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Worms in kids

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Few of my friends are always  worried about their child's growth. Natasha always keeps me asking why her daughter is not gaining weight and why she falls sick again and again.  The worms are parasites which feed off the host’s body and eventually result in malnutrition, affecting the healthy growth of the child.  Worms may get entry into abdomen and create health problems .          Though all age groups can get worms, kids are more susceptible. Worms in abdomen can affect the appetite and ultimately growth of a child. When a child is not eating properly we assume he is showing tantrums or too busy in playing and ignore it but it can be worms those are troubling the stomach. When to suspect worms? Itchy bottom, which is usually worse at night Redness around the bottom area Restlessness due to itching Difficulty in falling asleep Visible worms – small, white and 8-13 mm long (often mistaken for bits of toilet paper!) ...
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Constipation in pregnancy

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Constipation is a common complaint in last 2 to 3 months of pregnancy . It is characterised by hard stools that are difficult to pass. And straining for motion can lead to bleeding per rectum and piles. It can be avoided or relieved by some digestive and lifestyle changes. 


Causes:
  1. Hormone progesteron which is called as pregnancy hormone , has relaxing effect all over the body including  smooth muscles of intestine , so the food travels slowly through the gut which can cause constipation. 
  2. Iron supplyments during pregnancy have drying effect on colon leading to constipation
  3. The growing uterus presses over rectum so evacuation of stool is restricted
  4. Diminished physical activity
Effect of constipation :
  1. You feel bloated
  2. Pain and discomfort in abdomen
  3. Impaired digestion
  4. You can get pimples and boils 
  5. You don't feel fresh
  6. If habitual, it can lead to piles
Why is it important to treat constipation?

 The pressure over rectal blood vessels also impede blood returning to the heart. The accumulated blood causes dilation of rectal veins and also leg veins resulting in piles and varicose veins respectively. So to avoid these complications it is better to treat constipation at right time.


Straining for motion or passing hard stool can lead to or worsen haemorrhoids (piles) . These are inflamed and  dilated rectal veins which can bleed and pain and can be extremely uncomfortable.

 How to avoid constipation?

 Simple modifications in lifestyle can help for it. Such as-




  1. Drink plenty of water
  2. Include lots of fibres in diet in the form of green leafy vegetables, fruits and wheat bran
  3. Brisk walking for 15-20 min in a day
  4. Mild stool softner

Home remedies to relieve or avoid constipation:

1) Have a glass of buttermilk with added cumin seed powder with lunch , it will improve digestion.
2) Have a fistful of black resins at bedtime.
3) 1 tsp Isabgol husk with a glass of water is mild on intestine and is a mild laxative.
4) Put asa fetida while cooking food.

 How to treat piles in pregnancy?

 In most of the cases after delivery of the baby piles disappear .

  1. Hot sitz bath can help in pain as it will reduce the swelling. Take warm water in tub and just sit into it for 10-15 min. Or you can do hot fomentation with warm towel.
  2. Keep the area clean and dry after each motion .
  3. Over the counter piles ointment can help in itching.
  4. You can reduce the piles with finger , it will make you feel comfortable while sitting.











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