There are many parasitic forms that enter the human body and live there. Worm infection in children is one of the most common diseases. Usually their weight is underestimated. They deprive babies of nutrients from food, cause allergies, irreparable intoxications, reduce immunity and damage the abdominal organs.
According to statistics, more than half of the population is infected with parasites, and there are many more infected children. The early phase of the disease passes without symptoms - in a latent form. Worms in children, whose symptoms and treatment parents need to learn and understand, sometimes live in a person for many years, not manifesting itself in anything, and are activated only with a decrease in immunity.
Worm spread
Diseases caused by lower earthworms are called helminthiasis. None of them are immune, they are often to blame for the appearance of worms infected. Climate has the greatest influence on the degree of their distribution. They are most comfortable in hot tropical countries. The number of parasites also depends on the socio-economic level: in underdeveloped areas with a low level of hygiene and medicine, especially many people suffer from helminth infestation.
It is generally accepted that helminthiasis is a disease characteristic of the lower social strata that live in unhygienic conditions, have frequent contact with soil or animals - carriers of invasions. However, statistics refute this claim: in prosperous European countries, the study reveals worms in a third of patients.
2 million cases of infection are diagnosed annually, and the figure of 20 million is based on the trade in anthelmintic drugs. 80% of them are children. Helminths are viable, fertile, one female lays 200, 000 eggs a day.
Types of worms
There are a large number of worm species - more than 300, of which 70 are typical for our area, and the rest are brought by travelers from exotic countries. All types of parasites adapted to inhabit the human body fall into three major categories:
- nematodes belonging to the class of roundworms, most commonly observed in infants (this includes pinworm, whips, trichinae, roundworms);
- to tapeworms, ranked as cestodes (this includes tapeworms, tapeworms, echinococci);
- to trematodes or fluke parasites that live and reproduce in the gut but can be delivered through the bloodstream to various human organs. Usually the most infected are the intestines, liver, gallbladder along the stomach, but the worms reach the muscle tissue, lungs, even the brain and heart.
In the first place in frequency are pinworms, which are round in diameter and small parameters - no more than 6 mm. They are localized in the lower part of the colon. More than 24, 000 species of nematodes are known. The female can lay 150, 000 eggs a day. Their systematic movement and reproduction outside the intestine is the main reason for the risk of secondary enterobiosis infection.
Ascarid infestation, which is the second most common, is characteristic of preschoolers and younger schoolchildren. Adult worms look menacing: they grow up to 30 cm. The female lays about 100, 000 eggs a day. The larvae enter the body through unwashed hands, dirty food and water. They are carried by the bloodstream to all parts of the child's body and are deposited in them. This type of helminthiasis is quite dangerous for an unformed child's organism. Ascariasis is often the culprit for allergic reactions in children.
Trichinella is not so common in children. They are the cause of trichinosis, which is characterized by the rapid transmission of eggs through the body, causing damage to muscle tissue. The consequences of trichinosis are peritonitis, intestinal bleeding.
Sources and methods of invasion
Prevention of helminth infection in children is possible if you understand the information about the transmission of worms. In reality, there are several possibilities for their penetration into the human body. Most of it comes to a person through contact-household or food.
Many believe that strict adherence to the principles of personal hygiene will protect against helminthiasis. Unfortunately, this opinion is wrong. Children are most at risk of infection due to close contact with the culprits. Each of the sources of invasion has its own characteristics:
- by contact-host, larvae enter the body through infected people, through things, from animals;
- in the alimentary method, the culprits are unwashed palms, water of dubious purity, contaminated food supplies;
- through transmission, worms get blood-sucking insects;
- with active (percutaneous) - worm testicles master the connective tissue or skin from the ground or from the reservoir during the bathing process. Sometimes larvae in the air, along with dust particles, enter the respiratory system.
Despite the diversity of worm species, children are infected with them in much the same way. Eggs, larvae, part of the body or the whole parasite, when they reach a person, begin to feed and reproduce, their number in the absence of therapy is growing rapidly. The health condition of the infected person is deteriorating, he becomes the culprit for transmitting the invasion to others.
Eggs of the most common helminths - roundworms, pinworms, covered with a sticky capsule, adhere firmly to the surface and are kept there. Spread is happening soon. Once on the palms and fingers, the eggs accumulate under the nails, from where they are transferred to the everyday things that the person uses. This infects all family members and the immediate environment.
Certain types of worms can penetrate the placenta, infecting the fetus in utero. Getting an infection from a mother suffering from enterobiasis, possible during childbirth. A breastfed child can be infected by sick relatives, although the disease is not transmitted through breast milk. There are also non-standard cases of transmission of worm eggs from an infected person: during sexual contact or kissing, and contraception is useless in this case.
It is impossible to completely protect yourself from helminthiasis: their larvae live everywhere. However, there is a possibility of reducing the risk of disease for those who comply with hygiene requirements, eat food that has undergone heat treatment and regularly undergo preventive treatment for worms.
Identification of helminths
Infection with parasites most often occurs in the warm season, because babies energetically explore the environment, spend the whole day outside, in the sandbox, spray on tanks, eat berries and fruits directly from the branches, without worrying about washing their hands. and fruit.
