ICD-10: B82.0Infectious & Parasitic DiseasesGeneral Severity
Intestinal helminthiasis, unspecified
Intestinal helminthiasis is a condition where parasitic worms live and multiply inside your digestive tract.
Need Clinical Guidance?
Connect with verified specialists experienced in managing conditions related to Infectious & Parasitic Diseases.
Find General PhysiciansClinical Overview
Intestinal helminthiasis happens when you accidentally ingest the eggs or larvae of tiny worms. Once these enter your mouth and reach your intestines, which are the long, tube-like organs that digest your food, the worms settle in and begin to grow.
These worms do not just appear; they come from contaminated sources in the environment. Because they live inside you, they can feed on the nutrients you eat, which is why they sometimes cause you to feel tired or lose weight even if you are eating normally.
Common Symptoms
- Stomach pain or cramping in the belly area.
- Diarrhea or loose, watery stools.
- Nausea or feeling like you might vomit.
- Itching around the anal area, especially at night.
- Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite.
- Seeing small white threads in your stool.