How to Determine if You Have Roundworm or Pinworm Infection

Generally, methods to determine the presence of roundworms or pinworms include examining the anal area, paying attention to abdominal symptoms, monitoring dietary changes, blood tests, and routine stool examinations. If necessary, it is recommended to seek timely medical advice and undergo treatment under a doctor's guidance. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Examine the Anal Area: Pinworms have the characteristic of crawling out of the anus at night to lay eggs. Therefore, one or two hours after falling asleep at night, check around the anal area. If small, white, thread-like, moving worms are found, it may indicate a pinworm infection. However, roundworms typically do not exhibit similar manifestations around the anus.

2. Monitor Abdominal Symptoms: Due to the activity of roundworms within the intestines, which irritates the intestinal mucosa and nerves, intermittent periumbilical pain may occur, varying in intensity. Pinworm infection may also be accompanied by mild abdominal pain, but is primarily characterized by anal itching. Overall, the presence of abnormal abdominal pain can assist in determining whether intestinal parasitic infestation exists.

3. Monitor Dietary Changes: When roundworms are present in the body, they consume nutrients within the intestines, affecting normal digestion and absorption functions, which may lead to appetite abnormalities, such as increased appetite without weight gain or even weight loss. Pinworm infection may also present with similar symptoms. Therefore, observing changes in appetite can help in assessment.

4. Blood Test: Generally, in healthy adults, eosinophils account for 0.5% - 5% of total white blood cells, while children may have slightly higher levels. During roundworm or pinworm infection, the body's immune system reacts, and during the early stages of parasitic infection, eosinophils in the blood increase. If these levels exceed the normal range, roundworm or pinworm infection may be considered.

5. Routine Stool Examination: If adult worms resembling earthworms, elongated in shape and mostly milky white or pale pink in color, are found in the stool sample, it is generally indicative of roundworm infestation. Pinworms generally do not appear in large numbers in the stool, but occasionally tiny white thread-like worms may be observed on the stool surface. The presence of parasite eggs in the stool indicates possible roundworm or pinworm infestation in the intestines.

In daily life, it is important to develop the habit of washing hands before meals and after using the toilet. Use running water and soap to thoroughly clean hands, preventing infection caused by oral intake of bacteria.