Children grinding their teeth at night while sleeping, experiencing severe itching around the anus, and losing weight no matter how much they eat—all these are the main symptoms of worms in the stomach. Scientifically, this 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 worms:
Contaminated Food & Water: The most important scientific reason for worms is contaminated water and food. When you drink untreated sewage containing millions of tiny eggs of 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 the eggs of worms 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 with these hands, the eggs reach the stomach again (autoinfection).
Eating vegetables and fruits without washing them: The eggs of worms 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 eggs of the worms in the soil reach the stomach. There is a possibility of getting tapeworm by eating meat such as pork and beef that is not cooked properly.
Walking barefoot in the soil (Hookworm Penetration): The larvae of the hookworm, 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 spreading worm eggs to others.
