Worms often attack children. Many worm medicines for children are sold freely. However, Mother needs to know what kind of worm medicine is safe to give to Little One.
Worm infections or intestinal worms are caused by eggs or parasitic worm larvae that enter the body through the mouth or skin pores.
Transmission can occur when your child enters a dirty object that contains larvae or worm eggs in the mouth when playing or does not wash hands thoroughly after doing activities outside the home or before eating.
Not only that, eggs and larvae of worms can also enter the body when your child consumes food that is not clean, such as vegetables or fruits that are not washed. When in the body, worm larvae breed and live by taking nutrients from the body of the Little One.
Worm Symptoms and Effects
Worm infections in children are usually characterized by the following symptoms:
- Indigestion, such as nausea, vomiting, and stomach ache.
- Weight loss.
- Decreased appetite.
- Rashes, itching, and pain around the anus appear.
- Hard to sleep.
- Fever.
- Cough.
However, if the infection is severe enough, children with intestinal worms can experience vomiting, diarrhea, intestinal bleeding, and bloody bowel movements. Sometimes worms can also come out when a child defecates.
If not treated immediately, helminth infections can cause digestive problems and disruption of nutrient absorption. This condition can cause various complications, such as malnutrition, low body weight, weak immune system, and anemia.
Not only that, worm infections can also adversely affect the growth and development of children, as well as affect learning abilities and cognitive functions.
Worm Medication for Children
Albendazole
Levamisole
Pirantel
Mebendazole
Ivermectin
When giving worm medicine to children, make sure you have read and followed the instructions for use that are printed on the packaging of the drug.
Just like other drugs, worm medicines for children also have side effects. Worm medicine side effects can include nausea, abdominal pain, to drug allergic reactions. Therefore, consult your pediatrician if your child shows symptoms of side effects or allergies after giving worm medicine.
In addition to consuming worm medicines, worm infections can also be prevented by keeping the house clean and the environment around children, including children's toys, sheets, and toilets. Don't let your child do activities in a dirty environment, for example playing in puddles or soil, without wearing footwear.
Don't forget to get children to wash their hands before eating. Trim your child's nails regularly, because the nail gap can be a place for worm eggs and larvae to develop.
In addition, consume bottled or boiled water, cook the meat until it is completely cooked and wash the fruits and vegetables thoroughly before consumption, to prevent transmission of worms.
