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Warning-sign checks

Ascariasis: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for severe abdominal pain with swelling and inability to pass stool or gas, repeated vomiting with weakness, or major difficulty breathing.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent care for new jaundice, fever with significant abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, or worsening breathing symptoms.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Routine follow-up depends on the severity of the infection and whether symptoms improve.

    Take the prescribed medicine exactly as directed and contact the treating clinician if a dose is missed or vomited rather than repeating it without advice.

    Arrange routine medical follow-up if:

    • Abdominal, bowel, or breathing symptoms do not improve
    • Worms continue to appear after treatment
    • A child has poor appetite, weight gain, or growth
    • Eosinophil levels remain elevated
    • There is continued exposure to unsafe sanitation, contaminated soil, or pig manure

The article also says

A repeat stool test is not necessary for every person, but a clinician may recommend one when symptoms continue, worm burden was high, treatment response is uncertain, or ongoing exposure is likely.

Testing too early may not answer every question, so follow the timing provided by the healthcare team.

Reinfection can occur.

Continue handwashing and safe food practices after treatment.

People returning to or living in an area where ascariasis is common may need advice based on local public health programs.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Ascariasis. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.