Worm Infections In Kids: Know The Causes, Symptoms, And Preventive Tips
Intestinal worms or parasites in your child’s body may sound terrifying, but it is more common a condition than you think. There are plenty of microorganisms that can easily enter your child’s intestine and can cause dreadful health hazards.
Read here in detail about how your child can pick up worms, and also explore answers to some common queries mothers ask about deworming their kids.
How Can Your Child Pick Up Germs?
Unless you are keeping your child in a bubble, it is impossible to keep them away from these germs. The simple reason is that these microorganisms can be hidden anywhere in the home, school, or the surroundings. They can either be on the utensils, or the surfaces of tables, floors, toilet seats, and even door handles. And if you have pets at home, the risk is even more. So, while you may be extremely careful about hygiene, you know now that there are plenty of other places where these worms can enter your child’s body.
How to Identify That Your Child Has Got Worm Infection?
Your child will look normal and healthy in most cases because these parasites hardly display any sign of their presence. However, some common signs and symptoms that you can notice in the child if infected, are:
- Loss of appetite
- Sore tummy and complaints of tummy ache
- Itching around the bottom
- Vomiting and nausea
- Constant coughing
- Frequent urination (especially in girls)
- Irritability and crankiness
- Weight loss
- Grinding teeth
Along with the symptoms mentioned above, some rare symptoms can be loose, watery, and offensive-smelling stools and frequent bloating of the abdomen.
Why It Is Important to Deworm Your Kids?
If left untreated, worms in your child’s intestine can cause anemia, malnourishment, and impaired mental and physical development. This may lead to the child’s poor health, education, and overall wellness. Studies have proved that infected child cannot concentrate on his/her education and it gets very difficult for them to manage their daily activities. Thus, it is very important to get your child dewormed regularly.
How to Deworm Your Child?
Fortunately, worm infections can be easily treated with oral medication. Twice a year treatment with deworming medication can easily help your child to stay protected. It is a must for children aged between 1 and 6 years. The medications are available in syrup form as well as chewable tablets. However, do take note that the medication kills adult worms, not eggs. Hence, it is recommended to repeat deworming after 6 months. It is always advisable to talk to your doctor before buying any over-the-counter medicines. The doctor will prescribe medicines or deworming treatments based on the type of worm infection.
What Should You Do To Prevent Your Child From Worm Infestation?
Here are eight simple steps you can do to keep your child safe from worm infections:
- Wash hands regularly, especially after using the restroom, during diaper changes, before meals, or after playing with pets.
- Wash the fruits and vegetables thoroughly before giving them to your child.
- Give only clean and purified water to drink.
- Cook meat products tender enough so that no raw bit is left in it.
- Keep your child’s fingernails trimmed and clean so that no soil can rest on them.
- Keep your toilet clean and wash your baby’s bottom every time s/he pees or poos.
- Make them wear slippers and shoes even when they are at home.
- Encourage your child not to scratch the bottom or suck their fingers. Ask the caregivers to stay clean and always wash their hands before feeding a child and after washroom use.
Note: If you own a pet, make sure of their cleanliness. Do talk to a veterinarian to know about their deworming process.
Takeaway
If your child has worms, regularly wash their clothes and bed linen in hot soapy water every day even up to a few days after treatment. Also, if anyone in the family has worms, treat them with anti-parasitic tablets. Most importantly, consult your doctor for a suitable medication.
For any query related to deworming and other infections, consult an Internal Medicine Specialist at Ask A Doctor 24x7.
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Disclaimer: Information provided on this page is not intended to substitute for proper medical advice provided by your healthcare professional. This is only for informational purposes.
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