What are pinworms and how do they affect humans. How is pinworm infection transmitted and diagnosed. What are the symptoms of pinworm infection and how can it be treated. How can you prevent pinworm infections in children and adults. What complications can arise from severe pinworm infestations.

Understanding Pinworm Infections: A Common Intestinal Parasite

Pinworm infection, also known as enterobiasis or oxyuriasis, is a widespread intestinal parasitic condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is particularly prevalent among school-aged children and those living in crowded environments. These tiny, thread-like worms infest the human digestive tract, causing a range of uncomfortable symptoms and potential health complications.

Pinworms, scientifically known as Enterobius vermicularis, are small, white, and thread-like parasites that typically measure between 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 13 millimeters) in length. Despite their diminutive size, these parasites can cause significant discomfort and health issues if left untreated.

Characteristics of Pinworms

• Size: 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 13 millimeters) long
• Color: White or translucent
• Shape: Thin and thread-like
• Lifecycle: Eggs hatch in the intestines and mature into adult worms within weeks

Do pinworms pose a serious health threat? While pinworm infections are generally not considered dangerous, they can cause significant discomfort and lead to secondary infections if not addressed promptly. In rare cases, heavy infestations may result in more severe complications, particularly in females.

The Lifecycle and Transmission of Pinworms

Understanding the lifecycle of pinworms is crucial for comprehending how these parasites spread and persist in human populations. The pinworm lifecycle is relatively simple but highly efficient, allowing for rapid transmission between hosts.

Stages of the Pinworm Lifecycle

1. Egg ingestion: Pinworm eggs are accidentally swallowed or inhaled
2. Hatching: Eggs hatch in the small intestine
3. Maturation: Larvae migrate to the large intestine and develop into adult worms
4. Reproduction: Female worms move to the anal area to lay eggs
5. Transmission: Eggs are spread to surfaces or other individuals through contaminated hands or objects

How long can pinworm eggs survive outside the body? Pinworm eggs can remain viable on surfaces for two to three weeks, contributing to their ease of transmission. This prolonged survival time makes thorough hygiene practices essential in preventing and controlling infections.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Pinworm Infection

While many individuals infected with pinworms may be asymptomatic, others experience a range of uncomfortable symptoms. Recognizing these signs is crucial for early detection and treatment of pinworm infections.

Common Symptoms of Pinworm Infection

• Intense anal itching, particularly at night
• Restless sleep and irritability
• Teeth grinding (bruxism)
• Occasional abdominal pain or nausea
• Insomnia or difficulty staying asleep
• Itching or irritation of the vaginal area in females

Why does anal itching intensify at night? Female pinworms typically lay their eggs around the anus during the night, causing increased itching and discomfort. This nocturnal activity is a key characteristic of pinworm infections and often leads to disrupted sleep patterns in affected individuals.

Diagnosing Pinworm Infections: Methods and Challenges

Accurate diagnosis of pinworm infections is essential for effective treatment and prevention of spread. Healthcare providers employ various methods to confirm the presence of these parasites.

Diagnostic Techniques for Pinworm Infection

• Tape test: Applying adhesive tape to the anal area to collect eggs
• Visual inspection: Examining the anal area for visible worms
• Stool sample analysis: Checking for the presence of worms or eggs in feces
• Microscopic examination: Analyzing collected samples under a microscope

Is the tape test the most effective diagnostic method for pinworms? The tape test, also known as the “scotch tape test” or “cellophane tape test,” is considered one of the most reliable methods for diagnosing pinworm infections. This technique involves applying clear adhesive tape to the anal area in the morning before bathing or using the toilet, as this is when eggs are most likely to be present.

Treatment Options for Pinworm Infections

Once diagnosed, pinworm infections can be effectively treated with various medications and hygiene measures. Prompt treatment is crucial to alleviate symptoms and prevent the spread of infection to others.

