Symptoms of worms in babies and children are usually diarrhea, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, itching and redness in the anal region, insomnia or irritability, for example.
Parasites or worms in children and babies are very common, especially between the ages of 2 and 6, as they tend to play with dirt, put their hands in their mouths and frequent gardens where there may be other infected children, as the parasite eggs are easily transmitted. from one child to another.
Read too: Intestinal worms: what they are, symptoms, transmission and treatment
Furthermore, parasites in children can cause other problems such as anemia, low weight and nutritional deficiencies, therefore, in the presence of symptoms of parasitic infection, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician so that the diagnosis can be made and the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.
Symptoms of Worms in Babies and Children
The main symptoms of worms in babies and children are:
- Abdominal colic;
- Itching and redness in the anus region;
- Irritability;
- Insomnia;
- Lack of appetite;
- Swollen belly;
- Diarrhea;
- Occasional nausea.
In addition, parents can also check the child’s anus for worms when they are sleeping, as it is common for worms to come out at night to lay eggs around the anus, as happens in the case of pinworms. Know how to identify the symptoms of pinworms.
Children infected with parasites may experience low weight, anemia, nutrient deficiencies, and growth retardation.
Therefore, when a baby or child presents these symptoms, it is recommended to consult a pediatrician to make a diagnosis and begin the most appropriate treatment.
Online symptom test
To find out if there is a risk of your child having intestinal worms, mark the symptoms presented in the test below:
The symptom test is only a guidance tool and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace a consultation with a pediatrician.
How to confirm the diagnosis
The diagnosis of intestinal worms in babies and children is made by the pediatrician by evaluating the symptoms, in addition to examining the child’s anal region, in which in some cases it is possible to observe the presence of the parasite.
Make an appointment with a pediatrician in the region closest to you:
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To confirm the diagnosis and identify the type of worm, the doctor must order a stool test, which can be repeated a few days later to ensure the accuracy of the results. Find out how the test is carried out to identify intestinal worms.
How to treat worms in babies and children
The treatment of worms in babies or children is carried out by the pediatrician using antiparasitic medicines, according to the type of worm and with doses calculated by the doctor according to the child’s age and weight.
It is important that family, pets and schoolmates also undergo treatment at the same time, so that deworming is truly effective.
If this care is not taken, it is possible that the child will develop worms again within a short period of time.
Care during treatment
Some important precautions during treatment to avoid reinfection with parasites in children are:
- Wash the child’s hands thoroughly after using the bathroom or changing diapers and before eating;
- Change the child’s pajamas, underwear and sheets daily;
- Wash blankets, pajamas, underwear, hand towels and towels in hot water;
- Prevent the child from scratching the anus or vagina area;
- Make sure the child does not put their hands in their mouth.
Furthermore, it is important to regularly clean and disinfect surfaces in the home.
Natural remedies for worms
Some natural remedies can be used to help eliminate worms and complement the treatment recommended by your pediatrician.
Watch the following video on how to eliminate worms naturally:
Bibliography
- SAINT JOHN OF GOD. Oxyuriasis: why do some children have intestinal worms?. Available at: <https://faros.hsjdbcn.org/es/articulo/oxiuriasis-algunos-ninos-tienen-lombrices-intestinales>. Access on 27 out 2023
- GERMAN CLINIC. Intestinal parasites: How do they present?. Available at: <https://www.clinicaalemana.cl/articulos/detalle/2021/parasitos-molestos-habitantes-en-nuestros-intestinos#:~:text=S%C3%ADntomas%20de%20par%C3%A1sitos %20in%20ni%C3%B1os&text=C%C3%B3olics%20abdominal%20recurrent.,Diarrhea%20and%20other%20digestive%20manifestations.>. Access on 27 out 2023
