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Warning-sign checks

Worms in humans: 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 or rapidly worsening abdominal pain with swelling or repeated vomiting
    • Inability to pass stool or gas with abdominal swelling
    • A first seizure, repeated seizures, fainting, or new confusion
    • Sudden weakness, difficulty speaking, or loss of coordination
    • Serious breathing difficulty

    These symptoms have several possible causes and do not prove that worms are responsible.

    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

    Contact a healthcare service promptly if you have blood in your bowel movements, black stools, worsening weakness, fever with abdominal symptoms, or persistent vomiting.

    Tell a healthcare professional promptly about possible past Strongyloides exposure if you are due to start corticosteroids, chemotherapy, transplant medicines, or other treatment that suppresses immune defences.

  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you see a worm or repeated worm-like segments in a bowel movement, have persistent anal itching, or develop ongoing abdominal symptoms after travel or possible exposure.

    Also seek advice for unexplained anaemia, weight loss, or symptoms that return after treatment.

The article also says

Get medical advice before taking worm treatment if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, treating a young child, taking several medicines, or have liver disease.

Product suitability differs by medicine and location.

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