Common Treatments for Pinworm Infections

• Antiparasitic medications (e.g., mebendazole, albendazole, or pyrantel pamoate)
• Repeat dosing after 2 weeks to eliminate newly hatched worms
• Treatment of all household members, even if asymptomatic
• Thorough cleaning of living spaces and personal items
• Practicing strict personal hygiene to prevent reinfection

Should all family members be treated for pinworm infection? Yes, it is generally recommended that all household members be treated simultaneously, even if they do not show symptoms. This approach helps break the cycle of reinfection and ensures more effective eradication of the parasites from the household.

Preventing Pinworm Infections: Strategies for Individuals and Communities

Prevention is key in managing pinworm infections, especially in settings where transmission is more likely to occur, such as schools, daycare centers, and crowded living environments. Implementing comprehensive preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of infection and reinfection.

Effective Prevention Strategies

• Regular hand washing, especially before meals and after using the bathroom
• Keeping fingernails short and clean
• Avoiding nail-biting and finger-sucking
• Regularly changing and washing underwear, pajamas, and bedding
• Cleaning and disinfecting shared surfaces and toys
• Educating children about proper hygiene practices
• Encouraging daily showers or baths, focusing on the anal area

How often should bedding and clothing be washed to prevent pinworm transmission? To effectively prevent pinworm transmission, it is recommended to wash bedding, pajamas, and underwear daily in hot water (at least 54°C or 130°F) during active infections. After treatment, maintaining a regular washing schedule with hot water can help prevent reinfection.

Complications and Long-term Effects of Pinworm Infections

While most pinworm infections are relatively harmless and easily treated, in some cases, particularly with heavy infestations or chronic infections, more serious complications can arise. Understanding these potential risks is important for comprehensive management of pinworm infections.

Possible Complications of Severe Pinworm Infections

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
• Vaginal infections or inflammation (vaginitis)
• Inflammation of the uterine lining (endometritis)
• Weight loss in severe cases
• Rare instances of appendicitis
• Secondary bacterial infections from scratching

Can pinworm infections lead to serious health issues in adults? While rare, severe or chronic pinworm infections in adults can potentially lead to more serious health issues, particularly in women. The migration of pinworms to the genital area can cause infections of the reproductive organs, leading to conditions such as vaginitis or endometritis. However, with proper treatment and hygiene practices, these complications are generally avoidable.

Pinworm Infections in Special Populations: Children, Pregnant Women, and Immunocompromised Individuals

Certain groups may be more susceptible to pinworm infections or face unique challenges in treatment and prevention. Understanding the specific considerations for these populations is crucial for effective management of pinworm infections.

Special Considerations for Vulnerable Groups

• Children: Higher risk due to close contact in schools and daycare centers
• Pregnant women: Some treatments may be contraindicated; consult healthcare provider
• Immunocompromised individuals: May experience more severe symptoms or complications
• Elderly in care facilities: Increased risk due to close living conditions

Are pinworm infections more common in children than adults? Yes, pinworm infections are significantly more common in children, particularly those between the ages of 5 and 10. This higher prevalence is due to several factors, including children’s tendency to put their hands in their mouths, close contact during play, and less developed hygiene habits. However, adults, especially parents and caregivers of infected children, can also become infected.

The management of pinworm infections in these special populations often requires a tailored approach. For instance, pregnant women may need to avoid certain antiparasitic medications, while immunocompromised individuals might require more aggressive treatment and monitoring. In all cases, consultation with a healthcare provider is essential to determine the most appropriate and safe course of action.

The Global Impact of Pinworm Infections: Prevalence and Public Health Implications

Pinworm infections are a global health concern, affecting populations across different socioeconomic backgrounds and geographical regions. Understanding the worldwide prevalence and public health implications of these parasitic infections is crucial for developing effective control strategies and allocating resources appropriately.

