Overview
Intestinal worms are parasites that live in the gut, very common in Indian children, spread through soil, contaminated food and water, and walking barefoot. A heavy worm load robs a growing child of nutrition, causing tiredness, tummy pain and anaemia. This is why regular deworming is part of child health programmes. Worm infections are easily and cheaply treated with deworming medicine, and simple hygiene — handwashing, footwear and clean food — prevents them.
Symptoms
- Tummy pain and bloating
- Loss of appetite or, at times, increased hunger with weight loss
- Tiredness and pallor from anaemia
- Itching around the back passage, worse at night
- Worms visible in the stools in some cases
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for lasting tummy pain, poor growth, or visible worms; regular deworming is recommended for children under health programmes.
Causes
Roundworm, hookworm, whipworm and other parasites, spread through soil, contaminated food and water, and walking barefoot on infected ground.