were consumed.
'Late-phase' symptoms: when the worms living in the intestine have reached maturity, they can cause blockages in the digestive system, which can lead to mild abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, and eventually, passing the worm in your stool. This doesn't tend to occur until around six weeks after the original infection happened.
Understand why adult family members need treatment too
How Do I Treat a Roundworm Infection?
If a roundworm infection is suspected, it's advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible for your healthcare provider to verify. Roundworm can be treated effectively with COMBANTRIN® Chocolate Squares 24 Pack, which effectively paralyzes the worms inside the body and causes them to be eliminated in bowel movements. It's recommended to perform another worm check about 2-4 weeks later, if symptoms continue, and re-treat if necessary. Also remember to treat the whole family to ensure worms that may have been transmitted are also addressed.