Ascariasis is a common disease caused by a type of roundworm. Ascariasis occurs most often in children, in particular in places with poor sanitation and poor personal hygiene. Common routes of infection are eating raw vegetables and fruits. Most cases have no obvious symptoms. If patients have symptoms, abdominal pain is the most common symptom. It is usually around the belly button and attacks repeated at different time. Patients may also have diarrhea and constipation. Child patients sometimes have neurological symptoms, such as convulsions, night terrors, bruxism, and taste for exotic food or non-eatable stuff. Benzimidazoles can kill the worms. Albendazole is effective too.
How is Ascariasis treated in practice?