One out of five people have hook worms and don't even know it. The larvae enter the blood stream through the soft skin between the toes and make their way to the lining of the small intestine via the lungs and air passages. This disorder is known to cause both physical and mental retardation in children. To safeguard against hookworm avoid walking barefoot.

Symptoms ::
An itchy skin irritation at penetration stage. Coughing, wheezing, fatigue, loss of appetite and sputum tinged with blood are sure signs that hookworms have reached the lungs. Diarrhoea and abdominal pain with eggs in the faeces signifies hookworms in the small intestine. A large number of them at a time can cause intestinal obstruction.

Treatment ::
A number of antiparasitic drugs are available. In addition, oral iron preparations may be required to treat anaemia.

Check with your doctor first.