This is the most common parasite, and is found principally in children;
it is also found in cattle and hogs. It is of a yellowish brown color
and in form resembles earth worms. The worm is cylindrical, pointed at
both ends; the female is from seven to twelve inches in length, and
the male from four to eight inches. They are probably introduced into
the stomach by food and drink. They occupy the upper part of the small
intestine, and are usually one or two in number, though they may be
numerous. Occasionally they migrate into the stomach and are ejected
by vomiting, or into the trachea and produce suffocation, or into the
larynx or Eustachian tube, or they may pass downward to the anus, or
into the bile ducts.
=Symptoms.=—Oftentimes symptoms are absent. There may be dyspepsia,
colicky pains, mucous stools, meteorism, vertigo, fretfulness,
voracious appetite, anemia, sallow complexion, headache, chorea and
convulsions. Other symptoms may be present, as grinding of the teeth
and itching of the nose and anus. Obstruction of the bowels has
occurred. If a worm enters the bile duct obstructive jaundice occurs. A
decisive diagnosis can be given only when the worm is seen.
=Treatment.=—Particular attention should be paid the liver, for it is
here that we must seek the natural remedy in the form of bile, in order
to eject and cleanse the system from nematodes.
Modes of improper living should be corrected; cleanliness is essential,
and there should be attention to the general health of the patient.
Thorough correction of all defects of the spinal column in the region
of the splanchnics, and careful direct treatment of the bowels is
indicated. The child may be put to bed and fasted twenty-four hours,
then the liver strongly stimulated to increase flow of bile.
If the above treatment is not successful oil of wormwood may be
employed.