How to treat worms at home

Since children have lower immunity, their bodies are easily affected by parasites. In addition, children's bodies are unable to produce a special digestive enzyme that destroys worm larvae; people acquire this ability as they age.The eggs are not noticeable to the naked eye; they are small in size but are present almost everywhere. The risk of infection arises when a child begins to make sense of the world by feeling various objects. Furthermore, babies not only make an effort to touch objects, but sometimes also taste them. Sandboxes in yards are often used as toilets by street animals, posing a huge danger. If we take into account that the natural defenses of the baby's body against helminth infection are weak, then it is not difficult to realize how high the chances of parasites affecting the intestines of a child are. Here are the main ways worms get into children:

• through unwashed hands;
• After contact with animals;
• by undercooked meat and fish;
• Insects are also often the source of worm infections because they carry eggs on their legs;
• Unwashed vegetables and fruits;
• Dirty water accidentally swallowed while swimming in open water.

An important factor is that, despite the parents' best efforts, worms can still be a source of reinfection in children. In fact, worms will regularly crawl through your child's anus and lay eggs close to the anus, which can cause severe itching in babies. The child is very itchy, and the tiny eggs will burrow under his nails, from where they can easily enter the mouth, then travel along the gastrointestinal tract, and finally enter the intestines again. After two weeks, the larvae grow into adults and are able to lay eggs.

Worm infection in children, symptoms

There are approximately 300 species of parasites that can infect humans, but pinworms and roundworms are more common in children. Both types of worms can affect the small intestine; the symptoms of damage from both types of parasites are very similar:

1. Loss of appetite, pale facial skin, and dark circles under the eyes.
2. Restless sleep; sometimes children may grind their teeth while sleeping.
3. Headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and weakness occur.
4. Sometimes, visible worms are present in a child's stool.
5. Your baby's genital area and anus may become itchy.
6. Disturbances in the digestive system occur, constipation may be replaced by diarrhea, abdominal pain and nausea are observed.
7. There may be changes in general blood count indicators, namely decreased hemoglobin, increased eosinophils and erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
8. The vital activity of worms becomes the cause of systemic poisoning, manifested by the appearance of allergic reactions, urticaria and atopic dermatitis.
9. Body temperature rises for no apparent reason.
10. Persistent itching can lead to inflammation of the genital mucosa.
11. Worms not only poison the child's body with the products of their life activities, but also actively consume vitamins and minerals that the child's body greatly needs, which often leads to vitamin deficiencies and a decrease in the level of hemoglobin in the blood.

Folk remedies against worms

True, folk remedies are best for treating worm infections in children; symptoms subside quite quickly. However, before using them, you should definitely consult a doctor, since the child's body is not only susceptible to parasites, but also to the improper use of medications, even folk medicines. The following are the most popular folk deworming treatments:

1. Garlic enema. Garlic is nature's antiseptic for humans; it is also useful against worms. Mix a cup of milk with a head of chopped garlic, bring the mixture to a boil, then cool and strain through a double layer of gauze. In the evening, give the child an enema with the milk received, take a third of the medicine, and treat the child in this way for at least a week.
2. Chamomile soup. Another natural antiseptic used to treat a variety of ailments. To prepare a decoction, take a tablespoon of dried chamomile herb, pour it with boiling water, wait for it to cool and let the child drink it throughout the day instead of water or tea. The duration of treatment is 5 days.
3. Onion Remedy. Chop a small onion, add milk, boil the resulting mixture, then cool and strain. The resulting product is given to infants in 100 ml doses for three consecutive days.

Simple folk recipes will help cure children from worms, watch the video:

Causes of helminthiasis

There are nearly 400 species of parasites that can inhabit the human body, of which 70 are the most common in my country. Typically, these are roundworms and tapeworms. Diseases caused by the invasion of flukes (cat flukes or liver flukes) are frequently detected.The disease occurs when parasite eggs or larvae enter the stomach. Tapeworms can change multiple hosts during development from egg to sexually mature individual. You can also become infected by eating meat (beef, pork, game), unfiltered water, unclean vegetables and fruits.Worms parasitize organisms such as mammals, fish, molluscs, and amphibians. To avoid infection, you need to avoid eating it raw and avoid buying smoked or salted fish from unknown sources.

