6 Min Read
It's completely natural to feel anxious when your child seems uncomfortable or is experiencing unexplained symptoms. One possible reason for these issues could be a worm infestation. It is something many parents do not realise is quite common. Children can easily pick up intestinal worms from contaminated food, soil, or by being in close contact with other kids. The good news is that these infections are both treatable and preventable.
This blog will help you identify the signs to look out for and explain how doctors diagnose and treat worm infestations.
The Department of Paediatrics and Child Care at Manipal Hospitals Sarjapur, Bengaluru, has top experts and advanced treatment facilities to treat children for a healthier life.
Synopsis
What is Worm Infestation?
A worm infestation is caused by tiny parasitic worms that live in human and animal intestines. Infestation by the worms can cause tummy troubles and sometimes affect children’s appetite or sleep. While it sounds worrying, it’s a condition that is very treatable with the right care.
Common types of worms in children include:
-
Pinworms (Threadworms): Small, white worms that often cause itching around the anal area, especially at night.
-
Roundworms: Larger worms that can grow in the intestines and sometimes cause abdominal pain or nausea.
-
Hookworms: Worms that can enter through the skin, usually from walking barefoot on contaminated soil.
-
Tapeworms: Flatworms contracted by eating undercooked meat from infected animals.
How worms enter the body:
-
Swallowing worm eggs from contaminated food or water
-
Contact with contaminated soil or surfaces
-
Skin penetration by certain worms, like hookworms
Symptoms of Worm Infestation in Kids
Worm infestations are frequent in children and include a spectrum of symptoms depending on which worm is infecting them (for example, pinworms, roundworms, or tapeworms). Some signs are apparent, while some are less noticeable and easily overlooked. Identification of these symptoms in their early stages and getting help from a paediatrician is important to avoid complications, such as poor nutrition, poor growth, or recurrent infections.
| Category | Symptoms | Possible Cause |
|
Digestive System |
Abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, bloating |
Worms irritating the intestines or blocking the flow |
|
Nutritional Impact |
Loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, anaemia |
Nutrient absorption interference |
|
Sleep & Behavior |
Nighttime itching, restlessness, irritability, mood swings |
Pinworm activity, discomfort, disturbed rest |
|
Visible Indicators |
Worms seen in stool or near the anal area |
Active worm shedding |
|
Other Subtle Signs |
Low concentration, mild fussiness, weakness |
General health impact of infestation |
Common Symptoms Include:
Anorectal itching (usually nocturnal): A classic symptom of pinworm infection, with the female worms laying eggs in this area.
-
Abdominal discomfort or pain: Ranges from some mild cramping to persistent discomfort.
-
Gastrointestinal symptoms: Intermittent nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhoea.
-
Loss of appetite or weight loss: Worms survive through host nutrient absorption, leading to poor growth.
-
Worms visible in stool or around the anus: Clearly an alarming sign of infestation.
-
Fatigue or irritability: Caused by nutrient deprivation and lack of quality sleep.
Subtle Signs Parents Might Overlook:
-
Sleep Disturbances: Sleep walking, teeth grinding, or waking multiple times at night.
-
Behaviour: Sudden bouts of fussiness, irritability, or mood changes with no clear reason.
-
Unusually Low Concentration at school: Because of being overtired or just uncomfortable.
-
Mild Anaemia: Pale skin or weakness as a result of losing nutrients.
Treatment of Worm Infestations
The first thing to remember is that a worm infestation is entirely curable. Treatment is focused on eliminating the worms, managing symptoms, and preventing reinfection.
Common treatment approaches include:
-
Medications (Anthelmintics): These are the most commonly used of treatments. Depending on the type of worm, doctors will recommend the required medication. Each of them works specifically against certain worms and is highly effective when taken as directed.
-
Dosage and Duration Considerations: It’s important to follow the prescribed dose and complete the full course, even if symptoms improve quickly. This ensures all worms and eggs are eliminated.
-
Treating All Family Members if Required: Some worms, like pinworms, are highly contagious. Doctors may recommend treating siblings or other close contacts to prevent reinfection.
-
Managing Symptoms: Itching, discomfort, or mild digestive upset may continue briefly. Using soothing creams or following doctor-recommended remedies can help children feel more comfortable.
-
Follow-up Tests: In some cases, the paediatrician schedules follow-up stool tests or tape tests to confirm that the worms have been completely cleared.
Prevention of Worm Infestations
With a little bit of precaution, all worm infestations are preventable. And everything comes down to good hygiene, being cautious during playtime outside and eating habits.
Some of the methods to get the kids to wash their hands:
-
Handwashing Before Eating: Make handwashing fun to encourage. You can turn it into a catchy song. Make it a game to wash for at least 20 seconds. Do the same after using the toilet.
-
Cutting Nails Daily: Worm eggs can get under long nails when they play in the sand. Thus, trimming nails every day is a healthy habit to incorporate.
-
Proper Washing of Fruits and Vegetables: All fruits and vegetables must be washed very well. Even more washing is required if you eat them raw. It will remove bacteria and worm eggs.
-
Cooking Meat Thoroughly: Meat, when not properly cooked, can carry tapeworms and their eggs. Pork and mutton both have this problem. So the meat must be fully cooked before serving.
-
Wearing Shoes Outdoors: Wearing shoes is very important to protect against hookworm infections. These worms can enter through the skin, so shoes prevent them.
-
Regular Deworming Schedules: Paediatricians recommend periodic deworming to eliminate worms before they cause symptoms.
Explore More of Our Blogs: Implantation Bleeding or Period? Early Signs That Help You Tell the Difference
Conclusion
If you suspect your child is having a worm infestation, it’s important to take them to their paediatrician immediately. Unchecked parasitic worm infections can cause a lot of other complications, and even more so when the worms start invading other organs of the body. It is always better to see a doctor.
Other than that, encourage regular hand washing after playing in the open field and to never eat food without washing hands properly. Maintaining good hygiene can prevent most worm infestations.
However, if there’s any symptom or you suspect a worm infestation, don’t delay. Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road has one of the best paediatricians in Bangalore, who can accurately diagnose the disease and tailor effective treatment plans for children. Book your consultation today!
FAQ's
Some of the usual signs of worm infestation include itching around the anus (especially at night), tummy pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and sometimes visible worms in stool. Subtle signs like irritability or sleep disturbances may also appear.
No. However, most infections, if untreated, can result in discomfort, loss of appetite, weight loss, and occasionally anaemia. Treating early protects against complications.
Typically, doctors prescribe anthelmintics, including albendazole, mebendazole, or pyrantel pamoate. Which drug is prescribed is dependent upon the worm type and the child’s age.
Paediatricians will generally recommend deworming every 6 months; however, this can change in response to risk factors for the child and local policy.
Yes, reinfection is possible, especially if hygiene is not maintained. If necessary, treat all family members with education on good hand hygiene, nail care, and food preparation, and these are ways to decrease possible reinfection.
Share this article on:
