Symptoms of having roundworms in the abdomen

Jul 26, 2024 Source: Cainiu Health
Disease description:

My nephew is 10 years old this year. Recently, he has been refusing to eat and sometimes experiences sudden stomach pain. I'm worried he might have pinworms. Could you please tell me what the symptoms of having pinworms in the stomach are?

Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Shen Yonghua

When there are蛔虫 (roundworms) in the abdomen, the main symptoms include:

1. Anal itching: The activity of roundworms near the anus may cause itching and discomfort.

2. Abdominal pain: Patients may also experience abdominal pain, usually concentrated around the navel or upper abdomen. The pain is generally short-lived and may be relieved by massage.

3. Allergic reactions: Foreign proteins from the roundworms may trigger allergic reactions such as urticaria (hives), asthma, and angioedema (neurogenic edema), which can affect the patient's daily life.

4. Skin spots: In pediatric patients, symptoms may include white spots on the face, foreign substances in the whites of the eyes, and obvious food preferences or picky eating.

5. Other severe symptoms: In extreme cases, roundworms can lead to serious complications such as intestinal obstruction or intestinal perforation, manifesting as severe abdominal pain, vomiting, abdominal distension, and cessation of defecation and flatus, which require urgent medical attention.

Patients suspected of having a roundworm infection should seek timely medical care. Diagnosis can be confirmed through stool examination, and treatment with anthelmintic medication should be carried out under medical guidance to prevent complications.