In adults, worms, before entering the body, must forcibly go through a series of obstacles: saliva in the mouth, acidic environment in the stomach, immune defense of the intestine. In children, the protection is much weaker, so helminths are easier to overcome. Parents should be aware of the signs of infection in their children. Most of them are aware of such a difference as gnashing their teeth at night, although this is not the only indicator. How to understand that a child has worms? Attention should be paid to the symptoms.
Common symptoms of worms
The presence of helminths in the child's body poisons him with waste products, which is why one of the main symptoms of infection is considered to be increased fatigue, dizziness, refusal to eat, whims. The following general characteristics are characteristic:
- allergic skin reaction - rash, urticaria, eczema;
- digestive complications - alternating constipation and diarrhea, bloating, nausea, navel pain;
- reduction of protective immunity, recurrent colds, addition of fungal infection;
- manifestation of allergic-toxic response to vaccination;
- decreased hemoglobin levels.
Parents should be especially careful about the complex of these signs in the baby, for example, when it is difficult to cure acute respiratory infections or thrush. In such cases, it is logical to assume the presence of helminth invasion.
In addition to the general symptoms of a worm infection, there are also individual signs of the presence of a particular parasite in a child.
Symptoms of roundworm
The key symptom of ascariasis in children is a dry cough with worms in children, combined with a rash on the skin, and two weeks later - a manifestation of general indicators of intoxication, pain in the abdominal cavity. The characteristic signal is the variability of the child's nervous and mental health.
Symptoms of pinworm
Pinworm infection is declared as dehydration of the oral cavity. Infected children complain of irritation in the anal area, especially at night. The child scratches this surface, which is full of inflammation. In girls, these symptoms are accompanied by enuresis and vulvovaginitis. Appetite changes, the stool is upset, the baby coughs, does not sleep well, his nervous system is upset.
Manifestation of signs of other worms
Trichocephaly is common in temperate, subtropical climates: whips prefer moisture. The signs are not very typical: the pain is reminiscent of appendicitis attacks, the baby often has an urination, and symptoms of colitis are observed. The result can be rectal prolapse, as well as severe anemia.
Hookworms are lovers of moisture, heat, and prefer subtropical, tropical climates, especially the Krasnodar Territory. The symptom is a rash where the parasite enters the skin. Complicated by severe anemia.
Dogs are carriers of toxocariasis, the disease is spreading everywhere. The symptoms are:
- abdominal pain;
- reduced vision;
- nervous system disorder;
- allergic reactions.
It can be complicated by bronchitis, pneumonia, bronchial asthma.
Echinococcosis breeds everywhere - on all continents, except Antarctica. It runs latent for a long time, the symptoms are nervous disorders, headaches. Serious consequences are disorders of the brain, lungs, liver, heart, kidneys. Helminthic invasion in children, whose symptoms are life-threatening, is treated with surgery.
Trematodosis (opisthorchiasis, fascioliasis) is widespread on the shores of the sea, in river basins, the main source of infection is thermally untreated fish. Symptoms of the disease include jaundice, muscle aches, fever and allergic rash. The disease is aggravated by ulcerative gastroduodenitis, liver cirrhosis, purulent cholangitis, peritonitis, chronic hepatitis.
The symptoms of childhood helminthiasis are polymorphic, the signs are suitable for many diseases, so it is difficult to use only the clinical picture to make a diagnosis. The best results are obtained by laboratory research - analysis of worm eggs and must be repeated several times.
Age characteristics of the disease
Worms in newborns
Helminths are usually found in preschool children aged one and a half or two. Babies are rarely infected with parasites from an infected mother - during intrauterine development, during childbirth, during feeding. This usually happens after 6 months, with the onset of supplementary feeding, active crawling. The kid does not lack any microbes, bacteria, parasites. Helminths are much harder to detect in infants than in children of other ages. Symptoms and signs of worms in children are manifested:
- child anxiety, disturbed sleep;
- constant fatigue, lethargy, general weakness;
- irritation and inflammation in the anal area, and in girls - around the genitals;
- digestive disorders: constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, bloating, colic;
- dizziness associated with body intoxication;
- weight loss, refusal to eat, although there are exceptions;
- paleness, white skin tone,
- shadows under the eyes;
- rash on the body, mainly on the thighs;
- slight increase in temperature;
- exacerbation of chronic diseases;
- regular cough, regardless of respiratory diseases.
Such symptoms in infants can signal not only the invasion of helminths, but also many other diseases. Therefore, to confirm the diagnosis, it is necessary to examine the feces several times in a certain interval.
The symptoms of worms in children from 2 years of age are generally similar to the usual signs of worms. The introduction of larvae and developing worms into the child's body can cause great damage to health, since the baby is just beginning to form a defensive force, the child is not able to resist unwanted aggressors. The risk is increased due to the fact that children are willing to taste everything without knowing the principles of hygiene. Regardless of the type of worm, the manifestations of helminthiasis in two-year-olds are similar. This:
- skin rash;
- swollen lymph nodes;
- copious flow of saliva at night during sleep;
- sudden increase or decrease in appetite, followed by weight loss;
- unexpected nausea, bowel dysfunction.
