Infections of parasitic roundworms are fairly common throughout the world. They are more popular in poverty-stricken areas, but in fact, they can cause health problems just about anywhere. School-age children are particularly at risk for roundworms. They can have a devastating effect on kids' health, leading to malnutrition and developmental conditions.
Considerations
Roundworms can live in the intestines of humans and can cause many health problems. This is especially true in children: roundworms consume important nutrients that the children need to grow and thrive.
Roundworms range in size from spaghetti-width to those that doctors can only view under a microscope.
Roundworm-related diseases are more common in milder climates, so if you live in where the weather is warm, it's essential to educate yourself and your children about roundworms.
Causes
Most parasitic roundworm eggs enter a child's body when the child unknowingly transfers them from their hands to their mouths, usually through contact with infested soil or an infested pet. Roundworm eggs can also enter the body via the skin.
Most roundworm-related diseases can be traced to poor hygiene, a contaminated water supply, poor sanitation, and/or overcrowded conditions in which people do not have ready access to medical care. This said, roundworms are more common in impoverished areas.
Types
There is a variety of diseases related to roundworms: Ascariasis is perhaps the most common. It causes up to 60,000 deaths each year. Hookworm disease is common in impoverished countries with poor sanitation. Pinworm infection is the most common roundworm-related disease In the United States, affecting mostly school age children. Strongyloidiasis is common occurs in rural areas, institutional settings, and among lower socioeconomic group. Trichinosis can be traced to eating undercooked meats. Finally, whipworm disease affects the large intestine.
Diagnosis/Treatment
Initially, roundworm infections usually produce no symptoms or mild symptoms. As egg-laying worms move around the anus, they can cause itching of the anus and/or vagina. This can be severe at times, and may even disrupt a child's sleep.
Doctors diagnose roundworm infections by swabbing the anal area and then reviewing the specimen under a microscope. They will usually prescribe mebendazole or pyrantel pamoate to treat the infection. They might also prescribe an anti-itching cream.
Prevention/Solution
Preventing roundworms is possible via good hygiene and education. Since roundworms are easily spread, you can prevent an infection by bathing your children often, and teaching them to wash their hands often, especially after using the toilet. Children should also wear clean underwear, pajamas, and sleep on clean sheets.
It's also important to teach your children not to kiss pets on the mouth and to wash their hands after handling animals.
Tags: their hands, your children, common impoverished, health problems, more common
