Health
Fact-checked

At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.

Learn more...

How do I Treat a Roundworm Infection?

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

The most effective treatment for a roundworm infection is an anthelmintic medication like pyrantel, medendazole, or albendazole. These medications kill the worms, allowing patients to express them from their bodies. Other treatments are available for severe complications of worm infections and some patients experience success with alternative medicines like wormwood, pumpkin seeds, and grapefruit seed extract that are designed to kill and expel the worms although these means have not been extensively tested and may not be safe in all patients.

Roundworms are parasites that people become infected with when they consume roundworm eggs. The most common reason to come into contact with eggs is to drink water contaminated with human fecal material or to eat produce handled by people with roundworms. When the eggs enter the body, the lifecycle of the roundworm starts. The eggs will hatch, producing worms that can colonize the intestines and lungs, the worms will breed, and more eggs will be produced and shed.

Pumpkin seeds are sometimes used as an alternative treatment for roundworm.
Pumpkin seeds are sometimes used as an alternative treatment for roundworm.

People with roundworms can develop coughs, pneumonia, bloody sputum, abdominal pain, rashes, and wheezing. Sometimes worms can be seen around the nose or anus and they are also present in the feces, along with eggs. People can be diagnosed with the use of medical imaging studies revealing worms inside the body, or analysis of a fecal sample to identify worms and eggs.

People suffering from a roundworm infection may experience abdominal pain.
People suffering from a roundworm infection may experience abdominal pain.

Treating people with medications designed to treat parasitic infections will usually resolve a roundworm infection. When used in animals, these drugs are known as dewormers, but in humans, the term “anthelmintic” is more commonly seen. It is important to be aware that both people and pets can develop roundworm infections and can pass them to each other. If a household has a roundworm problem, it is important to treat all of the mammals present, regardless of species.

An abdominal X-ray will indicate whether a patient will need surgery to treat for a roundworm infection.
An abdominal X-ray will indicate whether a patient will need surgery to treat for a roundworm infection.

A roundworm infection can have serious complications. Sometimes, people have large clusters of worms in their intestinal tract that will not be passed with medication. For these patients, surgery may be required to clear the gut. Surgical treatment is rarely needed and if it is, X-rays of the intestine usually indicate whether a patient will need surgery or not. The longer a roundworm infection is allowed to persist untreated, the greater the risk of complications like malnutrition or the development of the need for surgical treatment.

A roundworm infection that remains untreated can lead to malnutrition, particularly among children.
A roundworm infection that remains untreated can lead to malnutrition, particularly among children.

If people suspect they have parasitic infections such as a roundworm infection, a doctor should be consulted. It is important to receive a drug that is appropriate for the infection and many parasites cause similar symptoms. A doctor can perform a diagnosis and offer a prescription or advice on complementary and alternative medicine if these options are preferred by the patient. Likewise, veterinarians can examine animals with suspected parasitic infections and provide the appropriate medications.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...
Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a WiseGEEK researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Raynbow

@rundocuri- Not only are roundworm infection uncomfortable, but the treatments to cure them can cause uncomfortable side effects as well. This is why prevention is the best plan of action.

People should never drink water that may not be clean. This includes water that may be dirty such as water from outdoor sources. Never drink water that you are not sure of the cleanliness of its source.

People who handle animals are also greater risks for developing roundworm infections. They should wash their hands frequently, and never touch and eat food while working with animals.

Rundocuri

Having a roundworm infection sounds quite terrible. What are some preventative measures people can take to avoid them in the first place?

Post your comments
Login:
Forgot password?
Register:
    • Pumpkin seeds are sometimes used as an alternative treatment for roundworm.
      By: areif
      Pumpkin seeds are sometimes used as an alternative treatment for roundworm.
    • People suffering from a roundworm infection may experience abdominal pain.
      By: jedi-master
      People suffering from a roundworm infection may experience abdominal pain.
    • An abdominal X-ray will indicate whether a patient will need surgery to treat for a roundworm infection.
      By: alkerk
      An abdominal X-ray will indicate whether a patient will need surgery to treat for a roundworm infection.
    • A roundworm infection that remains untreated can lead to malnutrition, particularly among children.
      By: poco_bw
      A roundworm infection that remains untreated can lead to malnutrition, particularly among children.
    • Veterinarians can prescribe medication to treat roundworm infections.
      By: leungchopan
      Veterinarians can prescribe medication to treat roundworm infections.
    • When roundworms hatch out of eggs in the body, they may attempt to colonize the intestines.
      By: 7activestudio
      When roundworms hatch out of eggs in the body, they may attempt to colonize the intestines.