Whipworm Infection

Whipworm Infection or also known as Trichuris Trichiura is an intestinal parasite of humans. Humans are susceptible to intestinal diseases caused by worm larvae and adult worms. 

Whipworms live in the intestine and whipworm eggs are passed in the feces of infected persons. Roundworm infection is caused by ingesting eggs. Hands and fingers can be contaminated as a result of dirty dirt on them, or if contaminated vegetables or fruits are eaten without being thoroughly washed, peeled, or cooked.

What are the Symptoms of Whipworm Infection?

• Bloody diarrhea
• Painful and frequent defecation
• Abdominal pain
• Vomiting and nausea
• Headaches
• Sudden and unexpected weight loss
• Fecal incontinence
• Inability to control defecation

Risk Factors of Whipworm Infection

• Infection occurs worldwide in warm and humid climates
• Poor hygiene
• Warm temperate or climates during warmer months
• Direct contact with soil contaminated with human feces
• A contact with soil mixed with human or animal feces that contain ascariasis eggs or infected water
• Fruits and vegetables that are not washed properly

Seek medical help when you or your child develop bloody diarrhea. In addition to whipworm, many other infections and illnesses can cause similar symptoms.

How to Diagnose Whipworm Infection?

Your doctor will recommend a stool test. It can determine whether there are whipworms or whipworm eggs in your intestines and feces. Your doctor will also assess your medical history and symptoms and perform blood testing to determine the causes of the symptoms.

Other diagnostic methods for whipworm infection include abdominal x-rays and endoscopy. Ensure to finish the treatment period to prevent worsening the condition.

Treatment for Whipworm Infection

Antihelminthic drugs can treat helminth and worm infections. It prevents the larvae from getting bigger or multiplying. The worms in your body then pass through without noticing it. School-age children are often treated through the school-health program. Antihelminthic medication includes:

• Zentel
• Banocide forte
• Yomesan
• Distocide
• Nizonide

You may also need to repeat the treatment after a few weeks depending on the type of the parasitic infection.

How to Prevent Whipworm Infection?

• Wash your hands thoroughly before eating or handling foods
• Peel and wash your foods before cooking.
• Educate your children not to play with soil and wash their hands after outdoor activities.
• Ensure to have purified water to prevent contact with soil contaminated with fecal matter.
• Use caution around animal feces and clean up the fecal matter when possible.
• Avoid sharing towels, clothes, razors, and other things without disinfecting or washing them
• Eat healthy foods
• Ensure to disinfect and avoid drinking faucet water when traveling in unsanitized places.