Do You Need Deworming? Should You Take Anti-Parasitic Medication?

What Are Parasites?

 

Parasites are organisms that live inside the body and feed on nutrients from the host, causing harm over time.

 

Causes of Parasitic Infection

 

๐ Consuming contaminated or unclean food

๐ Poor hygiene practices

๐ Eating raw or undercooked food

 

Parasites can live not only in the digestive tract but also in:

๐ Lungs

๐ Brain

๐ Muscles

 

Types of Parasites

 

1. Roundworms

 

๐ Pinworms

๐ Hookworms

๐ Ascaris (roundworms)

๐ Whipworms

๐ Strongyloides

 

2. Flatworms

 

๐ Tapeworms

 

3. Flukes

 

๐ Liver flukes

๐ Lung flukes

 

Do You Need Deworming?

 

Routine deworming is not always necessary.
It is recommended only if:

๐ You have symptoms

๐ You are at risk of infection

 

Common Symptoms

 

Digestive Tract Parasites

 

๐ Frequent hunger

๐ Weight loss

๐ Pale appearance (anemia)

๐ Abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea

๐ Itching around the anus

 

Other Symptoms by Location

 

๐ Under the skin: itchy rash, migrating swelling

๐ Muscles: fever, muscle pain

๐ Brain: headache, nausea, seizures

๐ Liver flukes: right upper abdominal pain, jaundice

๐ Lung flukes: chest pain, coughing blood

 

Do You Need Anti-Parasitic Drugs?

 

Anti-parasitic medications are used to treat infections, but:

๐ Types of medication differ depending on the parasite

๐ Dosage and duration vary

 

Precautions

 

Avoid self-medication

Stool examination may be required to identify parasite type

Incorrect use may cause:

๐ Allergic reactions

๐ Side effects

๐ Liver damage

 

Prevention

 

๐ Wash hands before eating and after using the toilet

๐ Eat clean, properly cooked food

๐ Avoid raw or undercooked meat

๐ Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly

๐ Do not eat food that has fallen on the ground

๐ Wear shoes outdoors

 

Summary

 

Deworming is not something you should do routinely without reason.

 

 

 

 

 

source : Thonburi Rajyindee Hospital
**Translated and compiled by ArokaGO Content Team