When the worm is really in it again
Something from the disgusting box again today. It's about worms. This is actually a very, very common story in small children - and often causes a lot of disgust in the children concerned and their families, even though the whole thing is a fairly harmless story from a medical point of view.
I was once told by a colleague who works with natural history that he always tells parents that worms only enter the intestines of very healthy children. This means that a worm infestation is, so to speak, an accolade for the child's healthy intestinal flora. That's a positive aspect to start with.
But how do I actually notice that my child has worms? The classic symptom is that the child complains of an itchy bottom. Often when falling asleep or at night when it is warm under the covers. In girls, this itching can also occur in the vaginal area. Some children also have stomach ache, sometimes less appetite and may also be cranky, i.e. simply not in a good mood.
And how do I know for sure that my child has worms? The best method is still to take a really close look at the child's faeces. Really close means: I have to really look through the sausage with the plastic fork and then I can usually see little white threads moving around. Then we have living proof that the child is infested with worms.
Worms are transmitted from person to person, specifically the eggs of the worms. Children get them under their fingernails when they scratch their bums and then spread them directly to other children or leave them on doorknobs, for example. Infestation can also occur via unwashed fruit or vegetables.
Once the worms have been detected, good, consistent treatment is required. For this purpose, there are worming products that are given to the children once - and then (very important!) repeated after two weeks. As a rule, I would always treat younger family members as well; with adults, it is debatable whether they should also be treated or only if they have the feeling that they are also infested with worms.
The whole thing is not a notifiable disease and children are still allowed to go to nursery or school. However, most facilities appreciate it very much if you inform the management.
So to summarise briefly: Lots of disgust - little medical problem. In brackets: Accolade for the healthy intestinal flora system.
Further interesting tips
Nature never disappoints
I once read this sentence in a parenting book and I have to say: it's simply true. With my children, too, it was sometimes a fuss until they were dressed, they whinged that they didn't want to go out and it took forever until we were outside. But when we were outside, in the snow, by the stream, in the meadow, somewhere in nature, it was always great, the children always had fun discovering something, something that interested them.
Occupational therapy in everyday life
Yes, it really does exist, World Lost Sock Day. Since 1998, the poor socks that disappear without a trace in the Bermuda Triangle between the laundry basket and the washing machine have been commemorated on 9 May.
Death and mourning
When there is a bereavement in the immediate family, parents often have many worries and uncertainties about how to deal with their children in this situation, in addition to their own grief. Doc talked to Gabriele Schmidt-Klehring, who has been offering bereavement counselling for children and young people in Schorndorf for over 20 years, about what needs to be considered.