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Deworming in Children and Adults: Things To Know

This blog explains the importance of deworming in children and adults, highlighting key symptoms, treatment options, and prevention methods. Learn how deworming can improve overall health and the role of health insurance in managing treatment costs.

  • 27 Sep 2024
  • 5 min read
  • 27 views

Deworming is a very important health activity that involves the use of medication to get rid of worms, parasites, or helminths present in the body. These worms are capable of infecting children as well as adults and cause various health complications. A broad range of evidence supports the fact regular deworming is very effective in enhancing the overall health of an individual, especially in places prone to worm infection.

In this article, we will be discussing all the aspects associated with deworming, from preventive measures to cures, and how having a health insurance plan can be beneficial in case of deworming.

What is Deworming?

Deworming involves using medication to remove parasitic infections from the body. These infections are caused by worms generally lodged in the intestines, which cause many health problems. The very common types of worms that are known to infect humans include roundworms, tapeworms, and hookworms. Deworming is effective in controlling these parasites and hence improving health. Understanding the health insurance coverage for these treatments can help families handle the associated costs. 

Why is Deworming in Adults and Children Important?

Deworming in adults and children should not be ignored as parasites can cause serious health consequences if not treated timely. In children, worm infections can cause malnutrition, anaemic conditions, stunting at different ages, and disruptions in mental development.

In adults, these infections lead to intestinal disorders, lethargy, and even suppression of bodily immunity. People who reside in tropical and sub-tropical regions are frequently infected by worms, but regular deworming can guarantee them normalcy. Thus, it is always recommended that one has a health insurance plan if one resides in these regions.

Symptoms of Deworming in Children and Adults

When discussing the symptoms of worm infection, it is important to understand that they often differ between the types of worms.

  • Abdominal pain: Painful sensation experienced in the abdominal region that is often accompanied by distension.
  • Diarrhoea or constipation: Extreme constipation or diarrhoea may indicate the presence of worms, as parasites tend to interfere with bowel movements.
  • Weight loss: Sometimes infected persons avoid eating even small amounts of food, and this can result in loss of weight and dehydration.
  • Fatigue and weakness: Weakness, tiredness, and general lassitude.
  • Anaemia: Blood loss is also common in the case of hookworm infection, wherein patients become iron deficient.
  • Itching and rash: In children infected with pinworm, rashes around the bottom or itching are too frequent.
  • Loss of appetite: There is a growing decline in the desire to have food, which is why health deteriorates.

How to Treat a Worm?

Antiparasitic medications specific to the type of worm are a must to cure worm infections. The medicines often prescribed included albendazole, mebendazole, or ivermectin. In most instances, these medications are administered only once, or for up to 5 days depending on the severity of the infection.

Health Benefits of Deworming in Adults and Children

Deworming has several health benefits, and they include the following:

  • Increase the efficiency of nutrient absorption: The absence of worms allows the proper absorption of nutrients, which translates to good health and growth, particularly for children.
  • Enhanced immune function: Elimination of parasitic worms will lower the burden on the immune system, thus allowing it to be more effective against pathogens.
  • Better growth and development in children: In most cases, deworming is all that is needed to correct stunted growth and enhance cognitive functioning in children.
  • Increased energy levels: Many people tend to feel healthier and more energetic once worms are out of the body.
  • Reduced risk of anaemia: This is especially crucial in regions where hookworm infection is rampant; deworming can arrest anaemia and the accompanying hazards.

Preventing Worms Naturally: How to Do it?

Preventing worm infections without the use of drugs involves maintaining proper hygiene and a clean environment. Some important ways to incorporate cleanliness are:

  • Regular hand washing: Frequent washing of hands with soap and clean water, particularly after using the toilets and before meals, helps avoid worm transmission.
  • Proper food handling: Eating properly cooked food and washing fruits and vegetables before eating reduces the chances of swallowing worm eggs or larva.
  • Use of Shoes: This is especially pertinent in places where hookworm infections occur; wearing shoes acts as a barrier to worms entering the body via the skin.
  • Restrictions to contact with soils: Infection can also be minimised by restricting children from playing in areas that are contaminated with infected soil.

Home Remedies for Deworming for Adults in India

The most popular treatment strategies to kill worms in India involve the use of home medicines. Examples include:

Pumpkin seeds: These are well known because of their anthelmintic properties that help heal the body from worms. Swallowing a handful of raw pollen or melon seeds in the morning on an empty stomach helps enhance this effect.

Raw garlic: Garlic has antiparasitic, nontoxic properties, and therefore, any parasite in the body can be expelled by taking in raw garlic or including it in food.

Turmeric as an antiparasitic agent: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory and antiparasitic effects; hence, it can aid in deworming. A simple intake of turmeric powder or swallowed with warm water thrice every week is helpful.

The Treatment for Worms

In addition to offering medication to combat worm infections, it is important to make certain lifestyle changes. Taking antiparasitic medications as prescribed by healthcare providers is one such remedy. Regular hygiene and careful selection of diet in addition to medication will also go a long way in reducing chances of reinfection and enhance health.

Conclusion

Deworming is an important health measure, especially in countries where worm infections are prevalent. Proper deworming can have a favourable influence not only on children but also on adults' health since it involves recognising worm infection symptoms, availing proper treatment, and adopting effective preventive measures.

A combination of appropriate deworming treatment, hygienic measures, and proper nutrition can help avert such infections, improve the quality of life, and shield from problems later in life that parasitic worm infection can cause. With health insurance, families can ensure they can easily manage the expenses associated with deworming.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for educational and informational purposes only. Please do not take this information as a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult your general physician or another certified medical professional for all questions regarding this or any other medical condition. Relying on any information provided in this blog is solely at your own risk, and ICICI Lombard is not responsible for any impact or consequences resulting from the use of the information shared.

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