“Regular deworming is important for both kids and adults”

Intestinal worm infections have a direct impact on a child’s nutritional health and are a

significant health risk in India. According to the WHO, out of the total number of children

across the globe, about 28% of children from India are at risk of being exposed to parasitic

intestinal worms. February 10 is observed as World Deworming Day.

 

According to Dr. Chetan Ginigeri, Consultant, Paediatrics & Paediatric Intensive Care, Aster

RV Hospital, “An intestinal worm infection (the three main ones are roundworm, hookworm

and whipworm) is often not immediately evident and symptoms could include sudden weight

loss, stomach pain, loose motions, weakness, fever, vomiting and over a period of time can

lead to anemia and malabsorption (where the child’s body does not get sufficient nutrients as

nutrients are being absorbed by the worms) which then impacts the growth and development

of the child.”

 

Dr. Pavithra R, Consultant- Internal Medicine, Columbia Asia Hospital Hebbal adds, “Worm

infestation is common among children as they affect their growth and development.

 

Similarly, they can affect adults as well. Even though in most cases, worm infestation is not a

life-threatening infection it can lead to various clinical problems. Therefore, deworming is

important both in kids and adults.”

 

For the unversed, deworming is the process of administering an anthelmintic drug to a human

to get rid of worms in the body.

 

Open defecation and unhygienic handwashing practices lead to the spread of these parasitic

worms into the soil or fruits and vegetables which can then find their way into other people

who consume this. “Adult cases of intestinal worms usually arise out of eating street foods or

improperly washed vegetables or uncooked meat. Treatment is usually simple, but early

identification, particularly in children is important to prevent growth deficiencies and infant

mortality. If you stay in an area or plan to visit an area where people are particularly prone to

developing intestinal worms, it is good to do deworming at least once a year for both adults

and children, and pay extra attention to hygiene,” adds Dr Ginigeri.

 

If deworming is ignored, these worms have the ability to form cysts in the liver and lungs

leading to pneumonia and other neurological conditions.

 

Although there is an increased amount of awareness worldwide about deworming among

children, deworming among adults also requires more attention. Infections due to certain

worms may lead to loss of iron from the blood resulting in anaemia. Pregnant women are at

high risk due to worm infection as they may develop anaemia during pregnancy leading to

multiple problems for the foetus, adds Dr Pavithra.

 

Some of the most important ways to improve hygiene are washing hands before eating and

after using the toilet; using sanitised toilets; keeping the surroundings clean and ensuring

nails hygiene.

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