Symptoms of worms

Various types of worms can infest the digestive tract, respiratory organs, lymph nodes, bones and muscle tissue. Their life activities affect the host's body in different ways. They can produce toxins that trigger inflammatory processes, allergic reactions, anemia, metabolic disorders, and have traumatic effects on organs and tissues. If an adult develops the following symptoms, you should contact the clinic to confirm or rule out helminthiasis:

• The temperature rises. After taking anti-inflammatory and antipyretic drugs, the temperature can rise sharply to 38°C and then drop briefly. Sometimes the high temperatures last for 2-3 months.
• Dull or tingling pain in the stomach, frequent bowel movements (diarrhea or constipation), and nausea.
• Itching in the anal area, worse at night.
• Frequent colds or respiratory illnesses – After being infected with worms, immunity can be reduced.
• Loss or increase of appetite, sudden weight loss.
• Bronchospasm, cough, shortness of breath, other breathing disorders, pale skin and mucous membranes.
• Itchy rash.
• Insomnia, frequent headaches, anxiety, irritability, depression.
• Joint and muscle pain.
• Inflammation, swollen lymph nodes.
• edema.

Without appropriate treatment, worms can cause chronic pancreatitis, hepatitis, gallbladder cholangitis, irreversible tissue changes, and even death.

diagnosis

Certain types of helminth infections present with characteristic clinical manifestations. When patients first contact their doctor, they can guess at the diagnosis. Eggs and other traces of life activities of roundworms, pinworms and other roundworms parasitic in the intestines can be detected during fecal examination. Sometimes worms can be seen on ultrasound. But some small parasites are difficult to identify. Diagnosis is based on symptoms and results of instrumental and laboratory tests.If helminthiasis is suspected in adults and children, the following measures must be taken:

• Stool analysis. Allows you to accurately detect the presence of common parasites in your body. However, some of them only lay eggs during certain stages of their life cycle, so several surveys every 3-4 days are recommended.
• General clinical blood tests. It does not indicate the presence of larvae, eggs, adult worms, but provides a lot of information about the intensity of the inflammatory process, the number of white blood cells, etc.
• Biochemical analysis. Provides detailed information on protein metabolism, identifies abnormal losses or increases in protein synthesis, and allows one to rule out or suspect infection with certain helminths.
• Analysis of liver function indicators (bilirubin, pancreatic α-amylase, alkaline phosphatase, AST, ALT). Diagnosis of the liver and pancreas suggested helminth infection.
• Urinalysis, glomerular filtration blood test. They provide doctors with information about the condition of the kidneys and the potential for parasites to damage the kidneys.

Studies of bile, sputum, and duodenal contents may also be performed. To pinpoint the location of the parasite and assess the extent of the damage, diagnostic ultrasound can be performed. If worms are suspected in the brain or eyes, a computed tomography scan will be performed. To diagnose worms in the lungs, an X-ray is done, and an endoscopy is done in the stomach and intestines.A comprehensive examination can quickly and accurately determine the cause of the disease and initiate appropriate treatment. Don't refuse inspection. The more accurately a doctor can determine the cause of poor health, the sooner help can be provided.

Which doctors should I contact?

If you suspect a worm infection, you should contact a therapist who will conduct an initial examination and prescribe laboratory and instrumental tests. After the examination, the therapist will prescribe a treatment plan or refer you to a specialist.

treat

If diagnosed promptly, helminthiasis can be easily eliminated with anthelmintic medications. Doctors determine dosage based on the patient's age, weight, extent of parasite damage, parasite type and location. To get rid of most worms, just 1-3 doses of the drug are enough. In addition to anthelmintics, vitamin and mineral complexes are often used to boost the immune system.In case of severe poisoning, allergic reactions, infections in the context of severe chronic diseases, hospitalization may be required. Doctors will not only rid the body of parasites, but also perform detoxification and vitamin therapy.Damage to organs and tissues caused by worms requires surgical treatment. Large numbers of roundworms can sometimes cause blockages in the intestines and bile ducts. Their accumulation is removed surgically. The decision whether surgical treatment is needed is made by the doctor after a comprehensive examination. The complexity and duration of the surgery depend on the location, size and number of parasites.

complication

Heartworm infections caused by common parasites can be treated with medications prescribed by your doctor. But if these alarming symptoms of worsening health, weakness, unexplained fatigue, and weakened immunity are not taken care of, the disease can lead to serious complications.If the parasite gets into the lungs and the person doesn't see a doctor, they may develop cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, difficulty breathing, pneumonia and even bronchial asthma.Parasites found in the organs of the digestive system can cause cirrhosis, liver abscesses, hepatitis, bowel cancer, gastrointestinal bleeding, accumulation of fluid in the abdominal cavity (ascites), and peritonitis. They also often cause chronic kidney disease, meningoencephalitis, and vision loss. Some tapeworms (tapeworms) are more than 1 meter long, and the small roundworms can form dense balls. This can disrupt the body's normal functions and lead to severe poisoning and severe allergic reactions. Without urgent medical attention, death is possible.

