How to Treat Ascariasis
Anthelmintic treatment: Commonly used anthelmintic drugs include mebendazole (Ovex), albendazole (Sanliuqing), levamisole (Zhuigouwei), piperazine citrate (Ascaridin, Liu Yi Bao Ta Tang). See "Common Intestinal Worm Medications." Since ascarids typically survive in the human body for about one year, if reinfection can be avoided, ascariasis may resolve spontaneously within approximately one year.
Treatment for biliary ascariasis: The principle is to relieve spasm and pain, early anthelmintic therapy, and infection control. Early deworming can prevent recurrence and complications. Ascarids avoid acidic environments; therefore, consuming vinegar (2–4 ounces at a time), three times daily, can help calm the worms. If medical treatment fails and severe hepatic or biliary infection occurs, surgical intervention is required.
Treatment for ascariasis-induced intestinal obstruction: Most cases are incomplete obstructions, requiring early treatment including fasting, gastrointestinal decompression, spasmolysis, analgesia, and intravenous fluid replacement. After abdominal pain subsides, deworming should be administered. If complete intestinal obstruction develops with intestinal necrosis, perforation, or peritonitis, prompt surgery is necessary.<ascariasis>