Intestinal worms are parasites, or organisms that depend upon other organisms for existence. Although many consider intestinal worms to be a problem affecting poverty-stricken people in poor countries, they are also a health problem in the U.S., according to the Cleveland Clinic. Infection with intestinal worms commonly results from poor sanitation, inadequate hygiene, infected pets and carelessness.
Gastrointestinal Disturbances
Although tapeworm infection can be without symptoms, upper abdominal pain, loss of appetite and diarrhea may occur. Tapeworm infection results from eating undercooked fish, pork or beef contaminated with the parasite. Tapeworm from pork and beef can reach sizes of 15 to 30 feet, according to the Merck Manual Home Edition. Hookworm infection can also produce abdominal pain, weight loss and diarrhea. Roundworm, or ascariasis, can cause severe abdominal pain and vomiting if the small intestine becomes blocked by the parasites which can grow to be a foot in length and the thickness of a pencil, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases.
Neurological Problems
Tapeworm larvae can penetrate the intestinal wall and infect other parts of the body, including the brain, muscles, skin and other organs, where they produce cysts, Merck Home Edition explains. Cysts in the brain and spinal cord can produce seizures, confusion, headaches, weakness and paralysis. Cysts can be seen on images taken with CAT scans or magnetic resonance imaging.
Anemia
Hookworm infection can cause serious anemia in infants, children, pregnant women and the malnourished. Hookworms live in the small intestine, where they attach to the intestinal wall and suck blood. Anemia is the most serious complication of hookworm infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Children suffering from chronic, heavy infestations can experience severe anemia that may result in possibly permanent stunting of physical and mental growth.
Itching
Pinworm infection can cause itching in the anal area, especially at night. Pinworm infection results when eggs are swallowed. Female pinworms expel thousands of eggs into the environment. Dust containing the eggs can contaminate doorknobs, furniture and food. Egg-laden female pinworms moving from the anus cause anal and vaginal itching that can be intense and disrupt sleep, the Cleveland Clinic notes. Hookworm is spread by walking barefoot through soil contaminated with infected feces. The larvae can cause an allergic reaction that causes itching where they enter the skin, known as "ground itch."
Presence of a Worm in Vomit or Stool
Tapeworm sufferers may see part of the ribbon-like worm in the stool, according to Merck Home Edition. Presence of a worm in vomit or stool may be the first sign of an infection with ascariasis, or roundworm.
Cough and Wheezing
Ascariasis infection can cause symptoms similar to pneumonia, such as coughing, wheezing and fever. This occurs when larvae migrate to the lungs before intestinal infection takes place, making its diagnosis difficult. Infection at this stage can be confirmed by finding larvae in lung or stomach fluids.
