Natural Health and Herbal Remedies Blog

While there are many different parasitic worms which may affect Australians and a greater number in other countries, the commonest infestation is with the pin or threadworm.

This is a small thin threadworm, about one centimetre in length. Its normal habitat is the human bowel and large numbers may infest the small and large bowel. The female may crawl out through the anus on to the skin of this area. Here they may die and disintegrate and release large numbers of eggs.

These can be transferred back to the mouth of the host by scratching and contamination of the fingers or may be spread to other hosts through clothing, towels or the hands.

They rarely cause symptoms, except itching, unless they migrate forward to enter and irritate the vagina, and because it is usual for more than one family member to be infested at the same time, the whole family should receive treatment when the condition is discovered.

There are a number of effective drugs which can kill the worms. Some of these can be obtained directly from the chemist without the need for a doctor’s prescription.

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Complications are common and are the usual reason for operation. Diagnosis of the condition should be made on the history and the physical examination. The special tests are used only to confirm that diagnosis and determine the extent of the disease.

Treatment of the condition will depend on its extent and severity. In the past, a low residue diet was recommended to rest the bowel. We now know that this is the main cause of the complaint, so such a diet is suggested only during an acute attack.

At all other times, a diet high in bulk or residue is advised. It should include fruit, vegetables and wholemeal cereals. Added bulk may be gained by taking bran or one of the prepared vegetable extracts which swell when water is added.

Laxatives should be avoided as they increase the pressure inside the bowel and may contribute to the formation of diverticula.

Pain relieving tablets which do not constipate, and also the antispasmodic drugs which reduce the muscular contractions, may be necessary.

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