How to know if my toddler has worm?

There are different types of worm infections – Pinworms, Roundworms, Whipworms, and Hookworms. Pinworms are a typical kind of worms that affect young children. They look like a small piece of thread, with a length from three mm to 10 mm.

On the other hand, hookworms, roundworms and whipworms are also common in children. Hookworms are intestinal, blood-feeding, parasitic worms; Roundworms are also parasites that cause diarrhoea and fever in children. And whipworms are parasites that live in the large intestine and causes infection in children.

Fortunately, getting rid of these is easy and quick.

What are the signs and symptoms of a worm infection?

In most cases, worm infection does not show any symptoms, and even if it does, it will be too minor to notice. Moreover, the common signs of worm infection depend upon the severity of the condition.

If you see any of the following signs in your child, take him to the doctor without any delay.

• Painful tummy
• Sudden weight loss
• Irritability
• Recurring nausea and vomiting
• Blood in stool
• Itching or pain in the surrounding area of the anus
• Urinary tract infection
• Some doctors say ‘teeth grinding’ is also one of the signs of the worm.

If your baby has a mild infection of threadworms, she may not show any symptoms, apart from complaining of an itchy bottom, particularly at night. However, if hookworms infect your child, she may have a rash that can be itchy at the site where the worms enter the skin.

How do I treat my baby’s worm infection?

Your doctor will prescribe medicines for deworming based on the type of worm infection your baby has. Fortunately, almost all worm infections can be treated with oral medication. Additionally, if your child is suffering from anaemia, your doctor may prescribe iron supplements.

Don’t buy over-the-counter medicines or herbal remedies for babies less than two years old because they may not suit your child. There isn’t any evidence proving their effectiveness. It is best to talk to your doctor before you try them on your baby.

Worm infections spread easily, and getting re-infected is common. If your child is found to have worms, your doctor may advise your whole family to undergo treatment, even if none of you has worms, just to be safe.

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