When is anthelmintics indicated for kids? - Dr. Shruthi Kumar Bharadwaj

Описание: Anthelminithtics are the medicines which are used for deworming the children. So the most common manifestations are hookworm, pinworm, round worm or tapeworm etc. It is estimated that 800 million people are infested with hookworm, which is because of the fecal contamination of the soil. Favourable soil condition in the tropical and subtropical countries and contact of the human skin with these soil like those who walk barefoot or those who are involved with fecal contamination or increased risk. So what are the clinical manifestations of worm infestations? They can have skin lesions which is called the groundage or the itchy skin lesions or chronically it can cause anemia in children because these worms get attached to the intestinal mucosa and cause chronic bleeding. They can also cause nausea, vomiting or pain abdomen. So how do we confirm that the child has got worm infestation or not? Stool examination can be done to look for the eggs or the worms and what is the treatment for this? The treatment is the oral Anthelminithtic drugs. These drugs are usually given once in 6 months usually after the age of 12 year in children. Anthelminithtic drugs are better absorbed when taken with the fatty food. They can cause a little metallic taste or bittery taste. But they are usually transient. You don’t need to discontinue the drug. There could be a mild nausea or vomiting or pain abdomen. So what are the preventive measures? Maintaining the personal hygiene, safe drinking water. Taking care while cooking food and handwashing and using shoes while going out and regular deworming every 6 months is done at risk age groups like in children after 1 year of age. So it helps to reduce iron deficiency anemia, malnutrition. It improves the school performance in the children as well as the growth.