Intestinal worms, often known as parasitic worms, are one of the most common types of intestinal parasites. These worm infections have a direct impact on a child's nutritional status and are a major public health issue in India. Worm infestations are common in children because they interfere with their growth and development, but these worms can also harm adults. Even though worm infestation is rarely life-threatening, it can result in a range of clinical problems. Onlymyhealth editorial team spoke to Dr. Sumit Gupta, Consultant Pediatrics, Manipal Hospital, Ghaziabad, to know about intestinal worm infections.
Intestinal worm infections in adults and children
Worm infections can be of three types - roundworm, hookworm, and whipworm. This intestinal worm can cause sudden weight loss, stomach pain, loose motions, weakness, fever, and vomiting, and can lead to anemia and malabsorption where the child's body does not get enough nutrients because nutrients are not absorbed by the intestine, this can affect the child's growth and development over time. Whereas Intestinal worms in adults are mainly caused by eating undercooked meat or inadequately washed vegetables.
These worms in the intestines are caused by contaminated substance. The worms enter the intestine once a person consumes a contaminated substance. These worms then replicate and grow in the intestine after entering the intestine. Symptoms of these worms may emerge once they proliferate and grow in number and size. Worms in the intestine raise your chances of anemia and intestinal obstructions. Complications are particularly common in elderly persons and people with reduced immune systems, such as those infected with HIV or AIDS.
Also read: National Deworming Day 2022: 8 Effective Home Remedies To Deworm Toddlers
Tips to treat intestinal worm infections
Treatment is usually straightforward, but early detection is crucial, especially in children, in order to avoid growth deficiency and childhood convulsion. If you have a healthy immune system and a healthy diet and lifestyle, some types of intestinal worms, such as tapeworms, may go away on their own. Antiparasitic medicine may be required depending on the type of intestinal worm infestation. If you live in or plan to visit an area where individuals are more susceptible to intestinal worms, deworming should be done at least once a year for both adults and children, and extra hygiene should be observed.
Even though there is a greater awareness of deworming among children around the world, deworming among adults requires attention as well. Infections with certain worms can cause iron loss from the blood, resulting in anemia. Washing hands before eating and after using the bathroom, using sanitized toilets, keeping the surroundings clean, and maintaining nail hygiene are all simple ways to promote hygiene.
In adults -
- Deworming is a medication-assisted procedure for removing intestinal parasites such as worms.
- Deworming should be done twice a year or every six months starting at the age of two.
- Tapeworms are treated with oral medications like praziquantel. The tapeworm is paralysed and dissolved by this drug, which is then passed through the stool.
- Mebendazole and albendazole are used to treat roundworm infection. After a few weeks, the results of effective treatment become obvious
- It is advised that you visit your doctor for a second diagnosis to ensure that deworming is completed completely.
In children -
Here are a few things that can help to reduce your child's risk of worm infection in addition to deworming. To prevent worm infections in your child, practice the following healthy habits:
- Make sure your child maintains proper personal hygiene, such as washing hands with soap and water before eating and after playing outside or with pets
- Make sure your child does not consume unwashed fruits, veggies, or salads.
- Make sure your toddler only drinks boiled water.
- Ask your child to refrain from sharing water bottles at school
- When your child is outside, make sure he or she is not playing barefoot
Image credits: Freepik