Jahangeer Ganaie
Srinagar, Feb 11: Children with worm infections often feel tired due to malnutrition and anaemia, which can impair their physical and cognitive development, doctors have warned.
The medical experts said that while worm infections are common, they are easily treatable. They said parents should closely monitor their children’s growth, behaviour, and health to detect early signs of infection.
Untreated worm infections hinder healthy growth, cause poor nutrition and reduce a child’s ability to concentrate and learn. However, the treatment is simple, safe and highly effective, they said, adding that a single dose of deworming medicine significantly reduces the number of worms in a child.
Dr Parvaiz, a paediatric specialist, said worm infections can lead to anaemia, abdominal distension (swelling), severe abdominal pain and diarrhoea.
“Deworming is crucial as it improves nutrient absorption, boosts growth and development, strengthens immunity, prevents digestive issues, enhances concentration, reduces the risk of anaemia and helps prevent further infections,” he said.
Worm infections can also cause loss of appetite, malnourishment, impaired mental and physical development, and, in severe cases, tissue damage that may require corrective surgery, he added.
Dr. Shabeena, another medical expert, cited the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation for deworming every six months in areas where worm infections are prevalent.
“Regular deworming improves a child’s immunity, protecting them from chronic illnesses caused by worms. It also enhances school performance by improving concentration and attendance, boosts nutrient uptake, and reduces the risk of anaemia and other infections,” she said.
She said that helminthic infections—caused by parasitic worms—are a leading cause of anaemia in children, adding that these infections lead to nutrient competition, impaired iron absorption, blood loss, and inflammation, contributing to high anaemia rates.
Dr Shabeena also debunked the misconception that deworming should not be done in winter. “Deworming can and should be done in any season at regular intervals. Many children are not given deworming treatment, which leads to increasing anaemia cases.”
“Deworming is a simple and effective way to ensure children’s health and well-being. When combined with good hygiene and nutrition, it prevents infections and supports better growth and development,” she added.
According to the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), 73% of children aged 6-59 months in India are anaemic. This includes 25% with mild anaemia, 44% with moderate anaemia and 4% with severe anaemia.
Anaemia among children in India has surged from 43% in NFHS-4 to 73% in NFHS-5. The prevalence is almost equal among boys and girls at 71% each.
In Jammu & Kashmir, 74% of children are anaemic, even among those whose mothers have completed 12 or more years of schooling, the report states. (KNO)
