Worm infection in babies

Worm infection in babies: causes, symptoms and treatment

Worm infection often cause in babies stomach pain. As they are common it is essential to know the symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of worm infection in babies.

Effects of worm on a baby's Growth

1. Worms cause the loss of iron and protein, leading to anemia.

2. Roundworms result in the malabsorption of nutrients.

3. Worms cause a loss of appetite resulting to weakness.

4. Worms also responsible for diarrhea and dysentery.

5. Chronic worm infections can result in the child being underweight or stunted for his age.

Types of worm infections:-

1. Tapeworms :- It also called flatworms,attached to the intestines and breed on the partially digested food. Children generally ingest them through contaminated food.

2. Roundworms:- Roundworm infections caused by Ascaris Lumbricoides worms. They are shaped hollow and inhabit saltwater soil and fresh water, and are generally passed on to humans via pets.

3. Pinworms:- it also called thread worms. they are small, thin, and white worms that reside in the rectum. Their eggs thrive on linen and toilet seats and get ingested through contaminated food and drinks.

4. Hookworms:- Hookworms usually occur due to poor sanitation. These are small parasitic worms that attach to the intestinal walls. A child can come into contact with them through contaminated soil.

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Symptoms of  worm infection:-

1. Foul-smelling stools

2. Itching around the anus

3. Abdominal pain

4. Fatigue

5. Diarrhea

6. Weight loss

7. Vomiting

8. Loss of appetite

9. Lack of sleep

10. Jaundice

11. Irritability

12. Stomach trouble

13. Bowel issues

14. Worsening skin like rashes, hives, sores and other allergies

15. Restlessness and anxiety

16. Gas and bloating

17. Constipation

Causes of worm infection

1. Contact with an infected surface

2. Consuming contaminated food or water.

3. Poor hygiene

4. Consumption of raw food.

5. Improper washing hands

6. Contact with an infected person.

7. Treatment of Worm infection

Treatment of Worm Infection:-

Eradicating worm infections is usually easy, once diagnosed. Depending on the severity of the infection, the pediatrician will prescribe certain anti-parasitic or deworming medications. Adequate rest is also essential for recovery. Maintaining hygiene goes a long way in preventing worm infections. Some pediatricians recommend administering a deworming medicine every six months to prevent infections and ensure optimum growth o the child.

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Natural remedies to treat and prevent worms

1. Nutmeg or Jaiphal:- 

Grind or grate nutmeg on a grinding stone and make paste using a little water.Since nutmeg is bitter, you can add a little jaggery to nutmeg paste. This can be given to toddlers as well as older children.

2. Asafoetida or Hing:- Mix a pinch of hing powder in a glass and give this to child suffering from intestinal worm.

3.Carom seed or ajwain :-

(a) Take 1/2 spoon of ajwain seed and mix with same amount jaggery. Give this to child twice a day.

(b) Add 1 tsp ajwain seed in a half a litre of water and boil for 4-5 minutes. Strain and give this water to your child.

4. Bitter gourd or karela:- 

(a) Grind bitter gourd to extract juice and mix it with honey and warm water. Give this to child twice a day.

(b) Some people also recommend having bitter gourd seeds powder with a little honey or jaggery.

5. Raw Papaya:-

Raw papaya is very effective in getting rid of intestinal worm in kids. Take 1 tsp of this juice in a glass. Add 1 tsp of honey to this. Now add 4 tsp  of warm water and mix well. Give this to child empty stomach  in the morning. Continue this for a week to get rid of worm.