Worms are common parasites that infect the intestines of man and animals. They live in and off the host that they infect. They draw their nutrients off the host and pass their waste in the host which leads to disease conditions which may be mild or very severe. There are some common symptoms and ways of diagnosis for many of these parasitic worm infection that cut across all types of worms while some are peculiar to some worm types. Common diseases and conditions associated with worm infection in humans include bloated stomach, digestive disorder, intestine infection, digestive problems, low immune, rashes, asthma, diarrhea, nervousness, constipation and anemia.

For hookworms the symptoms include abdominal, an iron deficiency, loss of appetite, a craving for soil to eat, protein deficiency, dry hair, edema, dry skin, stunted and restricted growth, dull mentally, delayed puberty, abnormal size of abdomen, cardiac arrest which could lead to death. In canine pets such as dogs and cats hookworm infection would cause symptoms such as fatal anemia, loss of weight, tarry and bloody stool and diarrhea. Passage of worms in stool is also common. Puppies, kittens, old and weak animals are worst hit.

Symptoms of roundworms include asthma include eye pain, insomnia, rashes and pain in the upper abdomen. When the infection of roundworms is much in the intestine they could lead to hemorrhage when the worms bore the intestine wall and feed on host’s blood. Other symptoms include blockage of intestinal tract, appendicitis, liver abscess, loss of appetite, peritonitis and food absorption. Symptoms in dogs and cats include poor hair covering, extended belly, ill-thrift, diarrhea, and bacterial pneumonia. The worms sometimes get passed out through vomit or stool.

Pinworms infections in humans could cause signs such as irritation of anus, insomnia, digestive problems, nervousness and irritability.

Whipworms are quite popular parasitic infection in humans and animals. The symptoms include weight loss, nausea, pain in low abdomen, hemorrhage and rectal prolapse. In dogs and cats the symptoms include weight loss and diarrhea. The worms also get passed out through feces.

Diagnosis of many of the common worm infection such as tape worm would have to be made by a physician. Sometimes the worms get serious and worms get passed out in the stool and so obviously get identified. In other cases the presence of symptoms would cause a doctor to suggest or recommend a worm test in the lab. When dogs or cats get diarrhea or pass out worms it is a common signal of presence of worms. In both humans and animals a feces test would be able to detect and confirm the presence of worms and adequate medication administered.

Prevention is always an easier way to prevent and control worm infection and spread. Cleanliness is very important. Proper food storage methods as well as proper washing of foods, body and clothing is vital to avoid infection. Pets should be de-wormed regularly, and kept free of fleas. If any animal is detected to have a worn infection treatment should start immediately and humans should restrict contact with infected animals and wear footwear all around the house.