WORM INFESTATION

• Worm infestation is referred to as an infestation of the host by Helminth. The high prevalence of worm infestation is an indicator of poor living conditions and low standards of sanitation in a society
• Worms of various species, such as nematodes( roundworms), cestodes (or tapeworms e.g. taenia), or trematodes can cause infection

• Preschool children are affected more due to their hand mouth behaviour

Causative organisms:

• Hookworm
• Ascaris
• Pinworm
• Liver fluke
• Tapeworm

Non-specific symptoms

• Vague abdominal discomfort
• Abdominal pain after taking food
• Tendency to defecate after each feed
• Aversion to food
• Nausea
• Failure to gain weight
• Fatigue
• Nocturnal cough
• Bruxism
• Urticaria

Specific symptoms

• Intense perianal itching in the night
• Passage of worms in stools

Examination

• Signs of poor hygiene-dirt under the long nails
• Pallor
• Perianal excoriation or scratch marks

Investigations :

• Stool Examination for the presence of worms

Ayurvedic Treatment

• Avoid the excess use of chocolates, masha, guda etc.
• Maintain personal hygiene
• Proper hand wash

Gutikas

• Krimighna vati for the first 7 days
• Krimisodhini gutika on the eighth day

Arishtas

• Abhayarishta,Vidangarishta
  • Upto 2yrs- ½ tsp arishta diluted with 1 tsp water
  • 2-5 years- 2.5ml-5ml diluted with 5 ml boiled water
  • 5-10 years- 10ml
  • 10-15 years- 15ml

Choornas

• Vidanga choorna with butter milk, Ashta choorna with butter milk
  • Infant: 2-3 gm,
  • Toddler- 5gm,
  • School going- 7-10gm

Later

• Rajanyadi choorna: with honey and gritha
• Aravindasava ,Dasamoolarishtam+ Pippalyasava