Unlike bacteria and viruses, parasites require a living host in order to survive. Intestinal parasites live and breed in the intestines of their victim. Toddlers provide the perfect opportunity of infection because of their hand hygiene and fascination with oral stimulation. This combination is highly relevant in the spread of the parasites, and understanding this is an important step toward ensuring that your child does not host intestinal parasites of his own.
Types
Helminths and protozoa represent the two main intestinal classifications of parasites. Helminths are organisms that have multiple cells and are usually considered as some form of a worm. Common helminths include tapeworms, pinworms and roundworms. Protozoa are single-celled parasites and, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, they differ from helminths because they are able to multiply or reproduce inside the intestines, whereas helminths cannot. Common protozoa include giardia and cryptosporidium. Both types of parasites can cause health problems in your toddler, so knowing how she may be infected is important.
Cause
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that most parasites infect their host by a fecal/oral method. With toddlers, this transfer for parasites is easy because of the lack of good hand washing. Fecal material is found on toys, counters and a number of other objects that toddlers like to touch. Your child can touch these materials and then put food in his mouth or suck on a toy. Although this is the likely scenario for most parasitic infections, hookworm parasites can infect your toddler through a soil-to-skin route.
Symptoms
Symptoms of parasitic activity can differ depending on the particular parasite. However, according to MayoClinic.com, diarrhea is common symptom for intestinal parasites. Other clues that your toddler may be infected with parasites include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, loose stools and weight loss. If a worm is found in the stool, it should be brought to the doctor's office for evaluation so a treatment plan can be developed for your child.
Treatment
Depending on the parasite, treatment options and drugs can vary. However, the majority of the time, parasites can be treated with antibiotics. Your child's pediatrician will evaluate what medicine is best to treat the infection. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this treatment can be a single dose or last up to several weeks.
Prevention
Complete prevention of parasites is not possible, but there are steps you can take to lower the risk of parasitic infections in your toddler. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests regular hand washing for both you and your child. Avoid uncooked food and peel your fruits and vegetable before eating to avoid any contamination. Clean and change bedding regularly and make sure that all diapers are disposed of properly. Following these prevention practices and keeping good hand hygiene should help keep your toddler safe from parasites.