Global Prevalence and Distribution

• Estimated to affect up to 50% of children in some areas
• More common in temperate regions than tropical climates
• Higher prevalence in developed countries than other intestinal parasites
• Significant economic burden due to healthcare costs and productivity loss

Why are pinworm infections more prevalent in developed countries compared to other intestinal parasites? Pinworm infections tend to be more common in developed countries due to several factors. These include the parasite’s ability to spread easily in close-contact environments like schools and daycare centers, its resistance to many common hygiene practices, and the fact that it doesn’t require an intermediate host or specific environmental conditions to complete its lifecycle. In contrast, many other intestinal parasites are more prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and limited access to clean water.

The global impact of pinworm infections extends beyond individual health concerns. These infections can lead to significant economic costs, including healthcare expenses, lost productivity due to illness or caring for infected family members, and the implementation of prevention programs in schools and communities. Additionally, the psychological impact of pinworm infections, such as social stigma and anxiety, can affect quality of life and mental health, particularly in children.

Public Health Strategies for Pinworm Control

1. Education campaigns on hygiene and prevention
2. Regular screening programs in schools and childcare facilities
3. Improved access to diagnostic tools and treatments
4. Research into more effective and convenient treatment options
5. Integration of pinworm control into broader public health initiatives

Addressing pinworm infections on a global scale requires a multifaceted approach. Public health initiatives focusing on education, prevention, and accessible treatment are essential for reducing the prevalence and impact of these parasitic infections. Collaboration between healthcare providers, educators, and policymakers is crucial for implementing effective strategies to combat pinworm infections worldwide.

Myths and Misconceptions About Pinworm Infections

Despite the prevalence of pinworm infections, there are numerous myths and misconceptions surrounding this parasitic condition. Addressing these misconceptions is crucial for promoting accurate understanding and effective management of pinworm infections.

Common Myths About Pinworms

• Myth: Pinworms are only found in dirty environments
• Myth: Pets can transmit pinworms to humans
• Myth: Pinworm infections always cause visible symptoms
• Myth: Over-the-counter remedies are always effective in treating pinworms
• Myth: Once treated, you can’t get pinworms again

Can pets transmit pinworms to humans? Contrary to popular belief, pets do not transmit pinworms to humans. Pinworms are host-specific, meaning they only infect humans. The pinworms found in animals are different species and do not cause infections in people. However, pets can potentially carry human pinworm eggs on their fur if they come into contact with contaminated surfaces, indirectly contributing to transmission.

Dispelling these myths is essential for promoting accurate information and encouraging appropriate prevention and treatment strategies. Education plays a crucial role in combating misinformation and ensuring that individuals and communities take effective measures to prevent and manage pinworm infections.

Emerging Research and Future Directions in Pinworm Management

As with many areas of medical research, the field of parasitology is constantly evolving, with new studies and technologies offering potential improvements in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of pinworm infections. Staying informed about these developments is crucial for healthcare providers and public health officials.

Areas of Ongoing Research and Development

• Novel diagnostic techniques for faster and more accurate detection
• Development of new antiparasitic drugs with improved efficacy and fewer side effects
• Investigation of natural and alternative remedies for pinworm infections
• Studies on the potential long-term health impacts of chronic pinworm infections
• Research into environmental control measures to reduce pinworm egg survival

What promising new treatments for pinworm infections are currently being researched? While current treatments for pinworm infections are generally effective, researchers are exploring new options to improve efficacy and patient compliance. Some promising areas of research include the development of single-dose treatments that eliminate the need for repeat dosing, topical treatments that can be applied directly to the anal area, and probiotic therapies that may help prevent reinfection by modulating the gut microbiome.

As research progresses, it’s likely that we will see advancements in both the prevention and treatment of pinworm infections. These developments may lead to more effective public health strategies, reduced transmission rates, and improved quality of life for those affected by these common parasites.

