Causes
As with the pelvic inflammatory disease caused by migrating pinworms, the worms can enter the urethra and cause an infection in the bladder. This is more common for females than males. Oral antibiotics treat urinary tract infections. Because the eggs on the anus cause extreme itching, transferring the eggs to the fingernails and hands is possible.
Symptoms
People who live in institutions are also commonly affected by pinworms. What are the symptoms of pinworm infections? Symptoms of a pinworm infection (enterobiasis) include: Anal itching, especially at night: Pinworms lay their eggs around the anus at night, causing itching and irritation. While symptoms are usually mild, anal itching can be severe.
Prevention
Pinworms are about the length of a staple. While an infected person sleeps, female pinworms leave the intestine through the anus and deposit their eggs on the surrounding skin. What are the symptoms of a pinworm infection?
Complications
This loss of nutrients may cause a person with pinworms to lose weight from the lack of nutrition. The pinworms may also cause abdominal pain and decrease the appetite, also causing weight loss. Dientamoeba fragilis is a parasite that infects the intestines. Many times, the parasite enters the body through the pinworm eggs.
Can pinworms cause urinary tract infections?
What are the symptoms of Pinworm infections?
How do pinworms get in your body?
Can pinworms cause weight loss?
What disease do pinworms cause?
While serious complications are rare, pinworms can lead to: Bacterial infections: When the infected person scratches the anal area, the skin can bleed and become infected. Urinary tract infections (UTIs): In females, the worms can travel to the vagina and cause infections.
Can parasites cause liver problems?
Liver flukes are parasites that can infect humans and cause liver and bile duct disease.
Can pinworms cause long term damage?
Most people don't experience serious complications from pinworm infections, but in rare cases the following complications can occur: Urinary tract infections (UTIs). UTIs can develop if you do not treat the pinworm infection. Vaginitis and endometritis.
Can pinworms get in your bloodstream?
The pinworm lives in the lower part of the small intestine, and the upper part of the colon. It is found worldwide and causes the common infection enterobiasis in humans. Unlike many other intestinal parasites, the pinworm does not usually enter the bloodstream or any other organs besides the intestines.
What parasite attacks the liver?
Fascioliasis is a rare infectious disorder caused by parasites. These parasites are liver flukes that live in plant-eating animals. Liver flukes can be found on water plants in certain parts of the world. When the parasite invades the liver, bile passages may be blocked.
Can you get worms in your liver?
A liver fluke is a parasitic worm. Infections in humans usually occur after eating contaminated raw or undercooked freshwater fish or watercress. After liver flukes have been ingested, they travel from your intestines to your bile ducts in your liver where they then live and grow.
How does pinworm affect the body?
Pinworm infection (called enterobiasis or oxyuriasis) causes itching around the anus which can lead to difficulty sleeping and restlessness. Symptoms are caused by the female pinworm laying her eggs. Symptoms of pinworm infection usually are mild and some infected people have no symptoms.
Can pinworms affect your mood?
Pinworm infections were associated with the increased risk in anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, and sleep disorders, respectively.
What is the fastest way to get rid of pinworms?
Pinworms can usually be treated completely with two doses of over-the-counter medicine called pyrantel pamoate, available in the United States under the brand names Pin-X and Reese's Pinworm Medicine. Take one dose immediately and another dose two weeks later.
How do you break the pinworm cycle?
The key is to break the 6-week cycle of pinworm reinfection by killing any live pinworms and preventing the ingestion of eggs. A diagnosis should be confirmed before treating with medications. Medications kill only the adult worms and have no effect on developing eggs and larvae.
What happens if worm tablets don't work?
If you have tried a threadworm treatment for your child and their symptoms have not improved, take them to your GP. The doctor will examine your child and may want to do blood or faeces (poo) tests. Also take your child to the GP if: your child passes a large worm.
What doctor treats pinworms in adults?
A microbiologist, pediatrician or a general medicine practitioner should be consulted for pinworm infection. 2. How do humans get pinworms? Pinworms are transmitted through contact with a person who is already infected with worms.
Can parasites cause elevated liver enzymes?
Conclusion: The abnormality in liver function in patients with eosinophilia can be caused by parasitic infections in endemic areas; therefore, it can be the cause of a differential diagnosis for physicians.
