Ascaris Lumbricoides (Roundworm)

Ascaris lumbricoides, commonly called the roundworm, is the commonest intestinal nematode to infect the human and affects a quarter of the world’s population. Additionally, The parasite causes pulmonary symptoms as a larva and intestinal symptoms as an adult worm.

It is the commonest intestinal nematode affecting man Typically found in a humid atmosphere also poor sanitary conditions; hence is seen in the tropics and developing countries 

Transmission:

Transmission occurs mainly via ingestion of water or food (for example, raw vegetables or fruit in particular) contaminated with A. lumbricoides eggs and occasionally via inhalation of contaminated dust. Children playing in contaminated soil may acquire the parasite from their hands. Transplacental migration of larvae has also occasionally been reported. Besides this, Coinfection with other parasitic diseases occurs with some regularity because of similar predisposing factors for transmission.

Life cycle of roundworm:

Adult worms inhabit the lumen of the small intestine, usually in the jejunum or ileum. They have a life span of 10 months to 2 years and then are passed in the stool. When both female and male worms are present in the intestine, each female worm produces approximately 200,000 fertilized ova per day.

  • Ascariasis is caused by ingesting those worm eggs.
  • This can happen when hands or fingers that have contaminated dirt on them are put in the mouth.
  • By eating vegetables or fruits that have not been carefully peeled, washed, or cooked. 
  • Age i.e.: Most people who have ascariasis are 10 years old or younger. Children in this age group may be at higher risk because they’re more likely to play in dirt.
  • Warm climate i.e.: In the United States, ascariasis is more common in the Southeast. But it’s more frequent in developing countries with warm temperatures year-round.
  • Poor sanitation i.e.: Ascariasis is widespread in developing countries where human feces are allowed to mix with local soil.

Larvae cause pulmonary symptoms; adult worms cause gastrointestinal, biliary and pancreatic symptoms Distal ileal obstruction due to bolus of worms; ascending cholangitis also obstructive jaundice from infestation of the common bile duct

Acute pancreatitis when a worm is lodged in the pancreatic duct Perforation of the small bowel is rare. 

  • People with ascariasis often show no symptoms. Additionally, If symptoms occur, they can be light.
Larva causes pulmonary symptoms i.e.:
  • Dry cough, chest pain
  • Dyspnoea also fever, referred to as Loeffler’s syndrome.
The adult worm can grow up to 45 cm long- Its presence in the small intestine causes such as;
  • Malnutrition,
  • Failure to thrive
  • Abdominal pain
Worms that migrate into the common bile duct can produce such as;
  • Ascending cholangitis
  • Obstructive jaundice
  • Acute pancreatitis

Small intestinal obstruction can occur, particularly in children, due to a bolus of adult worms incarcerated in the terminal ileum. This is a surgical emergency.

General appearance i.e.

Most patients generally appear well with minimal or no symptoms on physical examination.

Vital signs i.e.

A low-grade fever may occur in some patients with ascariasis. A high grade fever may be seen when there are complications such as acute cholangitis, hepatic abscess, etc.

HEENT i.e.

An icteric sclera due to obstructive jaundice from biliary ascariasis may be seen.

Chest i.e.

Eosinophilic pneumonia (löffler’s syndrome) may occur in severe cases with the patient presenting with the following physical examination findings

  • Dyspnea
  • Dry rales
  • Wheezing resulting from bronchospasms

Abdomen i.e.

  • Abdominal tenderness- Abdominal tenderness can be secondary to intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, biliary colic, acute cholangitis, acute cholecystitis, hepatic abscess, etc.
  • Abdominal distension
  • Signs of acute bowel obstruction

Skin i.e.

The patients with ascariasis can present with urticaria.

  • In the case of heavy infection, the adult worm is possible to find in stool or sputum of the patient by the naked eye.
  • Barium meal may reveal the presence of an adult worm in the small intestine.
  • A plain abdominal film may reveal masses of worms in gas-filled loops of bowel in patients with intestinal obstruction.
  • Pancreaticobiliary worms can be detected by ultrasound (more than 50% sensitive) and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP; 90% sensitive.

Larvae

  • In the early stages of infection, when migrating larvae cause Loeffler’s syndrome, the diagnosis may be made by demonstrating the larvae in sputum, or more often in gastric washings.
  • Eosinophilia may be present, especially during the larval migration through the lungs which supports the diagnosis. At this
    stage, no eggs are seen in feces.
  • Chest X-ray may show patchy pulmonary infiltrates.

Microscopy

Specimen: stool, bile

  • The saline emulsion of stool is examined microscopically for the presence of eggs. Both fertilized and unfertilized eggs are usually present.
  • If very few eggs are present the diagnosis may be easily missed so the concentration technique will increase the yield of diagnosis through microscopy.
  • Eggs may be demonstrative in the bile obtained by duodenal aspirates.

Blood examination

  • A complete blood count may show eosinophilia in the early stage of invasion.

