According to Merck.com, human worms are intestinal parasites that feed on bowel content or suck blood from the intestinal wall. The types of intestinal worms that can affect humans include roundworms, tapeworm and flukes. According to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, many roundworm parasitic diseases are a result of poor personal hygiene, inadequate sanitation measures, lack of clean water and crowded living conditions with a lack of health care facilities.
Respiratory Symptoms
MayoClinic.com states that human worm infections may lead to respiratory symptoms in the individual. Some of the human intestinal worms like ascaris, in their larvae stage are known to migrate into lungs, through either the blood or lymphatic systems. Once the larvae infect the pulmonary tissues, they can damage the lining of the lung tissues, resulting in the development of several respiratory symptoms such as shortness of breath, persistent cough, and wheezing.
Anemia
According to Merck.com, patients suffering from tapeworm infections may experience anemia. The human tapeworm attaches itself to the intestinal linings and draws essential nutrients away from the affected human host. However, if the parasite is present in large numbers, they can draw out blood along with essential nutrients. This causes iron dficiency anemia as well other deficiencies. Anemia can also be a result of decreased absorption of vitamin B-12, which is necessary for the maturation of red blood cells.
Bloating and Flatulence
According to Merck.com, infection of human worms may result in bloating and flatulence. Human worms can cause intestinal inflammation, which ultimately leads to digestive disturbances such as bloating and flatulence in the human host. This condition can become worse upon consumption of food that is heavy to digest. The individual may experience gas and heaviness without eating anything.
Allergic Reactions
Merck.com reports that allergic reactions are often associated with worm infections. Intestinal worms that affectthe intestinal lining force the human body to respond by producing antibodies. These antibodies may cause irritation to the body tissues and initiate certain allergic reactions. This can sometimes be accompanied by skin conditions such as hives, rashes, swelling, sores and ulcers.
