Intestinal Parasites [ Worms in Kids ]

What is it?

Intestinal parasites are living organisms that live in the intestines. Examples of these include fleas, lice, and worms (either pinworms or tapeworms). As it inhabits the intestine, it brings a lot of troubles and complications. But it does not stop there; these organisms will continue reproduction until such time that they can dominate the majority of the intestine. Thus, parasite infestation is highly possible when not given enough attention.

Intestinal Parasites [ Worms in Kids ] | Prevention Tips

What causes it?

There are a lot of possible causes when it comes to intestinal parasites. First, it may come from contaminated food or water that was not properly and cleanly prepared. Second, it may also come from interaction with other kids who might even have the same condition. Sharing of drinks, tumblers, and other personal objects or materials may serve as the carrier of the parasites. Lastly, poor sanitation of the area or the overall environment also poses a significant threat as a cause of intestinal parasites.

Types of Intestinal Parasites [ Worms in Kids ]

Giardiasis

The contamination of intestinal parasites happened because of contaminated water. Some of its symptoms include bloating, nausea, severe weight loss, soft and greasy stool, stomach cramps, tiredness, and watery diarrhea. Its symptoms may begin to manifest in about two weeks after the actual drinking of the contaminated water. The body will be able to improve within six weeks gradually. One of its possible complications is diarrhea since there is an unusual and frequent bowel movement. The diagnosis of giardiasis is probable through laboratory tests using the child’s stool as the specimen. Based on the result, the medical professional will prescribe possible medication for faster and complete healing.

Intestinal Parasites [ Worms in Kids ] | Prevention Tips

Pinworms

These tiny and color white thread-like worms are incredibly itchy. Yes, you’ve read it right. These are more active at night time, where they crawl outside the anus and begin to lay eggs making a child feel extremely itchy and uncomfortable. The eggs of this organism may live in the clothes, specifically the underwear, bedsheets, and the immediate environment for two weeks. Aside from the unusual itchy feeling, no other health symptoms are evident. These pinworms may either be visibly seen or not, depending on how thick they are. The primary cause of pinworm is direct contact. As the child scratches or hold the area with pinworms and interact with other kids, the eggs are already transferred. In diagnosing this condition, a tape test may be done by the doctor, and oral medication for complete healing may be recommended.

Other Common Parasites

Amoebiasis

When this parasite enters the body, it may not have immediate manifestation. But when these parasites begin to multiply, symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, jaundice, and weight loss may be evident.

Ascariasis

This roundworm infection can grow as long as 42 centimeters. Though it may not show obvious symptoms at first, this posts great danger when they multiply and begin to infest the intestine.

Blastocytes Hominis

This parasite is diagnosed through the stool of the child. Some of its symptoms are diarrhea and pain in the stomach.

Dientamoeba

Though it does not cause any adverse effect, it is still noteworthy that dientamoeba inhabits the intestines caused by contaminated food or water.

How to Prevent it? [ Intestinal Parasites | Worms in Kids ]

Proper washing of hands should be taught to children at all times. Either they are playing outside, about to eat, or for as long as they interact with someone else outside. As soon as they get home, ask them to wash their hands. In the case of toddlers, wash your hands before and after changing the diaper or holding the bottles.
Proper boiling of water to kill the presence of harmful organisms should be done. If possible, go for the filtered or the mineral water.
A proper schedule of changing the sheets so that eggs of organisms will not have any opportunity to crawl back into your child.
Proper cleaning and disinfecting of your child’s toys since these may also serve as a carrier of these organisms once held by other children with intestinal parasites.
Make changing of underwear a regular basis so that eggs of possible worms may not stay for a longer time.
Open the blinds or curtains and let the sunshine passed through the windows. This will eliminate the presence of egg worms since these organisms are sensitive to light.
Teach your child not to swallow the water whenever doing water activities such as swimming.

Intestinal Parasites [ Worms in Kids ] | Prevention Tips

When to Consult a Doctor?

It is highly recommended to bring your child to the doctor when diarrhea persists in two weeks. If in case there are already symptoms of dehydration, then it is better to bring your child to the hospital for immediate care.

Protecting our child from these harmful organisms will be possible when we have proper knowledge about their causes, symptoms, and prevention. I hope that your kids are always at the pink of their health! Stay safe!

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Intestinal Parasites [ Worms in Kids ] | Prevention Tips