Worms are parasitic creatures that can be very hard to get rid of.
While often non-fatal, they can result in a lot of discomfort, especially at night. Which can be unpleasant for children to experience.
We sat down with pharmacist Nazatul Amira Hamzah from Primabumi Sdn Bhd to learn more about how parents can deal with their child’s worm problem.
Nazatul is a qualified pharmacist with 10 years of experience in pharmacy practice involving both hospital and community settings.
She currently holds the position of Pharmacist and Key Account Manager at a renowned pharmaceutical company in Kuala Lumpur.
Here are some tips from a licenced pharmacist on how to deal with worms in children.
Question 1: I often hear other parents talk about deworming. What does it mean?
A person’s gut system can be infected by one or more types of parasites or worms (also known as helminths). These creatures can be transmitted through contaminated soil or faeces.
Parasites that commonly cause parasitic infections are pinworms, threadworms, tapeworms, roundworms, whipworms, and hookworms.
Infection happens when the eggs or larvae of these worms penetrate human skin or gain entry via the oral route.
They will then live in the intestines and grow into adult worms, feeding on nutrients from the host’s body.
The only way to get rid of these parasites is through a process called ‘de-worming’.
This is used as both a prevention and a cure against intestinal worms.
The only thing that is needed is an intake of an anti-worm product, often referred to as a deworming medicine.
Question 2: How could worms infect my child?
There are several possible ways by which these parasites can enter your child’s body.
The first of course is the most common which is touching objects or surfaces with worm eggs on them.
Another way is by touching or walking barefoot on worm-infested soil.
Eating raw or undercooked beef, pork, or freshwater fish (like salmon or trout) containing worms can also be the culprit as well. However, this more common in areas with inadequate food hygiene standards.
Finally, your child can get a worm infestation through swimming in or drinking contaminated water.
Question 3: How dangerous is parasitic infestation in children?
A severe worm infection could lead to serious complications for your child’s health.
Malnutrition is usually the result of a worm infestation.
The parasites steal nutrients, wreaking havoc on your child’s entire body.
Symptoms can include low immunity level, impaired growth, and rapid, unhealthy, weight loss.
Anaemia is also common in worm infestations.
If left untreated, infection by tapeworms may result in severe headaches, vision loss, seizures, and even death.
Question 4: How do I know if my kid may have a worm infection?
There are warning signs of a worm infestation that you can watch out for before things get really serious.
Common symptoms of parasitic infection include:
- loss of appetite or sudden increase in appetite
- bloated tummy
- abdominal pain
- diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting
- frequently looking tired or dehydrated
- itchiness or discomfort around the anus or vagina
- irritability
You may also find whole or parts of the worms in your child’s stools.
Question 5: Does my child really need to take deworming medicine?
Yes. If your child is older than 1 year and exhibits any sign of the parasitic infection mentioned above, you have to give them deworming medicine.
However, it is best to get your concerns addressed by a healthcare professional.
A doctor can confirm the diagnosis and provide a good deworming product.
In general, The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends the use of deworming medicines as a preventative measure.
Children 1 year old and above can start taking deworming medicine once or twice a year to prevent the growth and infection of intestinal parasites.
Question 6: What options do I have for de-worming products?
In Malaysia, albendazole and mebendazole are the two most commonly used deworming medicine.
They are recommended regardless of the species of parasitic worm.
They are both over-the-counter products and are available in tablet and liquid forms.
A deworming treatment usually takes 1 to 3 days.
Question 7: Can my kid still go to daycare or school?
Your child can attend daycare or school after they have been treated for worms.
But remind them to maintain good hygiene practices at all times.
You are encouraged to notify your child’s caregiver or teacher about this so other kids can be checked too.
This is helpful in stopping the worms from spreading.
Question 8: Do I need to take a deworming treatment too?
It is highly recommended to deworm everyone (except infants under 1 year) when someone in the household has been diagnosed with a worm infection.
Otherwise, taking a deworming medicine at least once a year is considered adequate for healthy adults.
Please consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting any deworming treatment if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Albendazole and mebendazole must not be used during pregnancy.
Question 9: How do I help protect myself and my family from getting a worm infection?
Encourage everyone in the family to practise good hygiene. wash your hands regularly.
This is particularly important before eating or preparing food, as well as after touching dirt or going to the restroom.
Always wear shoes or slippers when walking or playing outdoors.
When it comes to food, wash and peel all fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
Avoid eating raw foods in high-risk areas and avoid consuming raw or undercooked pork, beef, or freshwater fish.
Always use filtered or boiled water for drinking, washing foods, and cooking.
Routinely deworm pet cats and dogs, and discard their poop in a bin as soon as possible.
Regularly wash all clothing, towels, bed linens, and plush toys. Do not swim in water that may be contaminated.
Finally, keep the bathroom and kitchen surfaces clean.
Source: Nazatul Amira Hamzah, Pharmacist, Primabumi Sdn Bhd
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered as medical advice from Motherhood. For any health-related concerns, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare professional or medical practitioner.
For more insightful stories and fun recipes, stay tuned to Motherhood Story!