Worms Treatment in Indore

Worm Infections in Children, Treatment

The infections of worms (helminthiasis) are widespread in children, particularly in places where there is poor sanitation. They are brought about by parasite worms like:

• Assari lumbricoides (roundworms).

• Whipworms ( Trichuris trichiura)

• Hookworms (Ancylostoma duodenale, Necator americanus)

• Tapeworms (Taenia species)

• Pinworms (Enterobius vermicularis)

Poor hygiene, playing in contaminated soil, as well as weaker immunity make children more vulnerable.

1. Goals of Treatment

Clear the worms from the gastrointestinal tract.

Ease higher levels of pain in the abdomen, diarrhoea, and anaemia.

Avert nutritional deficiency and retardation.

Avoid reinfection with hygiene interventions and community interventions.

2. Clinical Features

Children may present with:

Abdominal pain and bloating

Diarrhoea or constipation

Anorexia or inappropriate gain of weight.

Anus Itching around the anus (or pinworms)

Fatigue, pallor (particularly hookworm, as a result of blood loss).

Stool has visible worms in a few instances.

3. Diagnosis

History and symptoms (e.g. perianal itching at night because of pinworm)

Egg, larvae or adult worms- stool analysis.

Pinworms Tape test (anal area in the morning) (adhesive tape placed on the anal area).

Hookworm infection may present itself in blood tests with anaemia.

4. Medical Treatment

A. Anthelmintic Medications

The option varies according to the type of worm, age and weight:

Worm Type Drug of Choice Dosage and Notes.

Ascaris lumbricoides, Trichloroethene Albendazole or Mebendazole Albendazole 400 mg once (children 2 years and above)

Hookworm Albendazole or Mebendazole Albendazole 400 mg single dose

Pinworm (Enterobius vermicularis) Mebendazole/ Albendazole, one dose, repeat in 2 weeks.

Tapeworm (Taenia spp.) Praziquantel Dose is dependent on weight; a single dose is common.

Notes:

There might be a need for a repeat dose in certain infections.

Children below the age of 2 years should be consulted with the paediatrician before administration.

Follow-up side effects: nausea, stomachache, diarrhoea.

B. Symptomatic Treatment

Iron supplementation should be used to treat anaemia in the presence of hookworm.

Multivitamins to treat nutritional deficiencies.

Peritoneal hydration with diarrhoea.

5. Non-Pharmacological Supportive Care.

Handwashing prior to eating and after using the toilet should be encouraged.

Clip nails and do not bite them.

Cook fruits and vegetables thoroughly.

Worming in schools now and then (as suggested by WHO).

Maintain a clean home environment for children.

6. Complications if Untreated

Malnutrition and retarded growth.

Anaemia (especially hookworm)

Entomologic (severe infestation of roundworms) intestinal obstruction.

Rectal prolapse (infrequent, in serious cases, mostly whipworm)

7. Prevention

Periodic deworming (typically in endemic regions, 6 months)

Keep high standards of personal hygiene.

Adequate cleanliness and drinking water.

Due to dirty soil, do not walk with bare feet.

Summary

Children are susceptible to worm infection, which can be prevented.

Therapy: Albendazole, mebendazole and praziquantel are anthelmintics in accordance with the type and age of worms.

Supportive care: Nutrition and hydration, and anaemia diet.

Prevention: Hygiene, sanitation and routine deworming.