Enterobiasis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Enterobiasis is a type of worm disease. This disease occurs due to pinworm infection. In general, this disease is commonly found in children.
Infection can occur due to the ingestion of fertilized pinworm eggs. Usually, the process takes place through dirty fingers, contaminated food, or inhalation of air-containing pinworm eggs.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of enterobiasis is done by gathering information through a series of medical interviews. During this examination, the doctor will ask about the symptoms experienced by worms.
In addition, additional examinations were also carried out. The inspection process is carried out by checking the remains of defecation (BAB) or feces in the laboratory. A positive result for enterobiasis is determined if the examination finds worm eggs or helminths.
Symptom
Children who suffer from enterobiasis will experience certain symptoms. For example, itching around the anus in the morning, lack of appetite, and decreased or difficult weight gain.
If left unchecked, this disease will lead to complications, namely, impaired absorption of food and malnutrition. Complications may occur if intestinal worms are not treated completely.
Reason
The cause of worms is infection through the type Enterobius vermicularis worm. The way infection occurs due to the accidental ingestion of worm eggs. After the worm eggs are swallowed, the larvae will hatch and grow into adult worms in the large intestine.
When contaminated with female worms, the pregnant worms will move to the area around the anus to release their eggs. In addition, eggs that have hatched around the anus can travel back to the large intestine through the anus.
Often this process makes the sufferer experience an itchy sensation around the anus. This itching sensation often occurs at night so that it often disturbs the sufferer’s sleep and makes them weak.
Children are more susceptible to enterobiasis because they often play in places full of dirt or dust. In fact, these things can be nests of worm egg contamination. For worm eggs that are in the dust, it will be very easy for the wind to fly so that they are swallowed by the mouth.
Adults can be infected in the same way or by contracting someone with enterobiasis. It will be easier for transmission to occur in a family or environment such as a dormitory.
The process of transmitting worms can occur through:
1. Transmission from hand to mouth after scratching the area around the buttocks or anus.
2. Transmission from the hands of someone who has been contaminated with worm eggs.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of enterobiasis is done by gathering information through a series of medical interviews. During this examination, the doctor will ask about the symptoms experienced by worms.
In addition, additional examinations were also carried out. The inspection process is carried out by checking the remains of defecation (BAB) or feces in the laboratory. A positive result for enterobiasis is determined if the examination finds worm eggs or helminths.
Treatment
Treatment for enterobiasis is done by administering deworming drugs. If one family member has worms, treatment should be given to the whole family, so that the spread of these worms can be stopped completely.
Prevention
Prevention of worms is done by maintaining personal hygiene, or parents can maintain the cleanliness of their children by taking the following actions:
- Cutting nails that are long and dirty
- Always wash your hands before eating
- Keep food away from dust
- Wash clean and change clothes and mattress regularly