Detecting symptoms of abdominal worms during children’s growth stages is crucial, as abdominal worms are a common issue. Ignoring and improperly treating this problem can lead to serious complications such as malnutrition and intestinal blockage in children. Children can contract intestinal worms due to various factors, whether environmental conditions or consuming unhealthy foods. Therefore, it’s essential for parents to be well-informed about the signs and symptoms their child might exhibit if infected with intestinal worms. Soqotra.com provides an overview of this issue along with some helpful guidelines:
How Can Children Get Abdominal Worms?
There are several ways children can contract abdominal worms, including:
- Contaminated Vegetables and Fruits: When vegetables and fruits are not washed and cleaned properly before consumption, they can be a source of abdominal worm infection.
- Water Contamination: Drinking contaminated water or using it for cooking and food washing can lead to the spread of abdominal worms.
- Transmission through Hands: Eggs of worms can live under fingernails, and an infected person can transmit the infection to their child if they prepare food or feed their child without washing their hands properly.
- Skin Penetration: Larvae belonging to abdominal worms can penetrate the skin from any part of the body, especially the feet exposed to contaminated soil. Thus, abdominal worms can enter the body and migrate towards the intestines.
- Transmission through Diapers and Unclean Places: Irregular diaper changing and touching unclean places during play can contribute to worm transmission and increase infection among children.
Signs of Abdominal Worm Infection in Children
Abdominal worms are a common problem among children during their growth stages. If not treated properly, worms can cause serious health issues such as malnutrition and intestinal blockage. Children can contract intestinal worms due to various factors, whether environmental conditions or consuming unhealthy foods. Therefore, it’s crucial for parents to be aware of the signs and symptoms their child might exhibit if infected with intestinal worms. Let’s take a look at this issue and provide some important guidance:
How to Detect Symptoms of Abdominal Worms in Children?
There are several ways children can contract abdominal worms, including:
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- Contaminated Vegetables and Fruits: When vegetables and fruits are not washed and cleaned properly before consumption, they can be a source of abdominal worm infection.
- Water Contamination: Drinking contaminated water or using it for cooking and food washing can lead to the spread of abdominal worms.
- Transmission through Hands: Eggs of worms can live under fingernails, and an infected person can transmit the infection to their child if they prepare food or feed their child without washing their hands properly.
- Skin Penetration: Larvae belonging to abdominal worms can penetrate the skin from any part of the body, especially the feet exposed to contaminated soil. Thus, abdominal worms can enter the body and migrate towards the intestines.
- Transmission through Diapers and Unclean Places: Irregular diaper changing and touching unclean places during play can contribute to worm transmission and increase infection among children.
Key Symptoms and Signs
Children suffering from worms can exhibit various symptoms and signs. Early signs are usually related to the intestines and digestion, including:
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- Itching around the anus and occasional loss of appetite.
- Abdominal bloating after eating and difficulty digesting.
- Foul breath odor, even after brushing teeth, due to worm secretions.
- Diarrhea accompanied by weakness and fatigue.
- Some worms may cause abdominal pain due to intestinal blockage.
- Anal itching sometimes leads to a rash around the anus.
- Worms may be visible around the anal area upon close examination.
Chronic Infection
If early symptoms are not detected and treated, the infection can progress and cause persistent symptoms such as:
- Failure to gain weight or weight loss.
- Vitamin A deficiency leading to dry eyes.
- Anemia and symptoms like irritability and lethargy.
- Malnutrition and intestinal blockage.
Complications of Worms in Children
When worms reach the intestines, they cause a range of problems and complications:
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- Malnutrition: Worms feed on nutrients present in the intestines.
- Internal bleeding: This can lead to iron deficiency and the onset of anemia.
- Diarrhea and impaired digestion and absorption.
- Intestinal blockage if worms grow and become adults.
- Rectal prolapse due to swelling from severe infection.
How to Reduce the Risk of Abdominal Worm Infection in Children
Here are some tips that can help reduce the risk of abdominal worm infection in children:
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption. Encourage your child to wash their hands and mouth regularly after using the toilet.
- Trim fingernails and toenails regularly, as dirt can easily accumulate in long nails.
- Maintain the cleanliness of the toilet seat and sterilize it. Wash bed linens in hot water after treating your child to help destroy any worm eggs.
Natural Remedies
In addition to medical treatments, some natural remedies can help alleviate symptoms. These include:
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- Garlic Consumption: Consuming 400 mg of garlic 2-3 times a day can kill parasites.
- Papaya: Papaya contains active anti-parasitic and anti-amoebic substances. Air-dried papaya seeds mixed with honey can help eliminate parasites.
- Fennel Seeds: They contain brown oil with thymol, which is effective in expelling worms.
- Turmeric: It may help eliminate worms and can be mixed with infant formula.
If you suspect your child has abdominal worms, it’s best to consult a pediatrician for proper diagnosis and treatment. In addition, preventive measures and hygiene habits should be implemented to prevent abdominal worm infection. This includes consuming properly cooked foods and drinking clean water.
