health

Some cases of intestinal parasites require little or no treatment, and the
parasites eventually disappear on their own. Other cases require antibiotics
or anthelmintics, a type of drug used to fight worm infections. Different
types of infestation are treated with different medicines. It is critical that the
type of worm be identified so that the correct medication can be prescribed.
Some anthelmintics work by inhibiting the development of the worm from
egg to larvae. Others may inhibit an enzyme specific to worms, not present
in human cells, and necessary for worm bodily function. Anthelmintics
can also paralyze the worm so that it can no longer remain attached to the
human body and is either digested or simply expelled. Anthelmintics may
kill the worm by preventing its absorption of nutrients.
In most cases, patients can remain at home and maintain a normal
schedule. However, many side effects are associated with anthelmintics
for the duration of treatment, including nausea, vomiting, abdominal
pain, dizziness, and headache. Patients experiencing diarrhea are usually
advised to drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration*. Infants and young
children are particularly vulnerable to dehydration and nutrition problems
when they become infested. Antidiarrheal medicine is usually not
recommended because it may keep the parasites in the body longer. More
severe cases of infestations may require treatment in the hospital.