Deworming in Children and Adults

Deworming is a medical procedure that removes worms from the body. Albendazole is an example of a common anti-worm medication. The World Health Organisation strongly advises Deworming, particularly in places with inadequate sanitation. It is especially essential in endemic areas of the third and emerging worlds.

As per the World Health Organisation, soil-transmitted worm infections are regarded as the most frequent human illnesses, infecting around 24% of the global population. Intestinal worms can cause stomach discomfort, nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting, among other symptoms. Worm infestation in children can cause anaemia and malabsorption, impairing growth and development. The kid does not acquire enough nutrition because the worms absorb them. Similarly, it can create a variety of clinical issues in adults.

Worm infestation may not be hazardous in the early stages, but if untreated, these worms can create cysts in the lungs and liver, leading to pneumonia and other neurological disorders. Worm infections can induce anaemia in pregnant women, leading to problems. So, signs of stomach worms should not be disregarded, and your doctor should perform deworming as directed.

Listed below are the common symptoms of deworming of adults and kids in India:

• Nausea

• Abdominal pain

• Fatigue

• Fever

• Insomnia

• Headache

• Depression

• Hair loss

• Vomiting

• Diarrhoea

• Nervousness

Consult your healthcare provider if any of the adverse effects persist. Before taking any medicines, inform your healthcare provider if you're allergic to any medications or have gastrointestinal problems, blood disorders, or seizures.

If you have any signs of stomach worms, such as abdominal discomfort, nausea, or weight loss, your gastroenterologist or doctor may prescribe the following tests:

• Faecal/stool tests to detect parasites

• Blood test to track the kinds of parasites

• A colonoscopy is advised when stool samples don’t demonstrate parasite presence due to diarrhoea.

• Antibody testing to look for antibodies produced by the body when infected with a parasite

• Tape test to detect eggs. It involves wrapping the anus with tape and examining it under a microscope

• Imaging tests such as Computed Tomography, Magnetic Resonance Imaging, or X-rays

Deworming strengthens a child's immune system, protecting them against chronic ailments caused by worms. Adults, on the other hand, should deworm regularly. Here are some of the deworming benefits for adults:

Maintains Your Health: Staying healthy entails a variety of activities. You do not have to be ill before seeking medical attention. You may avoid feeling ill by deworming yourself as frequently as possible.

Make Sure That Nutrients Are Delivered to Your Body: Intestinal worms may hinder your body from absorbing nutrients it typically receives from eating. By deworming regularly, you can guarantee that the nutrients you get through food reach the correct parts of your body. To summarise, deworming for human adults ensures that the body obtains the essential nutrients and remains healthy.

Avoids More Serious Issues: Intestinal worms can lead to more severe illnesses if neglected. It also lowers your immune system, leaving you susceptible. Simply deworming your body can save it from being infected with more dangerous diseases.

Preventing worm infestations is as vital as deworming to keep your body healthy. Natural worm prevention can be achieved by following proper hygiene habits, such as:

• Thoroughly wash vegetables and fruits before eating them.

• Do not consume undercooked or raw meat, fish, or poultry.

• Consume safe, pure water.

• Use soap to wash your hands before preparing meals or eating and before or after using the bathroom.

• Remove and disinfect animal waste.

• Avoid walking barefoot.

• De-worm pets and maintain pet hygiene regularly.

• Maintain a clean environment.

• Maintain proper nail hygiene.

Worms may be treated with simple home products. Let's have a look at what they are and how they may be used to fight parasitic worms:

Pumpkin Seeds: Cucurbitacin, a chemical found in pumpkin seeds, helps in paralysing the worms and so aids in their elimination from the human body. Mix a tablespoon of roasted pumpkin seeds with half cup of coconut milk and water. Consume this for a week on an empty stomach each morning.

Turmeric: It is regarded as a superfood. Its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties aid in internal healing and removing parasitic worms. Take a teaspoon full of turmeric powder in a glass full of buttermilk every day.

Garlic: Raw garlic contains sulphur-containing amino acids that permanently remove parasites from the body. Consume it raw or as garlic tea on an empty stomach for a week.

Cloves: The antibacterial and anti-parasitic characteristics aid in eliminating worms and their eggs. Take two to three cloves, boil them in a cup of water for 5 minutes, and then drain. For a week, drink these three to four times each day.

Raw Papaya: While papaya seeds aid in removing worms from the human body, an enzyme known as ‘papain’ found in raw papaya works as an anthelmintic and kills the worms.

Coconut: Lauric acid, which is found plentiful in coconuts and converted to monolaurin, improves immunity. It is the most effective home cure for worm treatment.

Carrot: Carrots, which are high in vitamin A, assist your immune system and prevent intestinal worms.

The type of intestinal worm and its symptoms will determine whether adults or children need de-wormed. Most worm infections may be treated for 1 to 3 days using anti-parasitic medicine to destroy the worms. Surgery is recommended in extreme situations where parasites have spread to other body regions. A particular diet may also be advised. As a result, you must be informed of human worm therapy and get assistance before it is too late. Having adequate health insurance in case of a health emergency is also critical.

Adult deworming is just as crucial as kid deworming. If you have any indications of worm infestation, see your doctor about worm treatment in humans. Untreated adult deworming can result in a variety of health issues. It can induce development deficits and newborn mortality in children. So, make sure you have a medical insurance plan that has a high sum insured that is enough to cover all medical expenditures when in need. You can contact Tata AIG for further questions regarding health insurance, and we shall be happy to assist you!