In conclusion, while pinworm infections remain a common and persistent public health issue, ongoing research and improved understanding of these parasites continue to enhance our ability to prevent, diagnose, and treat these infections effectively. By staying informed about the latest developments and maintaining good hygiene practices, individuals and communities can work together to reduce the impact of pinworm infections on global health.

Pinworm infection – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Pinworm infection is the most common type of intestinal worm infection in the United States and one of the most common worldwide. Pinworms are thin and white, measuring about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 13 millimeters) in length.

Pinworm

An adult pinworm generally is 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 13 millimeters) in length. The most common symptom of infection is anal itching, particularly at night, as worms migrate to the host’s anal area to lay their eggs.

While the infected person sleeps, female pinworms lay thousands of eggs in the folds of skin surrounding the anus. Most people infected with pinworms have no symptoms, but some people experience anal itching and restless sleep.

Pinworm infection occurs most often in school-age children, and the tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread from child to child. Treatment involves oral drugs that kill the pinworms and thorough washing of pajamas, bedding and underwear. For best results, the entire family should be treated.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of pinworm infection may include:

• Itching of the anal or vaginal area
• Insomnia, irritability, teeth grinding and restlessness
• Occasional stomach pain and nausea

Pinworms often cause no symptoms.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you have severe anal itching, especially at night.

Causes

Accidentally swallowing or breathing in pinworm eggs causes a pinworm infection. The tiny (microscopic) eggs can be carried to your mouth by contaminated food, drink or your fingers. Once swallowed, the eggs hatch in the intestines and mature into adult worms within a few weeks.

Female pinworms move to the anal area to lay their eggs, which often results in anal itching. When you scratch the itchy area, the eggs cling to your fingers and get under your fingernails. The eggs then get transferred to other surfaces, such as toys, bedding or toilet seats. The eggs can also be transferred from contaminated fingers to food, liquids, clothes or other people.

Pinworm eggs can survive for two to three weeks on surfaces.

Risk factors

Risk factors for pinworm infection include:

• Being young. Pinworm infections are most likely to occur in children ages 5 to 10. The tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread to family members, caregivers, or other children at school or child care centers. Pinworm infections are uncommon in children younger than age 2.
• Living in crowded spaces. People who live in institutions are at higher risk of developing pinworm infections.

Complications

Typical pinworm infections don’t cause serious problems. In rare circumstances, heavy infestations can cause infection of female genitals.

The parasite can travel from the anal area up the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes and around the pelvic organs. This can cause problems such as inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis) and inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometritis).

Although rare, other complications of a pinworm infection may include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Weight loss
• Infection of part of the abdomen (peritoneal cavity)

Prevention

Pinworm eggs can cling to surfaces, including toys, faucets, bedding and toilet seats, for two weeks. So besides regular cleaning of surfaces, methods to help prevent the spread of pinworm eggs or to prevent reinfection include:

• Wash in the morning. Because pinworms lay their eggs at night, washing the anal area in the morning can help reduce the number of pinworm eggs on your body. Showering may help avoid possible re-contamination in bath water.
• Change underwear and bedding daily. This helps remove eggs.
• Launder in hot water. Wash bedsheets, pajamas, underwear, washcloths and towels in hot water to help kill pinworm eggs. Dry on high heat.
• Don’t scratch. Avoid scratching the anal area. Trim your child’s fingernails so there’s less space for eggs to collect. Suggest that your child avoid biting his or her nails.
• Wash your hands. To reduce your risk of getting or spreading an infection, wash your hands well after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before eating.

Pinworm infection – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Pinworm infection is the most common type of intestinal worm infection in the United States and one of the most common worldwide. Pinworms are thin and white, measuring about 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 13 millimeters) in length.

Pinworm

An adult pinworm generally is 1/4 to 1/2 inch (about 6 to 13 millimeters) in length. The most common symptom of infection is anal itching, particularly at night, as worms migrate to the host’s anal area to lay their eggs.

While the infected person sleeps, female pinworms lay thousands of eggs in the folds of skin surrounding the anus. Most people infected with pinworms have no symptoms, but some people experience anal itching and restless sleep.

