Worm infestation in babies and toddlers | How to deworm kids | How does deworming keeps our children healthy

Worms will also infest in babies under 12 months. As soon as the babies wean and start taking complementary solid or semi-solid foods, they are likely in developing worms. These worms will stay inside their stomach or gut and start absorbing all the nutrients from the baby's food. 

There will not be any adequate energy for babies to grow healthy. The major issue is malnutrition in children. 
Apart from this, there will be slower development in their learning and motor skills. 

The presence of worms inside their stomach will also result in weight gain issues. 

Babies around 1 or 2 years have to gain weight every day, but these worms will slow down their growth and weight.

In some babies, there will be a loss of weight without proper nutrition intake.

There are many types of worms,

• Roundworms
• Tapeworms
• Pinworms
• Hookworms

Among all these, there is one in common which is called Threadworms. These worms will infest the human body faster by laying eggs and also absorbs all the energies from the foods digested by our baby. If the worms become big and grow into an adult, then you might expect some serious health issues.
So, Deworming is compulsory for kids above one year. If deworming is not performed at the right time, kids are prone to illnesses and diseases like anemia, Vitamin deficiencies, and intestinal tract issues.

Signs and Symptoms:

There will not be any symptoms unless it is serious. There common symptoms which we can be able to notice are,

• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Slow growth
• Diarrhea or loose stools
• Tiredness
• Vomiting

Some children will suffer from heavy abdominal pain/stomach pain due to the activities of worms inside the stomach.

When deworming should be done in babies? What is the right age to deworm kids?

Deworming should be done at the age of 12 months. After that, it should be done every six months(twice a year). The worms will get disposed of in the next 24 to 36 hours via stools. After deworming, children will be able to absorb all the nutrients and energy from the foods they intake.

Which medicine is widely known for deworming?

Albendazole is the medicine being prescribed by doctors worldwide. Consult with a physician or doctor before giving it for kids. Also, get the instructions and dosage clearly from the doctor. Because deworming medicine differs in each area and differs depending on the worms present.

Do not perform deworming often. It should be done once every six months. Do not overdose your child with deworming medicine.

How do the worms enter the human body?

• Contaminated water - Always boil the water before drinking. Do not purchase bottled water and give it to your children. Try to avoid bottled water as much as possible.
• Maintain good hygiene around children. Poor hygiene also results in worm infestation.
• Avoid consumption of leftover food. Always heat the food before eating.
• Avoid eating chocolates, cakes and other foods that contain more sugar/sweeteners.
• Do not consume undercooked vegetables, fruits, and meat.

Tips to avoid worm infestation:

• Cut the hand and toe fingernails regularly. When worms move near the anal hole, kids tend to scratch with their fingers, during which the eggs are collected under their nails. This leads the eggs inside the stomach when kids don't have the habit of washing hands before eating. For infants and toddlers, we cannot control them when they put fingers in their mouths.
• Always wash hands before mealtime and before eating.
• Clean the fruits and vegetables very well before consuming them.
• Always have a bath after playing in the field or outdoors.

Are there any side effects if deworming medicine is taken?

The deworm medicines are very mild and don't give any side effects to humans. The prescribed dosage must be given. Overdosage might lead to nausea, diarrhea, headache, and vomiting.

Is deworming necessary in adults?

No. Unless if you feel itchy or see worms in your stools.

             

Home remedy for deworming adults:

You can intake 5 to 6 spoons of neem juice in an empty stomach (Early in the morning after waking up). 

This will be very effective among other several home remedies.