De-worming Is Important for Adults and Children

Posted on: Feb 10, 2023 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

De-worming Is Important for Adults and Children

When we see cockroaches or mosquitos in our house, we take little time to call pest control. However, there are intestinal worms that prey on our tissues and blood. They live in our digestive system and can cause various health problems that can range from abdominal pain to seizures, or blood infections. Luckily, deworming is quite effective in preventing and controlling these infections. Many believe that deworming is important for children, but it is equally essential for adults as well. Let’s learn more about the symptoms of intestinal worms, treatment, and benefits of deworming.

What is Deworming?

Deworming is the process of administering anthelmintic medication to kill parasitic worms or inhibit their ability to grow and reproduce. The medication prevents worms from infesting the digestive tract or other parts of the body. Intestinal worms in adults and children can cause various health problems if left untreated. It can cause anaemia and malabsorption in children, impacting their growth and development. The child doesn’t get sufficient nutrients as the worms absorb them. The other problems that can occur due to worm infestation are pneumonia, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, etc. Although it is not a life-threatening infection, it can cause severe health issues.

Why Is De-Worming Crucial for Adults and Children?

According to the WHO, soil-transmitted worm infections are among the most common human diseases, with about 24% of the world’s population infected. Intestinal worms can cause abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, etc. Worm infestation in children can lead to anaemia and malabsorption, affecting their growth and development. The child does not get sufficient nutrients as the worms absorb the nutrients. Similarly, in adults, it can cause various clinical problems.

In the initial stages, worm infestation may not be harmful, but if ignored, these worms can form cysts in the liver and lungs, leading to pneumonia and other neurological conditions. Pregnant women can face complications due to worm infection as it can cause anaemia. So, symptoms of worms in the stomach should not be ignored, and de-worming should be done as prescribed by your doctor.

Symptoms of Intestinal Worms

Some common symptoms of intestinal worms are:

• Sudden weight loss

• Abdominal pain or discomfort

• Fever

• Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea

• Weakness

• Fatigue

• Loss of appetite

• Dehydration

• Frequent urination

• Worms in stool

How to Diagnose a Worm?

If you experience any symptoms of worms in the stomach, such as nausea, abdominal pain, or weight loss, your doctor or gastroenterologist may recommend some tests such as:

• Stool/faecal test to detect parasites.

• Colonoscopy is recommended when stool samples do not show the presence of parasites due to diarrhoea.

• Blood test to identify types of parasites.

• Tape test:This involves covering the anus with tape and then examining the tape under a microscope to identify eggs.

• Antibody tests check for antibodies the body produces when infected with a parasite.

• Imaging tests include X-rays, computed tomography (CT), or MRI.

How to Prevent Worms Naturally?

Following good hygiene practices can help prevent worms naturally, such as:

1. Avoid eating raw or undercooked meat, poultry, and fish.

2. Wash fruits and vegetables properly before consuming them.

3. Drink safe, clean water.

4. Wash your hands with soap before preparing food or eating and before and after using the toilet.

5. Avoid walking barefoot.

6. Clean animal waste and disinfect the area.

7. Maintain pet hygiene and de-worm pets regularly.

8. Maintain nail hygiene.

9. Keep your surroundings clean.

Effective Home Treatments for De-Worming

Simple ingredients from our kitchen can help in treating worms. Let’s see what they are and how they can be effective in killing parasitic worms:

• Turmeric: Turmeric is known as a superfood. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal and antibacterial properties help in internal healing and remove all kinds of parasitic worms from the body. Add a tsp of turmeric powder to a glass of buttermilk and drink it daily.

• Carrots: Rich in vitamin A, carrots boost your immune system and help the body fight against intestinal worms.

• Pumpkin seeds: Cucurbitacin, a compound present in pumpkin seeds, paralyses the worms and thereby helps flush them out from the body. Take a tbsp of pumpkin seeds (roasted) and mix it with water and coconut milk (half a cup each). Drink this on an empty stomach every morning for a week.

• Raw papaya: While papaya seeds help remove worms from the body, an enzyme called papain which is present in raw papaya, acts as an anthelmintic and kills the worms.

• Garlic: The sulphur-containing amino acids present in raw garlic permanently eliminate parasites from the body. Have it raw or as garlic tea every day on an empty stomach for a week.

• Coconut: Lauric acid, abundantly found in coconuts and converted to monolaurin, is known to boost immunity. It is the most effective home remedy to treat worms.

• Cloves: The antiseptic and anti-parasitic properties help destroy worms and their eggs. Boil 2-3 cloves with a cup of water, simmer for 5 minutes and strain. Drink these 3 to 4 times daily for a week.

Treatment of Intestinal Worms

Treatment depends on the type of worm infection and symptoms but most infections are treated with anti-parasitic medication for 1 to 3 days to kill the worms. In severe cases where the worms have invaded other parts of the body, your doctor may recommend surgery. Symptoms begin to improve in a few weeks.

Although rare, anti-parasitic medications can have mild side effects like fever, stomach pain, nausea, headache, dizziness, hair loss, depression, fatigue, lack of sleep, nervousness, etc. If you experience any of the symptoms, consult your doctor. If you are allergic to any medicines, remember to inform your doctor before starting the medication. Having a health insurance policy is also essential to take care of medical emergencies.

Apart from medication, there are some home remedies which can be effective in killing the worms.

FAQs about Deworming

1. What is the importance of deworming in adults?

Worm infestation is a common problem not only among children but also adults. It may not be a severe issue initially, but if left untreated, it can be dangerous. It can weaken the immune system, causing anaemia, pneumonia, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, etc. In children, intestinal worms can lead to malabsorption affecting their growth and development. Hence, deworming in adults and children is important. In deworming, your doctor will prescribe drugs that will kill the worms or prevent them from growing and spreading to other parts of the body.

2. How frequently should I deworm my child?

Experts recommend deworming two times a year or every six months, starting from the age of 2. The dosage of the prescribed medication will depend on the severity of the disease prevalent in your area.

3. Who’s supposed to deworm?

This depends on certain factors, such as age, geographical location, and prevalence of the infection in the community. However, WHO recommends deworming for preschool and school-going children, pregnant women, people with certain health conditions such as weak immune systems, and communities where the prevalence of parasitic infections is high. Deworming is done to eliminate the worms and prevent infections.

4. Can babies get worms?

Yes, babies can get worms; some common types that can infect them are roundworms, tapeworms, pinworms, and hookworms. Babies get infected by consuming contaminated food or water, coming into contact with soiled surfaces, through contact with an infected person, or even through your pets. Good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands properly before eating and after playing outdoors or with pets, consuming safe food and potable water, and keeping your house clean, can prevent worm infestation among babies.

5. Is there a particular age for deworming?

No, there’s no particular age. Children are dewormed periodically every six months as a preventive measure. In places where the prevalence of infection is high, deworming is a routine part of healthcare for both adults and children. However, it’s important to consult your doctor if you or anyone in the family experiences any symptoms of worm infestation.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purpose only. For more details, please refer to policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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