Intestinal Parasites in Children

Because children are more likely than adults to put dirty hands in their mouths, they are also more likely to be infected with intestinal parasites, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Children may ingest soil containing the parasites or put an object contaminated with infected soil in their mouths. Some types of parasites will burrow through bare skin and children are more likely to be outdoors without shoes, leading to their increased likelihood of being infected with intestinal parasites.

Types

• Two main types of intestinal parasites infect children. Helminthes are worms such as tapeworms, pinworms, whipworms, hookworms and roundworms. Examples of protozoa that are intestinal parasites are giardia and cryptosporidium. Children are infected in various ways, and different types of intestinal parasites may use different methods of infection. Once inside their human hosts, some parasites reproduce and live out their life cycles within the child's intestines, while others lay eggs that pass out of the child's body in the stool.

Symptoms

• Many times, children with intestinal parasite infections will not exhibit any symptoms. If the infestation becomes severe, symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas, bloating, bloody stool, mucus in the stool, rash around the anus, itching around the anus, a tenderness or pain in the stomach, fatigue and weight loss. Occasionally, a worm will be passed in the stool. The parasites can also cause malnutrition in children. If an infestation is left untreated, it could even lead to stunted growth and mental retardation.

Diagnosis

• If you take your child to a physician because you suspect that she is infected with intestinal parasites, the doctor will likely follow the physical examination with a fecal test. You will be asked to collect three to five stool samples from the child. The samples will be examined under microscope for evidence of parasitic eggs. The "Scotch tape" test may also used. This test identifies pinworms. The tape is touched to the anus several times and then examined under a microscope for the presence of eggs. In rare instances, X-rays may be necessary for diagnosis.

Treatment

• Treatment depends on what type of parasite is infecting the child. Various medications are available. Mebendazole is used to treat roundworms, hookworms and pinworms. Thiabendazole is used to treat threadworms and Metronidazole is for treatment of giardiasis. Albendazole is used to treat giardia. Other common medications prescribed for intestinal parasites include Diethylcarbamazine, Ivermectin and Praziquantel. Depending upon the type of parasite, it may also be recommended that you wash your child's bedding and disinfect his bedroom.

Prevention/Solution

• The best way to prevent intestinal parasites in children is to teach them to practice good sanitation and hygiene. Children should be taught to wash their hands after using the bathroom or playing and to wash their hands before eating. Keeping children's nails cut short and teaching them to not put their hands in their mouths can also help prevent infection. It may also help to teach children about intestinal parasites and how they are contracted. Knowing why they should not put their hands and other objects in their mouths may encourage them to practice better hygiene. Children should also be required to wear shoes when outdoors.