Pinworm infection occurs most often in school-age children, and the tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread from child to child. Treatment involves oral drugs that kill the pinworms and thorough washing of pajamas, bedding and underwear. For best results, the entire family should be treated.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of pinworm infection may include:

• Itching of the anal or vaginal area
• Insomnia, irritability, teeth grinding and restlessness
• Occasional stomach pain and nausea

Pinworms often cause no symptoms.

When to see a doctor

Consult your doctor if you have severe anal itching, especially at night.

Causes

Accidentally swallowing or breathing in pinworm eggs causes a pinworm infection. The tiny (microscopic) eggs can be carried to your mouth by contaminated food, drink or your fingers. Once swallowed, the eggs hatch in the intestines and mature into adult worms within a few weeks.

Female pinworms move to the anal area to lay their eggs, which often results in anal itching. When you scratch the itchy area, the eggs cling to your fingers and get under your fingernails. The eggs then get transferred to other surfaces, such as toys, bedding or toilet seats. The eggs can also be transferred from contaminated fingers to food, liquids, clothes or other people.

Pinworm eggs can survive for two to three weeks on surfaces.

Risk factors

Risk factors for pinworm infection include:

• Being young. Pinworm infections are most likely to occur in children ages 5 to 10. The tiny (microscopic) eggs are easily spread to family members, caregivers, or other children at school or child care centers. Pinworm infections are uncommon in children younger than age 2.
• Living in crowded spaces. People who live in institutions are at higher risk of developing pinworm infections.

Complications

Typical pinworm infections don’t cause serious problems. In rare circumstances, heavy infestations can cause infection of female genitals.

The parasite can travel from the anal area up the vagina to the uterus, fallopian tubes and around the pelvic organs. This can cause problems such as inflammation of the vagina (vaginitis) and inflammation of the inner lining of the uterus (endometritis).

Although rare, other complications of a pinworm infection may include:

• Urinary tract infections
• Weight loss
• Infection of part of the abdomen (peritoneal cavity)

Prevention

Pinworm eggs can cling to surfaces, including toys, faucets, bedding and toilet seats, for two weeks. So besides regular cleaning of surfaces, methods to help prevent the spread of pinworm eggs or to prevent reinfection include:

• Wash in the morning. Because pinworms lay their eggs at night, washing the anal area in the morning can help reduce the number of pinworm eggs on your body. Showering may help avoid possible re-contamination in bath water.
• Change underwear and bedding daily. This helps remove eggs.
• Launder in hot water. Wash bedsheets, pajamas, underwear, washcloths and towels in hot water to help kill pinworm eggs. Dry on high heat.
• Don’t scratch. Avoid scratching the anal area. Trim your child’s fingernails so there’s less space for eggs to collect. Suggest that your child avoid biting his or her nails.
• Wash your hands. To reduce your risk of getting or spreading an infection, wash your hands well after using the toilet or changing a diaper and before eating.

Anal itching – health articles

11/10/2022

Anal itching – a condition characterized by unrelieved persistent itching in the anus and is a clinical symptom of many proctological diseases. However, quite often in patients suffering from anal itching, intestinal diseases are not detected.

In order to identify the causes of anal itching, laboratory (study of perianal scraping, feces for helminth eggs, blood glucose) and instrumental diagnostics (anoscopy, sigmoidoscopy) are carried out. The algorithm for eliminating anal itching involves conservative or surgical treatment of the underlying pathology, the use of local remedies, and physiotherapeutic procedures.

