The Secret Life of Threadworms

Piles, haemorrhoids, worms. Conditions that the whole nation are too worried to talk about. Maybe it’s a British thing? Seeing the doctor for such a condition is viewed upon by many as embarrassing and unnerving. But doctors see patients for these conditions every day. 

The suffering in silence is often accompanied by the frustration of the unknown - not knowing exactly what is triggering an itch and other uncomfortable symptoms. Sometimes  sufferers end up confusing threadworm symptoms for piles and vice versa.

Worms

When it comes to threadworms, it’s not surprising why 50% of adult sufferers haven’t visited their GP. Moreover, 63% of sufferers are young adults, aged between 18-34.

To complicate diagnosis even further, did you know there are many types of worms too? From threadworms to tapeworms and roundworms to hookworms. Building up the courage to make an appointment to see your GP may not be easy but it could save your gut. Read on to find out why.

Worms are parasites. They infect your digestive system, by living, feeding and reproducing (multiplying) themselves in the gut and the only way to get rid of them is a diagnosis, followed by treatment. 

The main symptoms include:

• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• skin infection around anus
• insomnia
• bedwetting

We agree it’s not the most nicest topic to talk about, but your main concern should be to get your gut into a healthy parasite-free state.

Haemorrhoids

Also known as piles, haemorrhoids can be diagnosed as:

• lumps around the anus
• bright red blood in the stools
• pain during excrement
• itchiness in the anal area

Piles can be accompanied by constipation, which causes hard stools faced by the challenge of being excreted. The pushing of the stool results in the above symptoms. For many patients, the symptoms are more prevalent during the evening or at bedtime. It can also be a genetical as many children are likely to get piles if their parents had them. 

Other causes include a build-up of pressure in the lower rectum area which in return affects blood flow, creating swollen veins.

The following conditions also make individuals more susceptible to piles:

• Pregnancy
• Obesity 
• Anal intercourse
• Chronic diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Low fibre/ high-fat diet 

Haemorrhoids are extremely common and nothing to be embarrassed by, especially when you need to see your GP.