the worm
Worms are very small in size. almost invisible. But you will be surprised to know that such worms absorb 0.2 milliliters of blood from human intestine every day. And if there are many worms in the body, think about how much blood will flow every day. Children suffer from malnutrition and anemia due to worms. Adults also suffer no less.
Besides, worms can cause allergies, itchy skin, dry cough, breathing problems. Sometimes the worms get stuck in the intestinal tract and cause major complications. Therefore worm infestation is a major health problem.
To get rid of worms, you must first know why it happens? Dirty environment, unsafe drinking water, unhealthy diet, walking barefoot are responsible for worm infestation.
There are ways to get rid of worms through medication. But many people don't take worm medicine for fear of misconception. Does not want to feed children. But worms can be easily removed by following the medicine regimen and following some simple methods.
What harm do worms do?
Worms are parasites that live in the human body. They usually live in the human intestines. At the same time, they reproduce by absorbing nutrients and blood from the human body. We already know that worms are harmful parasites. It can cause serious damage to the human body. See below what problems can be caused by worms in the human body:
1. Nausea or vomiting
2. anemia
3. feeling weak
4. Abdominal pain
5. diarrhea
6. Nervous anorexia
7. lose weight
8. flatulence
9. indigestion
10. Close the small intestine
11. Intestinal perforation
12. Jaundice
Rules for taking worm tablets
The dose of deworming is the same for everyone above two years of age. That is, your two and a half year old children will also take the same amount of medicine that you take. So don't get confused about it. Everyone in the house should take worm medicine on the same day.
Getting rid of worms is easy.
There is no harm in healthy people or children taking deworming medicine every four to five months. Nowadays, children under two years of age can also be given deworming medicine, but a doctor should be consulted first before giving it to children.
Rules for children to take worm tablets
Worms are a regular problem. Children also have this problem. That's why children should also be given worm medicine regularly. In this case medicine should be given with the advice of a pediatrician.
90% of school going children suffer from worm disease. Among them, the prevalence of roundworms is high. These worms live in the intestines and consume most of the nutrients in baby food. Hence the affected children suffer from malnutrition.
Hookworms can enter the body on the soles of children who go to the toilet barefoot and walk barefoot in the field. These worms feed on blood, resulting in anemia in children. Physical and mental growth is disrupted. Small worms called pinworms are often found in a child's toilet. Affected children are usually irritable. Symptoms of worms include loss of appetite, bloating, weakness, paleness, nausea, or persistent upset stomach.
What is the name of worm medicine?
If adults or children are infected with worms other than threadworms, one tablet of Mebendazole 100 mg every 12 hours for three days or one tablet of Albendazole 400 mg or one tablet of Piperazine 4 g should be given. Mebendazole 100 mg or Albendazole 40 mg or Piperazine 4 gm should be given in one pill in case of threadworm. After three days of taking two weeks, one more pill should be taken.
Keep in mind that the cream medicine can be taken at any time, winter or summer. It can be fed at any time without any harm to the baby. It is good to know that different species of worms cause different adverse reactions in children.
Symptoms of worms in children include loss of appetite, weakness due to iron deficiency and anemia, stunted growth and malnutrition, flatulence and diarrhoea. Worms can cause allergies, itching, difficulty breathing and coughing.
Dr. Mohsin Kabir – Public Health Writer and Researcher – In-charge, Institute of Geriatric Medicine.
Why are worms?
Remember that the stomach does not contain worms. There are certain reasons for this. Worms enter the human body in various ways and multiply slowly. Worm eggs spread in air, bathroom, food, water, door handle, animal body etc. and from there enter the body through nose, mouth and anus. Worm larvae can also enter the human body through the skin. After entering the body, they multiply profusely.
Worms are more likely to occur when walking barefoot, in unsanitary environments. Also, eating fruits and vegetables that are not washed properly can lead to hookworm infection.
Worms are related to any food?
Many people have an idea that eating too many sweets, bananas or fish will cause stomach worms. Many people also name some other foods in different areas which cause stomach worms. Worms are actually transmitted from human feces.
Worm eggs or larvae are excreted in human feces. Later, worm eggs enter the mouth through unclean hands, finger nails or unclean vegetables, fruits etc. But worms are associated with unclean food. Such as open chocolates, lozenges or sweets etc. in the market. These foods are infested by flies and thus worm eggs or larvae enter the body along with uncooked food.
How to get rid of worms
We already know that the worm is a very small thing but it can also cause our death. So we must take some measures to avoid the problem of worms.
Ways to get rid of worms
1. Dirty and damp environment should be avoided.
2. Sandals or shoes should be used when walking outside.
3. Food should be washed well and eaten.
4. Fruits and vegetables should be washed and cooked before eating.
5. Wash your hands regularly with soap.
6. Wash your hands with soap after using the toilet.
7. Cut fingernails and toenails regularly.
8. The body should be kept clean.
9. Safe water to drink.
What are the causes of worms in children?
Children repeatedly put their hands there because the anus itches when there are worms. Then put that hand in the mouth again. This is how the virus spreads. But rectal itching may not necessarily mean a worm infection. Worm infection has other symptoms. For example: anemia, weight gain, flatulence, dysentery, malnutrition, belching, etc.
Teach children to wash their hands thoroughly with soap regularly before eating and after using the toilet. It is better not to eat dirty food from outside. Do not allow children to play barefoot in the field.