Causes

The most likely causes of itching in the anus are:

• Worm infestation with pinworms. The presence of worms in humans is accompanied by severe itching around the anus. This symptom is most pronounced in the evening and at night. Most often, pinworms are found in young children who neglect the rules of personal hygiene and can become infected with helminthic invasion in the village, playing in the sandbox, as well as from unwashed vegetables and fruits.
• Anorectovaginal diseases: anal fissures, hemorrhoids, fistulas, genital warts and anogenital warts.
• Dermatological diseases. Anal itching is one of the main symptoms of head lice, scabies, lichen planus, seborrheic eczema, psoriasis, eczema, mycotic skin lesions and various allergic dermatitis.
• Microorganisms, bacteria and fungi. Itching of the anus usually accompanies such parasitic diseases as taeniasis, amoebiasis, giardiasis, opisthorchiasis, etc. In some cases, this symptom also occurs with gonorrheal-trichomonas infection.
• Itching in the anus can be caused by diseases of the stomach and intestinal tract: ulcers, hypo- and hyperacid gastritis, polyposis, dysbacteriosis, colitis, dyskinesia.
• Internal diseases (diseases of the liver and pancreas, diabetes mellitus, oncological pathology, intoxication).
• Contact dermatitis – allergic reactions to topical application of ointments, deodorants, soaps and washing powders.
• Poor personal hygiene, use of coarse toilet paper, frequent shaving of the hair around the anus, stale underwear, underwear made of synthetic fabrics, or wearing thongs with coarse seams.

In some cases, the cause of itching in the anus is the use of antibiotics, especially erythromycin and tetracycline drugs. The risk group for the occurrence of the disease also includes people who are overweight or sweat excessively.

Symptoms

The main symptom of the disease is constant itching in the anus, which increases at night and on contact with clothing. With a long course of the disease, the skin around the anus turns red, covered with scratches, coarsens over time or, conversely, becomes thinner, and it is easy to injure it.

Diagnosis

Despite the fact that the symptoms manifest themselves quite clearly, it is possible to talk about what problem caused it and what needs to be done next only after consulting a specialist, namely a proctologist, who will conduct a series of studies and prescribe tests, based on the results of which he will make an accurate and correct diagnosis.

In addition, a number of tests are prescribed:

• Scraping. According to this analysis, it is possible to say for sure whether the presence of worms is the cause of itching. In the event that it is positive, then the doctor will direct you to pass the feces for the presence of worm eggs in it.
• Blood sugar test. It is very important to donate blood for sugar, since in a few percent of cases the reason lies precisely in this. Before passing the analysis, it is advisable not to eat in the evening, as well as in the morning. It is allowed to drink only water and then in small quantities
• Bacteriological analysis of feces. This analysis will be prescribed to the patient if, in addition to itching in the anus, he is also tormented by loose stools that do not stop for more than three days (taking into account taking drugs to strengthen it).
• Irrigoscopy and sigmoidoscopy, which are prescribed when the doctor suspected problems with the rectum.
• Ultrasound examination of the prostate in men.
• Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs in the event that, in addition to itching, nausea and occasional vomiting are constantly tormented.
• Gastroscopy when there are problems with digestion.

Women also need to consult a gynecologist.

Treatment

Daily hygiene procedures are recommended as a preventive measure and to reduce the discomfort of the patient with anal itching, after a bowel movement, wet antibacterial wipes or cool running water can be used to clean the skin around the anus, it is better to give preference to loose underwear made of natural fabrics, which is well permeable air.

In difficult cases, the doctor may prescribe glucocorticosteroid hormones, treatment of the itchy area with corticosteroid ointments, cooling water-alcohol solutions with anesthesin, menthol, lidocaine, novocaine, soothing suppositories.

It is necessary to exclude: spicy food, which can contribute to the production of a secret that causes irritation of the skin and mucous membranes of the anus. Avoid stress, as skin itching can be the result of a general neuro-emotional overstrain.

Based on the results of the examination and the determination of the cause of anal itching, a course of drug treatment is prescribed. Medicines can be applied intravenously, orally, and topically to the inflamed area.

symptoms, treatment – health articles

11/10/2022

Worms are worms that lead a parasitic way of life in the body of their host – a man. Age doesn’t matter. Both adults and children are equally susceptible to infection. The classification of helminthiases is very extensive, especially in countries with a hot climate.

