What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Parasites in Children?

Children with parasites may or may not experience symptoms, depending on the type of worm and severity of the infestation. Parasites can go unnoticed for years, or they can cause immediate distressing symptoms such as bloating and abdominal pain. Children are usually infected by parasites from contaminated food and water.

Abdominal Pain

• The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that abdominal pain is a common symptom associated with parasites. A child will often hold his stomach and cry out in pain several times a day if he has parasites. Parents may confuse parasites for food allergies. If you eliminate suspected offending foods, such as milk and eggs, and your child is still suffering, take him to see a doctor right away.

Gas and Bloating

• Gas and bloating are other signs of parasites in children. Children who experience these symptoms sometimes suffer from fatigue or lethargy because the parasites are leeching nutrients from their body. The level of fatigue depends on how significant the infestation is. Your child may have foul smelling gas and develop a distended abdomen.

Weight Loss

• Weight loss is another sign of parasites, according to the Maryland Medical Center. Children with parasites may become malnourished because parasites are feeding off of the nutrients from food that enters their body. Some parasites are more aggressive than others. If your child is losing weight and feeling tired, this may be from a severe infestation. Examine your child's stool for signs of white rice-like worms, but keep in mind that some parasites are microscopic and are invisible to the naked eye.

Diarrhea

• Diarrhea is another symptom associated with children who have parasites. Children with worms have persistent diarrhea and loose stools. The Centers for Disease Control advises parents to teach their children the importance of hand washing before and after meals, as well as after using the toilet.