What is a common symptom of an intestinal helminth infection?

A common symptom of an intestinal helminth infection is diarrhea. Intestinal helminths, which include worms such as roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms, often disrupt normal digestive processes. This disruption can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, which in turn affects bowel habits and may result in the frequent passage of loose stools or diarrhea.

In addition to diarrhea, other gastrointestinal symptoms may include abdominal pain, nausea, and changes in appetite. The presence of the worms can irritate the intestinal lining and lead to inflammation, contributing to these symptoms. Understanding the gastrointestinal manifestations is key when diagnosing infections caused by these parasites, as they are distinct from systemic symptoms like fever or joint pain, which are less commonly associated with intestinal helminth infections.