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| Illustration of Managing Abdominal Pain Due to Worm Infection (Photo: Devi Humas) |
Worms are parasites that can enter the body and cause disease symptoms. This condition is known as worm infection. Worm infections usually occur in children because they are unable to take care of and clean themselves.
Therefore, it is important for children older than two years to take worm medicine. dr. Hawin Nurdiana, M.Kes., Sp.A., a lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine (FK) at Muhammadiyah University of Malang (UMM), said that the effects of worm infections in children can impede growth and school performance.
"There are several consequences of worm infections in children. It can make children weak, lethargic, pale, and reduce their appetite. If a child's appetite decreases, their growth will be affected. If a child feels weak, lethargic, and pale, they will find it difficult to absorb lessons," said Hawin, as he is commonly called.
Furthermore, the doctor, who also practices at UMM Hospital, mentioned other symptoms of worm infections, such as mucus and bloody diarrhea. However, not all mucus and bloody diarrhea are caused by worm infections. Therefore, their stool should be further examined and treated.
"If the symptoms have progressed to the point of affecting the child's health, taking worm medicine can be attempted as therapy. By taking worm medicine, the infection can hopefully be treated," he explained.
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Hawin provided some tips to avoid worm infections. First, practicing Clean and Healthy Behavior (PHBS), such as washing hands before eating and drinking. Second, wearing shoes, especially outside the house, so that the skin does not come into direct contact with the ground.
Third, paying attention to food hygiene. For example, washing vegetables and fruits before consumption. Since, that is one of the sources of transmission. There might be worm eggs in the food and drinks we want to consume.
Fourth, trimming nails once a week. Fifth, regularly taking worm medicine, especially in endemic areas. Sixth, maintaining general hygiene such as keeping the house, beddings, yard, and others clean. Seventh, taking worm medicine regularly every six months.
"For example, there are pinworms that are transmitted through beddings. Pinworms usually come out of the child's anus at night, thus contaminating the bedding and its surroundings. If we don't maintain cleanliness, it can spread to people around," he concluded.
Finally, Hawin hopes that schools and the surrounding community can provide more education regarding worm infections. "This should not be underestimated. This infection will be very detrimental to the younger generation of Indonesia, considering that children are a very valuable asset to Indonesia," he concluded. (Dev/Wil/Fajr)
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