Infestations caused by worms are a common health problem among children, particularly in countries where conditions are poor sanitation and poor hygiene. These gut parasites, roundworms, pinworms, and hookworms can quietly interfere with a child's nutrient absorption, growth, and immune function. That is why deworming medicine for kids is a must in paediatric treatment.
In addition to medications, natural treatments and diet changes can aid in improved health. Here, we discuss the why, when, and how of deworming children and also share information on natural deworming options for children, as well as foods to exclude afterwards to ensure maximum recovery and prevention.
Deworming is the term used for the removal of intestinal worms from the body through medication. The goal is to stop the parasites from feeding off the child’s nutrients and damaging the gut. Infestations caused by worms, if left without treatment, can result in malnutrition, iron deficiency anaemia, stunted growth, and impaired immunity.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends regular deworming drugs for children in high-risk communities, especially where soil-transmitted helminths are prevalent. Paediatricians advise starting deworming after one year of age and repeating every six months thereafter.
Children over the age of one should ideally be dewormed every six months, as paediatricians and international health guidelines recommend. You may want to deworm your child earlier if you notice these symptoms:
These signs tend to indicate worm infestation and call for early intervention with an effective deworming medication for children.
Two of the most widely used and safe medications for deworming children are:
Both of these drugs are over-the-counter and prescription-dependent drugs, depending on the country. A single dose can be adequate, but a repeated dose could be given in certain situations. Even though these drugs are mostly safe, always go through your paediatrician before giving any deworming medication to children, particularly those below two years or those with health conditions.
Most parents look for home remedies that induce natural deworming for kids as a complementary or alternative method to medicines. Though the remedies do work in preventing gut disturbances, they must not substitute professional treatment in critical situations.
Some of the good natural remedies are:
Before attempting natural deworming in children, consult your paediatrician for dosages suitable for the age group and to prevent any side effects.
After deworming, the gut needs time to heal and clear toxins. Some foods delay this process or result in discomfort. Some foods to avoid after deworming include:
Avoiding these foods post-deworming enables the medicine to function effectively and allows the gut to recover.
Supportive nutrition is important in order to restore energy and nutrition in your child after deworming. The following should be included:
Worm infestations tend to be recurrent, particularly in school children. Basic hygiene habits can prevent reinfection a great deal:
Adherence to these habits, coupled with scheduled deworming medication for children, provides long-term protection against worm infections.
At Cloudnine Hospitals, we have a comprehensive approach towards the well-being of children. Our paediatricians place equal importance on not only treating but also preventing worms through early detection and learning. Whether it's giving safe deworming medication to children, providing instructions on natural deworming for children, or suggesting what foods to eat and what foods to avoid after deworming, our child specialists interact closely with families.
Using state-of-the-art diagnostic equipment and customised care plans, Cloudnine ensures your child develops healthy, strong, and worm-free.
Deworming isn't merely a case of curing open wounds; it's about ensuring long-term health, growth, and development in a child. From selecting the appropriate deworming medicine for children to using natural remedies for deworming and knowing what foods to eat and avoid after deworming, each action counts in your child's health journey.
Preventive treatment, hygiene habits, and medical consultation are the cornerstones of successful deworming. Don't let symptoms get the better of you—schedule a consultation with Cloudnine's pediatric specialists today and give your child a healthy, worm-free tomorrow.