infections
Ascariasis
Symptoms of Ascariasis
The migration ofAscarislarvae through the lungs can cause fever, coughing, wheezing, and sometimes blood in phlegm (sputum). A small number of worms in the intestine does not usually cause digestive symptoms. A large number of worms can cause abdominal cramps and, occasionally, a blockage of the intestine, most commonly in children living in areas with poor sanitation. A blockage can cause nausea, vomiting, abdominal swelling (distention), and abdominal pain. Sometimes adult worms migrate to the mouth or nose, are vomited up, or passed in the stool—situations that can be psychologically distressing. Adult worms occasionally block the opening into the appendix, biliary ducts, or pancreatic duct, producing severe abdominal pain. Undernutrition may develop in infected children. Children with a heavy infection may not grow or gain weight normally. 