Ascaris Lumbrcoides

Written by: Wahida Sabir

Ascaris lumbricoides is a large human roundworm that grows up to 35 cm (14 inches) in length. Male ascaris is shorter and thinner than females. This is one of several species of ascaris which is usually white to pink.

AEPO’s writer/producer has talked to some people and a physician about the health problems and symptoms of this worm.

Omar, a resident of Qarabagh district, Kabul province says, “I was suffering from stomach ache when I ate food. When I went to the doctor, he diagnosed me with ascaris lumbricoides.”

Somia, a resident of Paghman district, Kabul province says, “I am suffering from roundworms. I also suffer from stomach pain and saliva comes out of my mouth when I sleep.”

Doctor Mohammad Yaqub Sharafat, internist at Indira Gandhi Children’s Hospital, Kabul city says, “The most important symptoms of this disease are abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, drooling of salvia, overeating, weight loss, diarrhea, white spots on the skin as well as neurological disorders such as tremors and convulsions, disturbed sleep, headaches, and dizziness.”

What do some people think about the causes of these worms in children?

Kashif, a resident of Nangarhar province says, “Eating more sweet or after playing in dusty lanes, put their hands in their mouth, will suffer more from roundworms.”

Monisa from Chaharasiab district, Kabul province says, “One of my children is infected with ascaris worm, salvia comes out from his mouth but I don’t know about the cause of this worms.”

Doctor Sharafat says, “The infection is transmitted to the human body through drinking contaminated water, contaminated foods, and hands infected with the eggs of roundworms.”

How do some people treat ascaris worms in children?

Nargis, a resident of Paghman district says, “I am suffering from roundworms. The doctor prescribed medicines but did not cure my disease.”
A mother from Kabul province says, “My grandchild was suffering from roundworms. I gave him ground artichokes (a kind of medicinal plant) mixed with sweet tea. His roundworms are illuminated, but white spots appeared on his face."

Doctor Sharafat says, “Home medicines are not allowed because the side effects of such medications are unknown. Home medicines might affect ascaris worms but might cause some health problems to the patients.

Ascaris worms medicine is available at a low price everywhere and the parents can give it to their children but the children should eat soft food 24 hours before taking the medicine. After taking the medicine, children should avoid eating food for 1-2 hours.”