It can be due to worms!
The most common complain children make is “stomach ache.” And we often wonder why they are getting a stomach ache so frequently. The answer is “worm infestation/ infection.” It is caused by intestinal parasites such as tapeworms, roundworms, threadworms and hookworms. Worms tend to live in the intestine and feed off your child’s nutrition. Parasitic intestinal worms infections (also known as Soil-Transmitted Helminths (STH) affects over 24 crore children every year in India.
“According to the WHO (World Health Organization), about 10 % of people in developing countries are infected with intestinal worms.”
What are the Symptoms of Worm Infestation?
Some common symptoms are:
- Stomach ache or nausea
- Irritability
- Itching around anus
- Anaemia
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of appetite
- Dry cough
- Diarrhoea
- Bed wetting
- Blood in stools
What are the Causes of Worm Infections?
Children are particularly susceptible to intestinal worms. That’s because they usually play in environments which can get contaminated, such as sandboxes and school playgrounds. However, older adults may also have a higher risk due to weakened immune systems.
Some of the common causes include:
- Coming in contact with soil/ sand containing eggs or worms
- Touching pets infected with worms
- Inadequate hand washing
- Consuming infected food or water
- Improper hygiene
What is Deworming?
Deworming is a process to kill these intestinal worms; commonly tape, round and hook worm, that infests bodies of children below 18 years of age. The doctor prescribes a course of anti-parasitic or deworming medicines according to the age of the child. However, it is important to follow good hygiene practices along with medication for quicker and effective recovery.
What are the benefits of deworming?
- It helps control anaemia
- Improves nutritional uptake
- Helps improve concentration capacity of school going children
- Helps improve work potential
- Benefits the society and nation by reducing worms in the environment
Globally, World Deworming Day is organized every year on February 10th to raise awareness about worm infestations, its causes, impact and prevention.
For deworming, meet General Physicians or Pediatrician along with your children at your nearest RxDx branch in Bengaluru. Principals of nearby private or government schools are encouraged to contact us for organizing Deworming Camps in their schools.
For further details, please contact: 080-49261111, 6745-8111
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