There are also common signs: irritation in the anus, in girls - in the genital area, intoxication, fatigue, reduced immunity, disorder of nervous processes.
The symptoms of worms in children from 3 years of age are identical to the previous ones.
An important factor in the invasion of children aged 3 to 5 is their visits to childcare facilities, as well as contact with pets infected with worms. Children become infected with rarer causes of helminthiasis while traveling to exotic countries or from relatives who have been there. Rapid penetration of larvae, parasite eggs into the child's body facilitates:
- lack of vitamins, useful elements;
- lack of protein from food;
- poor quality food;
- reduced immunity.
The symptoms of worms in children from 5 years of age are similar. On the website of dr. Komarovski, you can see photo and video materials on the treatment and prevention of worms, as well as read patient reviews.
Diagnosis of the disease
The appearance of the first symptoms that indicate helminthic invasion signals the need for special studies. In clinical practice, enough attention is paid to the diagnosis of helminthiasis in preschool and elementary school students. The presumed diagnosis must be confirmed by laboratory research techniques:
- a clinical blood test, which sets the task of finding antibodies to certain pathogens of the parasite;
- scraping for enterobiosis and fecal analysis, performed three times for correct diagnosis;
- analysis to assess intestinal microflora.
On the general blood test, they look at the color indicator. The diagnosis is confirmed under the condition that its index is higher than determined, increased number of eosinophils, decreased hemoglobin, on the contrary, and pronounced anemia. A blood test for the enzyme-linked immunosorbent test for parasites is performed on an empty stomach from a vein. The effect is almost 100% infallible, reliable, it is even able to identify the type of worm, the damage that worms cause to the baby's body.
Analysis of helminth eggs and dysbacteriosis is performed on the basis of fecal studies. Worm stool tests do not always give results, which is why they are done more than once. For a detailed diagnosis, a biological study of sputum, bile, urine analysis, fecal coprogram is used. Opisthorchiasis is determined by examination of intestinal contents and duodenal intubation.
Additional diagnostic techniques include ultrasound of internal organs, X-rays, computed tomography, MR. They help the expert to determine the presence of helminths in the internal organs. The combination of these studies makes it possible to confirm or deny the diagnosis of enterobiasis. The sooner a diagnosis is made and treatment for worms in children is started, the less the baby’s health will suffer.
Treatment of invasions by the traditional method
The serious consequences of helminthiasis force us to approach the treatment of the disease responsibly, contacting specialists - parasitologists or pediatricians. Medical treatment consists of 3 phases.
The preparatory phase consists of naming sorbents and antihistamines to cleanse the baby’s body of toxic substances accumulated as a result of the parasite’s life cycle.
Anthelmintic therapy consists of choosing drugs depending on age, type of causative agent, stage of the disease. A single dose of the drug in tablet or suspension form is usually prescribed. After 2 weeks, the course is repeated.
Anthelmintic drugs are very toxic, which is why it is necessary to take as many precautions as possible so that they do not harm the child's health. Dosage moderation is of the utmost importance. Self-medication is not recommended, the medicine should be prescribed by a doctor, who can sometimes prescribe a combination of medicines. It is recommended to read carefully the contraindications of the anthelmintic.
The cleansing scheme is carried out after the use of anthelmintic drugs, when the parasites die, leaving the body with feces. At this point, there is a large spray of toxic substances into the baby's body. Enemas, absorbers and choleretic medications are prescribed for cleansing. After the end of the therapy, it is necessary to take blood and feces again. If complications occur, the baby is registered for 3 years.
Folk remedies
Herbal healers have a long history of rescue from parasitic worms. General medicine recognizes the benefits of some of these drugs. However, not all give a guaranteed result. It is recommended to coordinate their use with a doctor. The following folk recipes are considered the most effective:
- use of pumpkin seeds;
- use of hemp, pumpkin, linseed oil;
- enema with garlic supplemented with milk;
- use of soda enema;
- carrot juice;
- tansy infusion: 3 tbsp. l. tansy pour a glass of boiling water, insist for an hour, the infusion is given to the child to drink 1 liter of dessert. three times a day; overdose is unacceptable in order to avoid depression of the nervous system;
- Birch tar;
- herbal infusions, wormwood enema.
Preventive measures
To protect your child from helminthic invasions, certain rules must be strictly adhered to:
- teach your baby to wash his hands thoroughly before eating, after walking;
- systematically trim nail plates;
- change the costume for the child more often;
- keep household items and toys clean;
- it is undesirable to keep tetrapods in the house;
- learn not to take your fingers, toys in your mouth for a walk;
- once a year to carry out prophylaxis for the whole family in the form of taking medication.
Worm infestation is a serious problem. The disease is quite common in the world, and children are especially susceptible to it. The disease can last for years, causing enormous damage to the baby's health. Worms release toxins during their existence, which leads to the appearance of various diseases that give the child a lot of discomfort and unpleasant sensations. Therefore, parents should notice the symptoms in time, start treatment with the help of a specialist.