Shirlyne A., 13

Shirlyne is the third-born child in a family of six. She is a joyful and loving girl with a keen interest in reading articles, and she dreams of becoming a doctor in the future. She lives with her mother and siblings in a two-bedroom mud-walled house. Her mother is a widow who relies on farming to provide for and care for the family, following the death of Shirlyne’s father, which left her as the sole breadwinner. Shirlyne had been unwell for more than a week before she was brought to the hospital. She experienced difficulty passing stool, abdominal pain, general body weakness, and occasional refusal to feed. Initially, her mother assumed that the condition was mild and would resolve on its own and reassured her daughter that she would get better. However, the symptoms persisted and gradually worsened. The abdominal pain intensified, leaving Shirlyne increasingly uncomfortable and unable to attend school. Concerned by her daughter’s deteriorating condition, her mother decided to bring her to the hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

SHIRLYNE WAS MANAGED WITH I.V FLUIDS, ANTIBIOTICS AND OTHER DRUGS ACCORDING TO MEDICAL REPORT AND RESPONDED WELL TO THE CARE SHE WAS BEING GIVEN. SHE BECAME STABLE AND WAS DISCHARGED WITH ORAL MEDICATIONS TO CONTINUE AT HOME. FOLLOWUP CALL CONFIRMED THAT SHE HAS FULLY RECOVERED AND IS BACK TO HER NORMAL LIFE.

Shirlyne was diagnosed with severe intestinal worm infestation causing anaemia and constipation, a condition that required urgent medical treatment. She was started on deworming medication, treatment for anaemia, pain management, nutritional support, and medication to relieve constipation, alongside close monitoring and caregiver education on hygiene and prevention. Immediate treatment was essential to prevent intestinal obstruction, worsening anaemia, and long-term health complications. The prognosis for acute constipation and anaemia associated with worm infestation is generally excellent with prompt, appropriate medical treatment, but can be life-threatening if it progresses to complete, untreated obstruction or severe anaemia.