Why Do Children Get Intestinal Worms? 5 Warning Signs And Easy Home Remedies
Why Do Children Get Intestinal Worms? 5 Warning Signs And Easy Home Remedies
As a mom, it is very worrying when your child does not eat properly, always feels tired, or complains of pain around the belly button. One of the most common but often ignored reasons behind these problems is intestinal worms. Studies show that almost 1 in 4 children worldwide gets worms at least once in early childhood.
The good news is that in most cases, worms are not dangerous and can be prevented easily at home with good hygiene. Let us understand in simple words why they happen and how you can spot them early.
Why Do Intestinal Worms Happen in Children?
Children love to play on the floor, in the garden, and with mud. They touch everything and then put the same hands in their mouth without washing. Worm eggs are so tiny that we cannot see them with our eyes. They are present in soil, dirty water, unwashed fruits and vegetables, and even on unwashed hands.
When a child swallows these eggs, the eggs go into the intestine and hatch into worms. These worms then live in the gut and feed on the nutrients from the food your child eats. That is why children with worms become weak and lose weight even after eating.
Some common causes are:
1. Not washing hands properly after playing and before eating.
2. Long and dirty nails where worm eggs can hide.
3. Eating unwashed fruits and vegetables.
4. Walking barefoot on contaminated soil.
5. Drinking unsafe water.
5 Warning Signs Every Mother Should Know
Your child may not be able to explain clearly, but his body will give you signs. Here are the 5 most common symptoms:
1. Teeth Grinding During Sleep
This is the number one sign. If you hear your child grinding or clenching teeth at night, it could be due to worms. This happens because worms cause discomfort and restlessness during sleep.
2. Frequent Stomach Pain Around The Navel
The child will complain of pain again and again, especially around the belly button. The pain comes and goes and is not very severe, but it is regular. You may also notice bloating.
3. Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss
Worms eat the nutrition from your child's food. So despite cooking healthy food, your child will say "I am not hungry." Slowly, you will see weight loss, dark circles under the eyes, and pale skin.
4. Itching Around The Bottom Area
This is a very specific sign, especially for pinworms. The itching is worse at night because female worms lay eggs around that area at night. The child will be uncomfortable, will not sleep properly, and will scratch a lot.
5. Irritability, Mood Swings And Poor Focus
When a child does not sleep well and does not get enough nutrition, he becomes cranky, tired all day, and cannot focus on studies or play. Some children also complain of nausea or occasional vomiting.
If you see 2 or more of these signs together for more than a week, you should consult your pediatrician.
Easy Home Prevention And Care Tips
My grandmother always said, "Prevention is better than medicine." You can protect your child by making these small habits a part of your daily routine.
1. Hand Washing Habit
Make it a strict rule in your house. Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds before eating, after coming from outside, after playing with pets, and after using the toilet. Make it fun by singing a small rhyme while washing.
2. Keep Nails Short And Clean
Cut your child's nails twice a week. Scrub under the nails while bathing. This one habit can prevent 70% of worm infections.
3. Wash Fruits and Vegetables Properly
Soak all fruits, salads, and leafy vegetables in salted water for 10 minutes before cooking or eating. Avoid street food and cut fruits from outside.
4. Give Deworming-Friendly Foods
In our desi tradition, some foods naturally help to keep the gut clean. These are not medicines, but they support gut health. For example, raw carrots, papaya seeds in very small amount mixed with honey (only for children above 2 years), garlic in food, and pumpkin seeds are traditionally considered helpful. Also, give curd and yogurt as probiotics keep the gut strong.
5. Safe Water And Clean Surroundings
Always give boiled or filtered water to children. Make sure your child wears slippers while playing outside. Wash bedsheets and undergarments in hot water regularly.
When To See A Doctor?
Home care can prevent worms, but never give any worm medicine by yourself. If your child has fever, vomiting, blood in stool, severe stomach pain, or you actually see a worm in stool, visit your doctor immediately. The doctor will suggest a simple stool test and give the correct dose of medicine according to your child's age and weight.
Remember, getting worms once does not mean you are a bad parent. It is very common in kids. The important thing is to notice it early and keep hygiene strong.
I hope this post helped you. Have you ever noticed these signs in your child? How did you handle it? Share your experience in the comments so other mothers can also learn.
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