The idea that only village or street children get worms is also wrong. In the context of Bangladesh anyone can get infected with worms. So it is better to take dewormer regularly to avoid malnutrition.
Why are worms a problem?
Pediatrician Dr. Apurba Ghosh said, usually through excrement and nail dirt, worms spread in the baby's stomach. He also said that children put their hands in their mouths while playing and even throw toys in their mouths.
Worms can enter the body by walking outside. Worm infestation also begins when babies begin to crawl or learn to walk. So keep a close eye when the baby is on the ground.
Worm tablet to eat before or after?
Remember worm tablets are best taken on a full stomach. Worm tablets are taken half an hour after the night meal. It is usually taken at night after meals. If you are married and sharing a bed with someone, both should take deworming tablets.
Misconceptions about deworming medications
There are many common misconceptions about deworming medications. Many people think that deworming should not be taken in summer. But this is a complete misconception. There is no problem in taking worm tablets in summer.
Moreover, many people in the rural areas think that the body swells by taking worm medicine in summer. This is also a misconception. In fact, deworming medicine has no side effects.
There is no basis for the idea that deworming should not be done in summer. Anthelmintic can be consumed anytime during hot, cold, rainy season. But it is better to eat after eating or on a full stomach.
And anthelmintic is a safe medicine. It has no side effects. However, some people may experience bloating or nausea. Most reports of children getting sick from deworming are due to ignorance and superstition.
Drink pure water. Vegetables and meat should be washed well before eating. Wash hands thoroughly before preparing and serving food.
Symptoms of worms in children
Worm infections are very common in children. But there are some signs that you can understand if the baby has worms in the stomach.
Many times it is seen that the child's mood is not good. and vomiting with burning in his anus, occasional abdominal pain. When these problems occur in children, many parents think that the child has a stomach problem. It is good to know that these problems can be symptoms of stomach worms. but
You need to know about worms, their symptoms and remedies.
5 Symptoms of Baby Worms
Worm infection in children usually has no symptoms. However, some unusual changes in the child's behavior may occur.
Let's take a look at some of the symptoms of baby worms-
1. Frequent abdominal pain and loss of appetite.
2. If you have stomach pain after eating food, you should consult a doctor.
3. Many babies spit up again or spit up excessively.
4. Even if the infestation of worms increases, such symptoms are seen.
5. Sometimes the worms come out through the stool. So you have to keep an eye on the baby's stool.
It can be seen by examining the child's stool
A stool examination may also be done to see if the baby has worms. In that case, stool should be tested on three consecutive days instead of on one day. You can be sure if the worms come out of it. However, many times even this test does not detect worms. Then take measures as advised by the doctor. Give medicine if necessary.
Treating baby worms
Pediatrician Dr. Chayan Gangopadhyay said, from the age of 3 years, children should be given worm medicine every 6 months. This medicine can be given till the age of 12 years. Apart from this, it is important to follow hygiene rules. It is also important to keep the baby clean to prevent worm infection.
Hygiene rules to follow to protect children from worms
1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap before feeding your baby, drinking water, or even changing nappies. You can also use hand sanitizer if necessary.
2. Wash hands and feet thoroughly with soap if the child plays or walks outside.
3. Baby's nails should be kept clean and cut regularly. Be careful not to bite the nails. Worms can enter the body from the dirt that accumulates in the corners of the nails.
4. Bring fruits and vegetables from the market and soak them in water. Have to eat later.
Where do tapeworms nest?
What is a tape worm?
Tapeworms are flatworms that live inside the stomach of animals (humans, animals). Tapeworms enter the human body through any source
However, tapeworm infection occurs due to various physical problems.
A person can also be infected by tapeworm eggs and larvae.
What are the main signs and symptoms of tapeworm?
Nausea and vomiting are associated with early symptoms of tapeworm infection. Fever may be accompanied by symptoms such as weakness, fatigue and diarrhea.
A person's appetite may decrease. Conversely, feelings of extreme hunger (more than normal) may occur.
Symptoms of serious neurological problems such as headaches and seizures can occur when the worms move from one part of the body to another.
Exposure to tapeworm allergens can cause allergic and rash reactions in the patient's body.
What are the main causes of tapeworms?
1. Tapeworms can spread to humans from sources such as infected beef or pork. According to sources, six types of tapeworms infect the human body.
2. Raw or improperly cooked meat from infected animals or drinking contaminated water can infect a person.
3. Food prepared by an infected person can spread the infection to what other people eat.
4. Lack of proper hygiene such as not washing hands well before eating and cooking with dirty hands increases the risk of infection.
How is tapeworm diagnosed and treated?
1. If someone experiences symptoms of a tapeworm infection, a stool sample is tested to find the worms and their eggs.
2. In some cases, infection may occur even if worms are absent from the sample, so many stool samples are collected.
3. A CT scan, MRI or ultrasound is typically used to diagnose the possibility of a lower abdominal swelling or cyst.
4. Blood tests are done to check for infection and antibodies against tapeworms in the body.
5. In some cases, the person may not have symptoms despite having tapeworms in the body.
6. Appropriate drugs are applied for the infection. Completing the course of medication is very important.
7. In this case, if there is pain or swelling, anti-inflammatory drugs as well as the helminthic killer Albendazole are given to destroy the worms and their eggs.
8. In severe cases, severe liver and lung infections may require surgery to rule them out.
9. Every patient should take care of their own hygiene and follow a healthy diet to avoid re-infection.
