Children grinding their teeth at night, experiencing severe itching around the anus, and losing weight no matter how much they eat—all these are the main symptoms of having worms in the stomach. Scientifically, it is called Helminthiasis. These enter our body through poor hygiene. Among these, roundworms, pinworms, and tapeworms, which cause stomach diseases, are important. Here are the 5 main scientific reasons behind worm infestation:
Contaminated Food & Water: The most important scientific reason for worm infestation is contaminated water and food. When you drink unboiled sewage water containing millions of tiny eggs of worms or worms, or eat food that has been exposed to the outside, these directly reach the digestive system. These survive the stomach acid and reach the intestines, where they hatch and grow into worms.
Unwashed hands and dirt between the nails: A major reason for worm eggs to enter the body in children and adults is not washing their hands thoroughly with soap after going to the toilet or before eating. When people with worms scratch their anus, these eggs get stuck between the nails. Later, when they eat food with these hands, the eggs reach the stomach again (autoinfection).
Using vegetables and fruits without washing them: Worm eggs live in the soil for a long time. When cabbage, carrots, vegetables, and fruits that grow in this soil are eaten raw without washing them properly, the worm eggs in the soil reach the stomach. Tapeworm is possible by eating meat such as pork and beef that is not cooked properly.
Hookworm Penetration: Hookworm larvae, the most important of the worms, live in the soil. When you walk barefoot in the field or soil without wearing shoes, these tiny larvae penetrate the skin pores of the feet and reach the lungs and then the digestive system through the bloodstream.
Contact with pets and children’s play habits: Some types of worm eggs are transmitted to humans through the feces and fur of pets such as cats and dogs. In addition, children playing in the soil and putting their hands in their mouths, and through bedsheets and towels used by others, are common causes of worm eggs being transmitted to others.
