Introduction
Ascariasis is a parasitic infection caused by Ascaris lumbricoides, known as the roundworm, that gets involved frequently in the intestines. It is a common condition, particularly among children, more so in places where proper sanitation and hygiene are not practiced. Depending on the number of worms present in the body and the condition of the child, ascariasis may be mild or serious. The causes, types, symptoms, and treatments mentioned would help one in the prevention and management of this condition.
Causes of Ascariasis in Children
Ascariasis is acquired mainly through ingestion of the Ascaris eggs that are present either in soiled soil, water, or food. Poor sanitation habits and poor hygiene make children prone to the disease. The major causes include:
Contaminated Soil: Ascaris eggs are found in soils contaminated with human feces. Children within a play or outdoor environment may accidentally ingest the eggs while touching contaminated soil and having their hands enter mouths that aren’t washed subsequently.
Unwashed Fruits and Vegetables: Food produced on contaminated soil may have Ascaris eggs. If unwashed fruits and vegetables are eaten, infection occurs.
Contaminated Water: In regions with inadequate sanitation, water itself might be infected with Ascaris eggs, which may cause ascariasis if consumed by drinking it or by getting in contact with it.
Poor hygiene habits: small children often play in the dirt or insert inanimate objects into their mouths, making them vulnerable to the infection. It is also a primary route of transmission if children are not made to wash their hands before eating or after defecation.
Ascariasis does not have kinds because of the varieties of the worms; it merely varies with the site and severity where the infection has occurred in the body. Ascariasis can typically be classified into two major types according to the site of the worms:
Intestinal Ascariasis: It is the most common type. With adult worms dwelling and breeding in the child’s intestine, it comes manifest with mild abdominal discomfort, nausea, or an enlarged abdomen, especially with light worm loads.
Ascariasis Migration: The larvae may migrate through the blood stream to other organs; this is usually seen to the lungs. Respiratory symptoms in children are manifest if the worm load is very high. Migration may lead to more serious complications and thus pneumonia in the lungs.
Side effects and complications of ascariasis
In mild cases, ascariasis can be asymptomatic but can produce different symptoms and lead to complications as the numbers of worms increase, especially in young children. Some of its common side effects include:
Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Abdominal pain and discomfort. The presence of worms in the intestine will cause cramping and discomfort mostly in the navel area.
Nausea and Loss of Appetite: Infected children tend to be less interested in eating and lead to nausea that can cause significant weight loss and malnutrition in due course.
Diarrhea and Vomiting: The infestation may sometimes be serious by creating several digestive issues like diarrhea and vomiting that lead to dehydration.
Respiratory Symptoms: Some larvae penetrate the lungs and cause respiratory symptoms such as asthma or pneumonia, coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath, and fever.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Chronic infections, particularly with a heavy worm infestation, may impair nutrient uptake, leading to malnutrition, deficiency of vitamins, and growth impairment in children.
Intestinal Obstruction: In extreme situations, the large number of worms that collected inside could cause blockage in the intestines, leading to abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. This is a medical emergency and may need surgery.
Delayed Development: Children suffering from chronic ascariasis have a prolonged development that is limited as compared to other children because of continuous nutritional deficiencies and poor health.
Ascariasis Treatment in Children
Ascariasis treatment mainly includes medication to remove the worms and preventive reinfection methods. The most common treatments include:
Antiparasitic Medications:
Albendazole: Albendazole is given in most cases to kill the adult worms that reside in the intestines. Ideally, one dose should be very effective, although a healthcare provider will consider the severity of an infection and may advise a second dose.
Mebendazole: This drug is another broadly available drug that is taken for 1-3 days to remove worms. Mebendazole is safe for most children as its side effects are extremely minimal.
Ivermectin: Although this is a broad-spectrum antiparasitic, ivermectin is employed in rare situations, mostly when the worms have migrated out of the intestinal tract. One should only get a prescription from a physician.
Symptomatic Treatment:
Pain Killers: Stomach pains may be suggested with over-the-counter pain killers. However, those must be taken strictly on prescription from a healthcare provider.
Nutritional Support: Ascariasis-infected children may be advised to have a well-balanced diet and possibly vitamin supplements.
Hospitalization: Hospitalization is inevitable in cases of serious complications, including intestinal obstruction or respiratory signs. Intestinal obstruction requires surgical intervention, and patients who present with respiratory signs should be followed up closely and treated promptly to avoid serious complications.
Preventive measures for Ascariasis
Sanitation and hygiene primarily serve as the basis for preventing ascariasis, especially in areas where it is rampant. Effective measures against prevention are:
Hand Hygiene and Sanitation: Children should be taught the way to hand wash properly with soap and water before eating and after playing outdoors, which significantly reduces infections among children.
Proper Peeling and Washing of Fruits and Vegetables: Insecticides and pesticides were not used on fruits and vegetables or peeled before consumption guarantees that eggs from Ascaris are removed.
Boiling Drinking Water: Provision of clean drinking water and ensuring boiling of water in areas where contamination may be present can ensure that ascariasis does not occur.
Sanitary Practice: Improvement in the standard of sanitation facilities, such as ensuring proper waste disposal, reduces the spread of Ascaris eggs from the environment.
Conclusion
Ascariasis is a highly common parasitic infection in children, especially in low-sanitary and hygienic areas. Ascariasis or ascariasis can be properly managed and prevented if one understands the causes, types, side effects, and treatment available.
It has been proven that antiparasitic drugs like albendazole and mebendazole have been proven effective for the treatment of ascariasis, but high sanitation and proper hygiene reduce the chances of infection significantly. Parents and caregivers can prevent children from getting ascariasis and its complications if they know the symptoms and take preventive measures accordingly.
