Hookworms are a type of roundworm, which may infect the human intestine. The worms reach approximately ½ inch in length during the adult stage, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The medical center states nearly one billion cases of hookworm occur in tropic and subtropic regions worldwide. Still, cases in the U.S. remain rare because of increased hygiene and sanitation. Hookworm infestations are rarely accompanied by symptoms. Treatment goals include curing the infestation and treating associated complications such as anemia and nutrition deficiencies.
Medications
Two common medications to treat hookworms are albendazole and mebendazole. The medications decrease the absorption of sugar, causing death of the hookworm. Medical professionals must prescribe medications. A second dose of medication may be required to completely eliminate the worm infestation. Fatty foods, such as a whole milk or ice cream, increase drug absorption, according to MayoClinic.com. Women taking medications for hookworm should use birth control because the drugs may cause serious birth defects.
Anemia and Nutrition
Hookworms living in the human body survive by sucking blood and juices from the intestines. The decreased blood supply, over time, leads to anemia and nutritional deficiencies. Iron supplements decrease anemia and are suggested when severe iron deficiency is present. A person may take iron supplements for about three to six months. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, a protein-rich diet may also decrease anemia. Symptoms of anemia are severe when accompanied by pregnancy, malaria and poor nutritional intake. Left untreated, hookworm may lead to growth and developmental delays, some of which may be irreversible.
Prevention
Hookworm larvae enter the body when a person walks barefoot on contaminated soil. The larvae are extremely small and barely visible to the naked eye. Children are more likely to suffer from the condition because they play outdoors and are more often barefoot. Shoes should always be worn when traveling abroad to prevent hookworm. The intestinal parasite is common throughout the globe including Asia, Africa and South America.
