Deworming in children: What parents need to know

Posted by Doctor Pediatrician - Pediatric Center - Vinmec Times City International Hospital

Worms are parasites that live in the human body and seriously affect child development such as health, nutrition, cognitive development, accessibility and achievement in learning. Therefore, parents need to pay attention in addition to preventing worms as recommended by the Ministry of Health, it is necessary to perform periodic deworming for children.

Intestinal worms are parasites such as tapeworms, roundworms, pinworms and hookworms... They reside in the intestinal wall of humans and animals and lead to diseases if left untreated. Unsanitary surroundings contaminated with water or food are common causes for intestinal worms to enter the human body. Accordingly, an early diagnosis can help identify the type of worm that the child is infected. From there, the doctor will have the right treatment direction and prescribe the appropriate medicine.
Some of the reasons why children are susceptible to helminth infections are:
Contaminated water

Poor hygiene Eating undercooked food Thumb sucking habits in children Chewing on toys Pets infected with worms Do not wash hands before eating and after using the toilet.

Here are some possible symptoms when a child has worms:
Abdominal pain Redness or rash in the buttocks Seeing worms in the anus Vomiting or diarrhea Weight loss Anemia may be related to parasitic worms. Blood in stool Constipation Frequent urination

Deworming depends on the type of worm and the symptoms in the child. Worms like tapeworms will die on their own if children follow a healthy diet and have a healthy immune system. However, in most cases should consult and treat under the guidance of a doctor. Since worms lay eggs inside the host's body and continue to multiply if left untreated, this makes deworming difficult and time consuming. Accordingly, deworming drugs for children vary according to the age of the child and the type of worm that the child is infected with.

Wash hands properly with soap before eating and after going to the toilet Wash fruits or vegetables properly before eating, and make sure that anything a child eats is free of worms Do not give food to a child undercooked food Avoid drinking water from public places and always drink filtered water.

Answer: According to WHO recommendations, deworming every six months is enough.

Answer: Pinworms are the most common worms in children, white thread-shaped, often appearing in the anus at night

Answer: Usually, deworming pills have no side effects but in rare cases there can be mild side effects such as nausea, mild headache and vomiting.

Answer: Everyone can get worms regardless of age, but infants are less common.

Answer: 2 years old is the recommended age to start regular deworming
The current state of helminth infections in our country is alarmingly high. Therefore, everyone needs to take effective preventive measures. First of all, it is necessary to immediately eliminate the habits that make children susceptible to diseases, and build a safe and healthy lifestyle. In addition, parents need to observe unusual manifestations to promptly detect the disease and do not forget to periodically deworm their children every 6 months.
To protect children from agents that affect their health, you need to monitor and take them to a doctor when they have abnormal symptoms.
In addition, in order to prevent diseases that young children often get, parents should pay attention to nutrition to improve children's resistance. At the same time, add supporting foods containing lysine, essential micro-minerals and vitamins such as zinc, chromium, selenium, B vitamins,... snacks and less digestive problems.
Parents can learn more:
Why do you need to supplement Lysine for your baby?
The role of zinc - Guidelines for reasonable zinc supplementation
Please visit the website Vinmec.com regularly and update useful information to take care of your baby and family.