Sudden Stomachache with No Known Cause? Could It Be Roundworms?

The concept of worms discussed in Donguibogam closely aligns with what modern medicine terms parasitic infection. In particular, the symptoms of roundworms are very similar to a nematode infection such as Ascaris lumbricoides. Although it is difficult to encounter them as commonly as in the past due to significantly improved sanitation in modern times, the risk of infection through organic vegetables, undercooked food, or contaminated water still exists. Parasites do not live only in the intestines; they can travel through various organs in the body and cause diverse problems. For example, roundworm eggs hatch in the intestines after being ingested, become larvae, travel through the bloodstream to the lungs, pass through the bronchus, and are swallowed again to return to the intestines and mature into adults, following a complex life cycle. In this process, they may induce respiratory symptoms like pneumonia-like symptoms or asthma. In the intestines, they steal nutrients to cause digestive system symptoms such as abdominal pain, dyspepsia, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe cases, they can cause acute abdominal pain by causing bowel obstruction or blocking the bile duct or pancreatic duct. The effects parasites have on our body go beyond simple physical damage. Neurologically, parasites irritate the intestinal barrier to activate the vagus nerve, which transmits signals to the brain and can induce symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Additionally, studies suggest that chronic intestinal inflammation and irritation affect the gut-brain axis connecting the gut and brain, potentially contributing indirectly to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression. From an endocrinological perspective, parasitic infections can affect hormonal balance by disrupting the body's nutritional status and inducing a chronic inflammatory response. Specifically, they can interfere with the secretion of gut hormones like ghrelin and leptin, which regulate appetite and satiety, potentially leading to malnutrition or growth retardation. In children, it can even affect growth hormone secretion, which may lead to failure to thrive. Immunologically, an interesting phenomenon where parasites disrupt our body's immune system is also observed. They may induce an immune response similar to an allergic reaction, such as an increase in eosinophil levels or IgE antibody levels. Conversely, some parasites employ strategies to modulate the host's immune response to survive. A parasitic infection is not just a matter of bugs, but exerts diverse effects across our body's complex neurological, hormonal, and immune systems, ultimately acting as a cause that breaks the body's balance. If the aforementioned symptoms recur without a clear reason, it is important not to dismiss it as simple dyspepsia and to receive an accurate diagnosis and treatment.