What are the symptoms of having a parasite?
Some of the most common signs of a parasitic infection include:Stomach cramps and pain.Nausea or vomiting.Dehydration.Weight loss.Swollen lymph nodes.Digestive problems including unexplained constipation, diarrhoea or persistent gas.Skin issues such as rashes, eczema, hives, and itching.Continuous muscle and joint pain.More items...•
How do you know if you have liver flukes?
At first, liver flukes may cause no symptoms, or depending on the type and severity of the infection, they may cause fever, chills, abdominal pain, liver enlargement, nausea, vomiting, and hives. Fasciola flukes are more likely to cause these symptoms. ), itching, diarrhea, and weight loss.
What infections affect the liver?
The viruses that cause liver damage can be spread through blood or semen, contaminated food or water, or close contact with a person who is infected....The most common types of liver infection are hepatitis viruses, including:Hepatitis A.Hepatitis B.Hepatitis C.
What Is Pinworm Medicine?
Pinworm Medicine is an "antihelmintic," or anti-worm, medication. It prevents worms from growing or multiplying in your body.Pinworm Medicine is us...
Who Should Not Take Pinworm Medicine?
Before taking Pinworm Medicine, talk to your doctor about any other medical conditions that you have. This medicine should not be used if you have...
How Should I Take Pinworm Medicine?
Take Pinworm Medicine exactly as directed by your doctor or as directed in the package labeling. If you do not understand these directions, ask you...
What Should I Avoid While Taking Pinworm Medicine?
Treatment of family members and other close contacts may be necessary. Pinworm is spread very easily to others in close contact with the infected p...
Pinworm Medicine Side Effects
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; shortness of breath; closing of yo...
What Other Drugs Will Affect Pinworm Medicine?
Do not take other anti-worm medicines at the same time as Pinworm Medicine unless otherwise directed by your doctor. Other drugs used to treat infe...
Who is at risk for pinworms?
Caregivers and family members of infected children have a higher risk of infection. Day care centers, preschools, and schools are often the source of a pinworm infection. People who live in institutions are also commonly affected by pinworms.
What is pinworm?
Pinworms, also known as threadworms, are tiny white or light gray worms that cause the common infection called enterobiasis. Usually found in children, pinworm can be treated with anti-parasitic medications that do not require a prescription.
What is the best medicine for pinworms?
The medications used to treat pinworms are: Pyrantel pamoate. Mebendazole. Albendazole. Pyrantel pamoate is the medication most commonly used to treat pinworms.
How long do pinworm eggs live?
Once hatched, the female pinworms make their way to the anus to lay their eggs. Pinworm eggs can survive for 2-3 weeks on fingers, under fingernails, and on surfaces such as linens, clothing or toilet seats.
How to get pinworm eggs?
In addition, the doctor may ask you to collect the pinworm eggs using the “tape test.”. To do this: Place a clear piece of tape over the anal area as soon as the infected person wakes up in the morning. The eggs will stick to the tape. Take the tape to the doctor, following your doctor’s directions.
How to prevent pinworms?
The most effective way to prevent a pinworm infection is by practicing cleanliness in the following ways: Wash your hands often: Using soap and warm water, wash your hands after using the bathroom, changing a diaper, before handling food or touching your mouth or nose, and after petting a dog or cat.
How common is pinworm?
Pinworm infections are very common, affecting approximately 1 billion people worldwide .
What are the side effects of pinworm?
stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; diarrhea; or. headache. This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. Pinworm Medicine side effects (more detail)
What is Pinworm Medicine?
Pinworm Medicine is an "antihelmintic," or anti-worm, medication. It prevents worms from growing or multiplying in your body.
What should I avoid while taking Pinworm Medicine?
Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how Pinworm Medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.
Can you take pinworm if you are allergic to it?
You should not use Pinworm Medicine if you are allergic to it, or if you have: liver disease. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Pinworm Medicine should not be given to a child younger than 2 years old.
Can pinworms be spread to other people?
If you live with other people, all members of the household may need to be treated with Pinworm Medicine. Pinworm can spread easily to anyone who has close contact with you. Always follow directions on the medicine label about giving this medicine to a child. Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
Can you take pinworm medicine with a laxative?
