There are well over 100 types of worms that can infest humans, affecting different parts of the body. Symptoms vary depending on the type of infestation and therefore understanding the symptoms of each can lead to identification and treatment. A specific diagnosis can be obtained by your GP through a faeces sample or through a perianal swab, which will be tested for the presence of eggs. Homeopathic treatment does not need such a diagnosis in order to treat worm infestation. All types of worms are treated according to the individuals symptoms rather than clinical ones.
Of these many species of worms, there are 4 in particular that are problematic in children and in the Western world. These are:
Threadworms
These are shiny-white, tiny worms that grow to 2 cm long and live in the small and large intestine. The females lay their eggs in the creases of the rectum. This causes irritation and itching of the anus and occasional intestinal/abdominal discomfort. They exist in clusters or appear as rolled up bundles and are distinguished by their white, thread-like appearance. They also move very quickly. Apart from the initial symptoms of itching and redness of the anus/genitals, thread worm infestation can lead to abscess formation in the anus, disinclination to eat, nausea, diarrhoea, disturbed sleep and foul breath. In severe cases appendicitis and inflammation of the bowel may occur. A vicious cycle of reinfestation can occur if your child scratches their anus then puts their fingers in their mouth or they come into contact with an infected child who has not washed their hands.
Hookworms
This variety of worms enter the body via the skin, with a higher incidence in children who walk bare-footed. These worms are very tiny measuring up to 18mm in length and up to 1mm in diameter. The eggs are oval, segmented and thickly cased. When the larvae come in contact with the skin, they bore their way into the blood stream and travel to the heart and lungs. When they reach the intestines, they live on blood, which often results in anaemia. Initial infestation can sometimes be detected by a small amount of bleeding General weakness/tiredness may also be observed in your child as well as a bloated abdomen.
Tapeworms
There are 2 types of tapeworm found in children, one derived from beef & the other from pork. Infestation occurs from consuming either if these meats that have been poorly cooked. Cows and pigs ingest the eggs of tapeworms through grass or water and the resulting larvae embed themselves in the tissues of these animals and can exist there for many years. The adult tapeworm takes about 2-3 months to mature in the intestines of children who have eaten the undercooked meat of the host animal. The appearance of these worms is white, slightly flattened & segmented. The neck & body are thin in comparison to the head, which is rounded, with 4 suckers and 2 rows of hooks. These worms are capable of continuous life unless the head is destroyed & removed. Symptoms of tapeworm infestation in children include gastrointestinal problems, reduced or ravenous appetite, diarrhoea & colicky pains. Severe cases can lead to visual disturbances, convulsions or anaemia.
Roundworms
Round worms are similar to earth worms in appearance but are paler in colour. Adult females can grow to 20 cm in length and males to an even more staggering 40cm. They live primarily in the small intestine and may travel up to the stomach or down to the rectum and are excreted in stools. The eggs are also excreted in faeces, appearing as yellow oval shaped particles with a thick outer shell. The larvae hatch from the eggs in the intestine, then penetrate the blood vessels through the mucous membranes of the intestines, circulate in the blood steam and are finally carried to the lungs and throat. It takes around 75 days for this cycle to be completed. Apart from poor hygiene and eating unwashed fruit and vegetables, coughing can spread roundworms. If your child has a cough for no apparent reason, it is possible that roundworm larvae may be irritating the lining of the lungs. Other signs and symptoms of roundworm infestation include nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, constipation or diarrhoea, abdominal pain and dizziness or faintness. General weakness/tiredness may also be observed in your child as well as a bloated abdomen.
Prevention
Hygiene is of the upmost importance in the eradication and elimination of worms. Encourage your child to wash their hands after going to the toilet, after sleep/naps (children usually scratch their anus during sleep) and before meals.
· Ensure that raw fruits and vegetables are washed and meats cooked thoroughly.
· Discourage children form biting their nails to prevent re-infestation.
· Ensure your child wears shoes when playing outdoors.
· If your child seems to have a pre-disposition to or recurrent infestation of worm, limit their intake of acidic fruit as worms thrive in an acidic environment. Children who eat high amounts of sugary and fatty foods, are more likely to have a worm friendly internal environment.
· Children affected by roundworms should have an increased amount of protein in their diet to counteract the depletion of protein caused by the worms.
· Children affected by Hookworm need increased amounts of iron, either dietary or commercial liquid form. Supplementation with iron can be detrimental to your child’s health if not required by the body, but the chances are they will be lacking iron if hookworms are present. Only supplement your child’s diet with iron tonics once you are sure they arte deficient. A naturopath or nutritionist can detect iron deficiency.
Treatment
· In most cases, your child’s constitutional medicine is best preventative and treatment for children with worms. The constitutional medicine can be identified by a thorough consultation with a Homeopath.
· Cina is the most renowned Homeopathic medicine for worm prevention and treatment. It could be considered a good “all round” worming remedy, much like Arnica for bruising. Dosage is dependant on whether the individual has a worm infestation (treatment regime) or not (prevention regime). If one or more members of the family are symptomatic and therefore require treatment, unaffected members (including pets) should receive preventative doses.
· Treatment doses: I dose of Cina twice a day for 5 consecutive days.
· Prevention doses: 1 dose per day for 5 consecutive days.
· Cina can be used sporadically throughout the year (i.e. every 3,6, or 12 months – depending on susceptibility) as a “blanket” preventative measure against worms.
· It is important to wash all bed and bath linen and clothing of the individual/s with worms daily until treatment and subsequent relief has been obtained
By Rachael Gleeson
