De-worming (Worm Infestation)

Back to Quick Reads Have you or your children been having abdominal pain recently along with unexplained weight loss? Have you noticed worms in your or your children's stool recently? What is worm infestation? this is the presence of intestinal parasites like worms that feed off its host nutritional intake Risk Group most common in children due to their levels of activity people with weak immune systems older aged group more likely to catch than younger age group due to decrease in immunity. Signs and Symptoms irritability weight loss (unexplained) stomach ache bed wetting blood present in stool Tapeworm infection symptoms: Jaunfice Nausea Vomiting loss of appetite frequent meal intakes and yet malnutrition Roundworm infection symptoms Diarrhoea worms in stool Dry cough with or without fever Pinworm itching around the anus painful urination Hookworm wheezing coughing fatigue anaemia Trichinella chills muscle aches joint pain swelling of face or eyes difficulty breathing and heart problems in severe infestations Death in very severe cases Types of intestinal worms: tapeworms pinworms or threadworms hookworms roundworms Flukes  Ascariasis Trichinella Causes coming in contact with infected surfaces consuming food that may be contaminated consuming food that may not have been prepared hygienically. unhygienic habits like improprt hand washing and cleaning  consuming unclean water consuming meat that may be raw or uncooked. ingesting freshwater plants like watercress eating wild meat like bear, pork and seals likely cause for Trichinella. Lifestyle Alterations  avoid sharing personal items etc that may carry the worms or the larvae. Have clean and sanitary living conditions Keep proper footwear when going outside. Eat properly cooked food Avoid eating raw or undercooked meals Use water from clean and sanitary sources. Wash hands properly after visiting the washroom and toilets. Treatment and alternatives mebendazole albendazole can deworm every six months where there is risk of infestation other preparations may be available as advised by your pharmacist. Prevention proper hygiene and sanitation wash hands thoroughly before and after visiting the toilets wash and clean hands properly before cooking cook meat and fish thoroughly before eating Never consume undercooked and raw food Use separate cutting boards for meats and vegetables Use only clean water from hygienic sources Complications Anemia Intestinal blockage severe cases can be fatal if untreated. All these and more are available at Health First pharmacy...visit us for all your health needs first...talk to us first!!!