Serological Tests

  • Ascaris antibody can be detected by Indirect hemagglutination (IHA), Immunofluorescence antibody (IFA), Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (in other words, ELISA)
  • Serodiagnosis is helpful in extraintestinal ascariasis like Loeffler’s syndrome.

others

  1. Firstly, ultra-sound
  2. Secondly, CT-scan
  3. Thirdly, X-rays.

It is making from the history of passing round worms either in the stool or the children may vomit round worms. Diagnosis is confirming by demonstrating the characteristic ova in feces.

  • The diagnosis is making microscopically by finding ova in the faeces.
  • Adult worms are frequently expelling either rectally or orally.
  • Occasionally, the worms are demonstrated radiographically by a barium examination. There is eosinophilia.
  • Acute Cholangitis

  • Appendicitis

  • Ascending cholangitis

  • Asthma

  • Cholecystitis and Biliary Colic

  • Hookworm

  • Intussusception

  • Large-Bowel Obstruction

  • Small-Bowel Obstruction

  • Strongyloidiasis

 
 

 

Common Homeopathic Remedies for Ascaris Lumbricoides:
While homeopathic treatment for roundworm infestation is highly individualized, there are several commonly used remedies that may be beneficial for addressing symptoms and promoting overall well-being:

Cina: Indicated for roundworm infestation with symptoms such as restlessness, irritability, and grinding of teeth during sleep.
Teucrium marum verum: Recommended for roundworm infestation with symptoms such as itching at the anus, increased appetite, and disturbed sleep.
Sulphur: Suited for roundworm infestation with symptoms such as itching, burning, and redness around the anus, along with digestive disturbances.
Spigelia: Indicated for roundworm infestation with symptoms such as abdominal pain, colic, and nausea, especially in the right upper abdomen.
Santoninum: Recommended for roundworm infestation with symptoms such as itching at the anus, restlessness, and disturbed sleep.
In addition to these remedies, lifestyle modifications such as improving sanitation and hygiene practices, avoiding contaminated food and water, and maintaining a healthy diet and immune system can also play a significant role in preventing and managing roundworm infestation.

Compassionate Care and Ongoing Support:
At Spiritual Homeopathy, we understand that dealing with roundworm infestation can be challenging, both physically and emotionally. That’s why we are committed to providing compassionate care and ongoing support to our patients throughout their healing journey. Our team is dedicated to listening to your concerns, addressing your questions, and empowering you to take an active role in your health and well-being.

Conclusion:
Roundworm infestation can have a significant impact on health and quality of life, but with the right approach and support, it is possible to overcome this parasitic infection naturally and effectively. At Spiritual Homeopathy, we offer homeopathy treatment for Ascaris Lumbricoides that is gentle, holistic, and tailored to your individual needs. If you or a loved one is struggling with roundworm infestation, we invite you to explore the benefits of homeopathy and discover a path to healing and well-being. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced homeopathic practitioners and take the first step towards embracing natural healing for roundworm infestation.

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  • To take balanced diet high in nutrients and low in refined sugars and processed foods.
  • Fiber is particularly important, as it keeps your bowel movements regular while you cleanse.
  • A nutrient-rich diet is also important for strengthening your immune system so that the parasites are flushed out of your body.
  • Garlic, honey, pumpkin seeds, and papaya seeds are all anti parasitic foods to include in your diet.
  • To take grain-free, sugar-free diet.
  • Limiting fruit intake in order to further reduce dietary sugars.
  • avoid eating raw or undercooked meat also seafood. When traveling internationally,
  • Avoid Contaminated water, ice ,fruit.
  • Specifically, Avoid swimming or bathing in freshwater
  • Foods prepared by vendors on the street 

What is Ascaris Lumbricoides?

Ascaris lumbricoides, commonly called the roundworm, is the commonest intestinal nematode to infect the human and affects a quarter of the world’s population.

Homeopathic Medicines used by Homeopathic Doctors in treatment of Ascaris Lumbricoides?

  • Cina
  • Calcarea Carb
  • Barayta Mur
  • Sulphur
  • Merc Sol
  • Chenopodium
  • Silicea
  • Spigelia

What are the symptoms of Ascaris Lumbricoides?

  • Dry cough, chest pain
  • Dyspnoea and fever
  • Malnutrition
  • Failure to thrive
  • Abdominal pain

How to diagnose Ascaris Lumbricoides?

  • History of passing round worms in the stool
  • Microscopically by finding ova in the faeces
  • Adult worms are rectally or orally
  • Radiographically by a barium examination

[1] Bailey_and_Love_s_Short_Practice_of_Surgery

[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/human-parasite-cleanse

[4]https://www.google.com/url?

[5] Davidsons Principles and Practice of Medicine

[6] Textbook of medicine

[7] Homoeopathic Therapeutics By Lilienthal

[8]https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/ascariasis/symptoms-causes/syc-20369593

[9]https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/Ascariasis_physical_examination

[10]https://microbenotes.com/ascaris-lumbricoides-lab-diagnosis-treatments-prophylaxis/

[11]https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/788398-differential

ascaris lumbricoides