The majority of children (especially those aged 3 to 10) have experienced problems with intestinal (stomach) worms. Every parent struggled hard to get those intestinal worms out of their children's body. In fact, intestinal worms are very common in children, and most importantly, they are very easily treatable.
This article provides an overview of intestinal worms, their
symptoms, and some natural home remedies for treating them.
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What Are Intestinal Worms And How Do They Affect Children?
Stomach aches and other stomach-related problems are common
complaints among children of all ages. Intestinal worms are one of the most
common causes of stomach-related problems. Worms stay in the intestine
(stomach/guts) and feed on your child's nutrients.
Intestinal worms are categorized as follows:
--> Tapeworm
--> Roundworm
--> Pinworm or Threadworm
--> Hookworm
Causes of Intestinal Worm Infection
Children are naturally active, so they are more likely to
contact germs and other common infections. The following are the most common
causes of worm infections:
--> Consuming contaminated water or eating infected food
--> Lack of sanitization and cleanliness
--> Contacts with an infected surface, such as soil
containing parasitic eggs and other germs at the playground
--> Touching worm-infested pets
--> Eating undercooked meat
What Are The Symptoms Of Intestinal Worm Infection?
--> Irritability in the anus area (especially at night)
--> Abdominal pain (stomach ache)
--> Fever and dry cough
--> Anemia
--> Blood in stools (poop)
--> Bedwetting
--> Bloating (gas trouble)
--> Sudden weight loss (without any reason)
--> Itching
--> Restlessness and weakness
--> Loss of appetite or sudden hunger
How To Diagnose The Children Has Intestinal Worms?
To diagnose a worm infection, you will need professional
medical help, which means your child's doctor will conduct a complete medical
examination and also discuss the symptoms in detail. I am sharing the names of a
few common tests based on my experience. The test will be explained by your
child's doctor (if it is necessary) and do not perform any tests without consulting
your doctor.
--> Fecal Test (also known as stool or poop test to check
whether it contains worm eggs)
--> Blood Test (to detect the type of worm)
Foods That Could Help In The Treatment Of Intestinal Worms
Intestinal worms can be prevented and treated using foods,
especially natural and homemade foods. However, be careful when introducing these
foods to your children, because some may have an allergic reaction while others
may not. So, always consult your child's doctor before giving these foods to
your children.
(i) Raw Carrot
Carrot is a high-fiber-rich vegetable that naturally helps
digestion and promotes bowel movement. You can give your child carrots (around
2 to 3 per day) as a mid-time snack to help their body release stomach worms
out through stools.
(ii) Neem
It is the most efficient ingredient for the de-worming
process (which means removing intestinal worms from the body). The
antibacterial properties of neem (leaves & flowers) help to prevent
stomach-related infections. Offer neem juice to your children (from the age of
3) on an empty stomach for better results.
(iii) Carom Seeds (Ajwain)
Thymol, the main component of Ajwain, has antimicrobial
properties that help in the removal of worms from the intestine (stomach) and
also the prevention of worm growth. Parents, you can grind the seeds into a
fine powder or use it as the same, boil it in water, and serve it to your
children as a drink.
(iv) Garlic
Garlic's antibacterial properties can kill existing eggs and
prevent worms from laying new eggs. So, parents should try to include garlic in
every dish you prepare for your children.
How To Treat Children With Intestinal Worms?
In reality, any type of worm infection can be cured easily. Your
child's doctor will prescribe a course of medications to treat intestinal worms.
After a few weeks of treatment, the symptoms of worm infection gradually reduce.
Parenting Tips: How To Protect Your Children From Intestinal Worms
Make sure you follow the suggestions below to protect your
children against intestinal worms:
--> Before and after using the toilet, ask them to wash
their hands using hand washing liquid, as well as before and after meals.
--> Always check that meats are cooked properly.
--> Use separate cutting boards for meats and vegetables
and wash and dry them properly after each use.
--> Clean their toilet seats and potties on a regular
basis.
--> Before eating raw fruits and vegetables, thoroughly
wash, peel, or cook them.
--> Regularly trim their fingernails.
--> Clean water should be used for cooking and drinking.
When Should You See A Doctor?
Most types of worms cause mild symptoms in their initial
stages, but it is important to see a doctor if you notice any of the symptoms
listed above in your children. So that your children can be treated before
things grow worse.
Final Thought
Parents, you can keep your children safe and healthy by
following proper hygiene and eating healthy foods. It is important to keep a
close eye on your children's hygiene and ask them to inform you if they have
any stomach-related problems. So that you can take all of the necessary steps
to reduce the risks of intestinal worms in children right away.
I hope this article has provided you with enough information
on intestinal worms in children.