There are 3 classes of parasitic worms:

• round (nematodes) – pinworms, roundworms;
• tape (cestodes) – pork tapeworm, bovine tapeworm, echinococcus;
• flatworms, flukes (trematodes).

The most common worms in children are pinworms that cause enterobiasis . These are helminths of small size, on average up to 1 cm, white-gray in color with a curved body. The place of localization of these parasites is the large intestine, but they can also penetrate into the lower sections of the small intestine. Reproduction of pinworms occurs on the skin near the anus. At night, female pinworms get out to debug eggs in the folds of the skin, often penetrating the labia in girls, which ends with infectious diseases of the genitals. In total, these helminths live for about 1-1.5 months. The process of self-infection in a child can lead to the fact that the malaise will continue for many years. Parasites can be detected with the naked eye in the stool.

Another type of worm most commonly found in children is roundworm . Characteristic species, reaching a length of 15 cm, these nematodes settle in the lumen of the loops of the small intestine, advancing towards the moving food bolus. In the feces, roundworms are very rare. Females periodically release eggs, which can be found in the analysis of feces. But if they were not found during the study, this does not mean that the child is not infected. The life cycle of roundworm can last several years.

Causes

The child’s curiosity is realized by his fingers, the child, learning the world, actively touches everything that comes to his hand and immediately puts it into his mouth, testing for strength and taste. Thus, pinworm eggs safely enter the digestive tract of their future little host.

A child becomes infected with worm eggs from the surface of unwashed fruits when drinking contaminated water. Very often, infection occurs when communicating with animals, or when playing in the ground, a sandbox, where cats and dogs like to solve their physiological problems. After a walk, children often do not wash their hands, and all the dirt, along with parasitic eggs, gets into their mouths.

Symptoms of worms

How can you tell if a child has worms? If the child was infected with a large number of eggs of parasitic worms, then after a few days a sharp deterioration in the condition may occur. In milder cases, the first symptoms of invasion appear after a few weeks or even months. Much depends on immunity. It can quite cope with parasites and restrain their development. But gradually the defenses are reduced, and the helminths infect the body, causing serious problems.

The first signs of worms are symptoms of poisoning (intoxication). The vital activity of worms is accompanied by the release of a large number of animal toxins that can poison the child’s body. In the intestines, parasitic worms use nutrients, as a result of which the baby gradually becomes deficient in proteins, carbohydrates, fats and vitamins.

The child develops:

• emaciation,
• pale skin,
• weakness, frequent dizziness,
• rise in body temperature, headache,
• bad dream,
• tearfulness,
• depressed mood.

Manifested intestinal ailments – constipation, loose stools, rumbling and pain in the abdomen, bouts of nausea and vomiting, pain in different parts of the abdomen, bloating. The disease may be accompanied by allergic conditions: itching, rashes, cough, inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. Weakened immunity leads to the addition of infectious diseases.

Diagnosis and treatment of helminthiasis

Diagnosis of helminthiasis by feces is quite difficult. This is due to the fact that ascaris or pinworm eggs do not appear in the feces every day, and the technique of microscopy of smears from the analysis requires great care. To increase reliability, it is desirable to take a stool test for worm eggs for at least 3 days in a row.

In cases of increased risk of infection with worms (contact with animals, the child’s playing on the ground or in open sandboxes, the child’s habit of taking things in his mouth, biting his nails or licking his fingers, etc.), it is advisable to undergo an in-depth examination, which includes, in addition to a threefold analysis of feces special blood tests that detect antibodies to helminths.

In the presence of allergic manifestations of unknown origin, an increase in the number of eosinophils in the blood test, persistent intestinal dysbacteriosis, it is advisable to donate blood for the determination of class E immunoglobulins (Ig E and G) to ascaris and other helminths.