What Are the Treatments for Intestinal Parasites in Children?

Intestinal parasites are very small organisms that feed off of the intestinal tract of their host. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center an individual who develops intestinal parasites may or may not experience symptoms such as stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, gas and bloating, bloody stool or stool with mucus, weight loss or fatigue. Children are particularly susceptible to intestinal parasites. Since parasites consume nutrients within the child's intestinal tract it is important that a child that is identified as having intestinal parasites be treated right away. Treatments for intestinal parasites in children vary depending on the type of parasite the child has.

Treatment for Pinworm

• According to American Family Physician over 30 percent of children throughout the world are affected by Pin worm. The size of a Pin worm is between 2 mm and 13 mm. Pin worm is passed through fecal matter. The most common treatment for a child with Pin worm is one dose of the medication Vermox containing Mebendazole.

Treatment for "G. lambia"

• "Giardia lambia" is another type of intestinal parasite seen in the United States that causes gastrointestinal problems. "G. lambia" is spread through fecal matter and sometimes through food that is raw or not cooked long enough. An infection from this parasite can result in malnourishment. Children infected with "G. lambia" must take 400 mg of the medication Albendazole once a day for five days.

Hookworm

• Hookworm can be transmitted through pores, skin or hair follicles. Hookworms feed on the blood and nutrition of the host and in children can sometimes lead to physical or mental retardation. Treatment for hookworm occurs in two parts. A child with hookworm will first take one dose of 400 mg of Albendazole. The child will then take 100 mg of Mabendazole twice daily for three days. He will be put on iron supplements to make up for blood loss to the parasite. If blood loss is extreme the child may need to be given packed red blood cells.

Treatment for "E. histolytica"

• "E. histolytica" is an intestinal parasite that is spread through fecal matter. "E. histolytica" is a dangerous parasite that can spread to the liver, lungs and brain if left untreated. It also can cause bleeding intestinal ulcers and colitis. Treatment for "E. histolytica" in children includes treatment with a luminal amebicide and a tissue amebicide for 10 to 20 days depending on which drugs are chosen.

Preventing Intestinal Parasites in Children

• While treatment of intestinal parasites in children is possible once a child is infected, a child should be taught some preventative measure to avoid contracting intestinal parasites to begin with. Proper hygiene is key. Children should wash their hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom or playing in the dirt. Fruits and vegetables should be washed before consumption to avoid parasitic transmission.