Classification of parasites

Different types of worms have different effects on the human body. They have their own characteristics in terms of development cycle, appearance and damage caused. The most common worms fall into three categories: nematodes, tapeworms, and flukes.The first group is the protocoelomate worms. They live in soil and water, so they can easily become infected in sandboxes and during general walks. This group includes the most common pinworms and roundworms, but also hookworms, trichinella spiralis, and Guinea worms. According to the parasite causing the infection, it can be divided into ascariasis, pinwormiasis, whipworm, etc.Tapeworms are a type of tapeworm that can live in the intestines (the most common variant is tapeworms) and organs (usually the larvae of tapeworms, echinococci, and alveolococci). Depending on the type of worms found in children, they can be classified into hydatid, taeniasis, hymenoderma, etc.The last of the three endemic groups is trematodes, caused by flukes. There are several types of these flatworms: schistosomiasis, feline/liver flukes, and chlorine flukes. They cause opisthormonasis (transmitted by cyprinid fish) and fascioliasis (damage to the liver and bile system, infection through plants or water).

symptom

Symptoms are many and individual symptoms depend on the worm eggs that have entered the body. Next, we'll discuss the general symptoms of all parasitic infections, then discuss pinworms, ascariasis, and 5 other infections.

• Irritability, disturbed sleep, decreased perseverance and concentration, frequent hysteria and anger;
• Increased appetite associated with active weight loss;
• Digestive symptoms - diarrhea, constipation, nausea, pain in the right rib;
• dizziness and headache;
• food allergy;
• nasal discharge;
• Reproductive system diseases and infections;
• brittle nails/hair;

Enterobiasis is a helminthic disease in which the body is infected by pinworms. The larvae hatch from the eggs in 4-6 hours; after 2-4 weeks they turn into adults - gray or white roundworms 5-10 mm long. They settle in the cecum and appendix and lay eggs outside the anus - at night, female pinworms come into the air for this purpose. This reproductive mechanism causes severe itching at night, which can lead to restless sleep, tossing and screaming.Other special symptoms:

• Nocturnal urination;
• molar;

Ascariasis is a helminth disease in which roundworms live in the body. These worms are already large - the average adult length is 25-30 centimeters, and the larvae and eggs are introduced into the body through inadequately sterilized fresh fruits and vegetables. The developmental phase occurs in the intestines, after which they enter lymphatics and blood vessels and are distributed throughout the body - liver, heart, lungs - by the flow of blood and lymph. They then enter the mouth and are re-swallowed. From this moment on, the adult roundworm begins to develop. This takes approximately 3 months.How to suspect the presence of worms in a child:

• Enlargement of liver, spleen, and lymph nodes;
• Temperatures rise, sometimes as high as 38 degrees;
• experiencing discomfort and weakness;
• Development of respiratory diseases - pneumonia, bronchitis and bronchial asthma;
• pressure drops;
• The development of gastrointestinal symptoms - constipation, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, painful uterine contractions;
• Afraid of light;
• nightmares at night;
• Dry cough - phlegm that is orange and speckled with blood.

Reproduction of roundworms is more difficult than that of pinworms because female pinworms lay nearly 250, 000 eggs per day. Under no circumstances should you rely on traditional methods or buy the first drug you come across in the pharmacy - always contact a specialist.If babies receive worm eggs and larvae from their mother, such as during childbirth, they may develop symptoms several weeks after birth. Typically, symptoms include insufficient weight gain, excessive drooling, rash, paleness, blue under the eyes, and constipation. The child is always worried, screaming, not sleeping well, and not eating well. The screams can be excruciating and the baby can turn blue in the process.Worms are often the cause of lung lesions, which can be diagnosed with ultrasound or X-rays. Parasites, especially the Echinococcus tapeworm, can not only damage the respiratory system but can also spread further to the brain and heart. In areas of the lungs where worms appear, scarring and adhesions develop, and the shape of the lungs begins to change. This change can trigger a variety of diseases—asthma, fibrosis, bronchitis, pleurisy, emphysema, and more. Hydatid disease occurs when tapeworms enter the lungs and the parasites develop in the form of cysts.Symptoms depend largely on the worms that have entered the body, but the child's anxiety and the presence of the general symptoms mentioned above should alarm parents. If signs of worms appear, make an appointment with your pediatrician or gastroenterologist for prompt examination.