Pinworm Medicine doses are based on weight. Carefully follow all dosing instructions. Using a laxative will not make Pinworm Medicine work better or faster. Tell your doctor if you are constipated. Call your doctor if you still see pinworms or have symptoms after taking this medicine.
Does pyrantel need medical attention?
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention. Some side effects of pyrantel may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Does pyrantel cause side effects?
Along with its needed effects, pyrantel (the active ingredient contained in Pinworm Medicine) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
What are the complications of pinworms?
Pinworms are a type of roundworm that can infect the body. The worms usually enter the body through food and drink that contain the pinworm eggs. The eggs hatch and the worms live inside the intestinal tract and lay more eggs. Females lay the microscopic eggs around the anus and cause extreme itching.
Why do pinworms lose weight?
If a large number of pinworms are living in the intestine, they may ingest most of the food and nutrients the affected individual eats . This loss of nutrients may cause a person with pinworms to lose weight from the lack of nutrition.
What is the parasite that infects the intestines?
Dientamoeba fragilis is a parasite that infects the intestines. Many times, the parasite enters the body through the pinworm eggs. This parasite may cause symptoms such as diarrhea, weight loss, fatigue, abdominal cramping and a decreased appetite. Medications treat this parasite infection.
What is a pinworm?
This is an infection of the lining in the uterus or in the fallopian tubes or ovaries. If the pinworms migrate into the vagina and up into the uterus, the inflammation and infection of the female reproductive system may occur.
Can pinworms cause weight loss?
The pinworms may also cause abdominal pain and decrease the appetite, also causing weight loss. The pinworms are parasites and feed off of the food in the intestines. This loss of nutrients may cause a person with pinworms to lose weight from the lack of nutrition.
Can pinworms cause a recurrence?
Medications treat the infestation, but scratching the anal area and poor hygiene may cause a recurrence of the worms. Although the pinworms do not normally cause serious medical problems, severe infections may cause complications.
Can pinworms cause vaginal infections?
The pinworms may also cause an infection in the vagina. This infection is called vaginitis. Irritation and itching in the vagina are common with vaginitis. A physician prescribes antibiotics to treat PID and vaginitis. A pinworm infestation may cause pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) in females 1.
What happens when parasites are toxic?
Plus, the toxic metabolic waste overload produced by the parasites causes the organs to work even harder to eliminate these waste products. This also leads to fatigue, low energy, lethargy and excessive weakness.
Why do worms make you weak?
This is mainly associated with intestinal worms that deplete the body of vital nutrients by feeding on the food you eat. Malabsorption of vitamins, minerals, fats and carbohydrates can make the body weak, leaving you exhausted, depressed and with a feeling of general apathy.
What parasites live in your body?
Some of the common parasites that can infest your body are pinworms, lambia, hookworms, tapeworms, trichinella, and dientamoeba fragilis. Advertisements.
Why do people get parasites?
A person can get a parasite infestation due to several reasons, including exposure to areas having parasites, traveling to places that have parasite infestations, intake of contaminated water or food, poor sanitation, poor hygiene and a weak immune system. Close contact with pets can also lead to a parasite infestation.
What is a parasite?
Parasites are microorganisms that live off other organisms. Anyone can get a parasitic infestation. It is more common than you may think.
Can roundworms cause anemia?
Infestations by intestinal roundworms or pinworms can lead to iron deficiency in the body and ultimately cause anemia .
Can pets get parasites?
Close contact with pets can also lead to a parasite infestation. As parasites are of different forms, shapes and sizes, they cause a very wide range of signs and symptoms. Here are the top 10 warning signs that your body is full of parasites.
What is the name of the parasitic infection that causes abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea?
In severe cases, abdominal pain, nausea, and diarrhea can occur. More. Fascioliasis ( Fasciola Infection) Fascioliasis is a parasitic infection typically caused by Fasciola hepatica, which is also known as “the common liver fluke” or “the sheep liver fluke.”.
How long do liver flukes last?
Untreated, infections may persist for up to 25–30 years, the lifespan of the parasite.
Where do worms move?
The young worms move through the intestinal wall, the abdominal cavity, and the liver tissue, into the bile ducts, where they develop into mature adult flukes that produce eggs. The pathology typically is most pronounced in the bile ducts and liver. