De-worming (Worm Infestation)

• 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.