diagnosis

Diagnosis of worms in children can be done in different ways - it will vary depending on the type of worm the child is infected with, its habitat, the location of the eggs and the toxins found in the body.In order to make a diagnosis, the following measures can be taken:

• Blood tests - showing anemia, hemoglobin and eosinophil levels;
• Parasite analysis - in 99% of cases it helps to detect helminthiasis, in most cases it helps to accurately determine the type (biological material used for research - blood from veins);
• Check the feces - there may be no eggs in the feces. Even if there is an infection, make sure there are worms. This diagnosis needs to be done three times and takes time;
• Smear test – particularly effective for pinworm infections as the eggs are found just outside the anus;
• Stool analysis for the presence of dysbiosis;
• If infection of internal organs, not just the gastrointestinal tract is suspected - CT, X-ray, ultrasound.

Diagnosis allows you to accurately identify the type of parasite and develop a specific treatment plan. The doctor will prescribe medications, diet, other supportive care, and give advice on care and hygiene.In some cases, parents are more concerned about helminthiasis and are constantly worried about infecting their children. This leads to regular "preventive" use of severe deworming drugs, which do no good to the baby's body. If your child isn't losing weight, feels good, is eating well, has a healthy complexion, and doesn't have itching in the anal area, he's probably healthy. If you want to be sure of this, it's better to take a test than take unnecessary courses.

treat

The worm treatment process for children consists of several stages: preparation, treatment, and cleanup. Throughout the treatment process, take general precautions and observe hygiene carefully to avoid reinfection or infecting one of your family members. Some types of worms, such as tapeworms and echinococcosis, can only be removed surgically.The preparation phase involves taking various adsorbents to absorb toxins and cleanse the body. Next are antihistamines, which can relieve general itching and prevent allergic drug reactions from occurring.Treatment of helminthiasis in children mainly involves direct administration of anthelmintics in the form of tablets, suppositories or suspensions. The choice of drug is based on the type of worm, individual indications and contraindications. Some anthelmintics require 2 doses to be effective:

• The first process kills already developed individuals;
• A second course of treatment helps deal with larvae and eggs (given two weeks after the first course).

The purpose of cleansing is to remove dead parasites remaining in the body; at this stage, adsorbents, enemas, and choleretic drugs are used. You can help your baby by adding raw carrots, dairy products, coarse bread, fruits, vegetables, fish oil, nuts, especially walnuts and peanuts to his diet.In addition, to restore the body in case of severe damage, vitamin complexes, iron, minerals and special diets can be used, which increase hemoglobin, restore liver function and strengthen the entire body. Doctors describe treatment options in detail to avoid side effects. Control testing is required. Self-medication and deviation from the plan are not allowed.

Consequences of untreated parasitic infection

Helminthiasis poses a serious danger; if left untreated, it can cause death or serious health problems. Infected children can spread the disease, posing a risk to the entire family and environment.Complications of worms in children:

• Increased inflammation in appendicitis;
• epileptic seizures;
• Various types of visual impairment;
• Allergic reaction with profuse nasal discharge;
• Developmentally lags behind peers;
• Sexually transmitted infections, the most common among girls is vulvovaginitis;
• Various types of pulmonary manifestations, including bronchial asthma;
• In difficult cases - damage to the brain and heart.

prevention

To ensure that children do not need treatment for worms at all, it is necessary to actively engage in prevention, including daily preventive and hygienic procedures as well as taking medications.How to protect your baby from parasitic infections:

• Maintain hygiene - wash hands and bathe children regularly;
• Regular care of toys - washing and cleaning (all toys must be disinfected after diagnosis);
• Cut your nails as often as possible and clean them daily;
• Iron clothes after washing;
• Break bad habits – thumb sucking, pen sucking, nail biting;
• Drink only boiled water and explain why;
• Avoid swimming in natural bodies of water;
• Use insect repellent (insects often carry eggs) to eliminate any insects that enter the house;
• Check pets regularly for parasites;
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly and heat-treat meat and fish adequately.

Some types of helminthiasis are difficult to treat, so we recommend taking precautions to avoid infection. When contacting the clinic, parents will receive comprehensive advice on how to properly carry out prevention to avoid future problems.