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
Independent Writer
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