And did you know that there are more than 100 types of worms, and children are sick with worms 5 times more often than adults? Do you know that different larvae in all organs constantly migrate in your child's small body? The most popular worms in children are ascarids and pinworms. In this article we will talk about askaridosis.
How do they get there?
Microscopic larvae of helminths of different species live in our environment: on foods, in raw meat and eggs, in animals and even in open soil. All children learn the world through touch: they pat the animals, dig in the earth, pull their hands and everything that comes in the way. Ascarids find all possible ways of getting into the body of the baby: through food and water into the intestine, directly through the skin (open wounds, cuts) and even through inhaled infected air - directly into the lungs! That is why the risk of infection with worms in children is so high.
Signs of ascaridosis in children
- abundant salivation;
- persistent nausea and even vomiting;
- stomach ache;
- with ascariasis, cough is often manifested in children;
- lack of appetite or, on the contrary, a sharp increase in it;
- increased body temperature;
- stool disorders;
- dizziness and headaches;
- drowsiness and fatigue;
- pain in the muscles and joints.
Often, with ascaridosis in children, the main symptom is a severe allergy. A child is considered allergic, depriving the body of nutrients so necessary for the body, writing off its condition for rejecting certain products. But in fact, the allergy comes as a result of intoxication of the body from vital activity within helminths. Sometimes, parents guess about the true cause of a child's poor state of health only when they suddenly notice in the pot that the child has got an ascarid.
Why are ascarids dangerous for a child?
Often it happens that the disease with worms in children passes in a latent form without pronounced symptoms. Then the parents, without revealing the true cause, begin to treat the child only the consequences (cough, allergy, temperature, etc.). Worms continue to multiply and live in the child's body, which is extremely dangerous. Indeed, ascarids can cause obstruction of the hepatic and bile ducts, intestines and even colic. Ascaridosis adversely affects immunity and the development of intelligence. In some cases, even brain damage and signs of nervous breakdown in children with ascarids are observed. That is why it is very important to identify the disease in time and take all measures to cure it.
How can we identify the ascarids in a child?
First you need to give a general blood test. Reduction of hemoglobin, platelets, and the presence of eosinophilia are the first signs of ascariasis in children. A stool analysis is required for the detection of ascaris eggs in faecal masses. Modern methods also include an enzyme immunoassay for the control of antibodies titer, which indicate the presence of helminths in the body. This examination is not cheap, therefore, in our clinics often use fluoroscopy of the lungs and intestines. How do the roundworms look like in children? On the general gray background
How to treat ascariasis in children?
A pediatrician usually prescribes medication with any of the drugs: decaris , vermox , medamin or thiabendazole. The course of treatment is only one day (for vermox only three), and the dosage is calculated depending on the age and body weight of the person. During treatment, taking drugs must drink plenty of fluids to help remove toxins from the body.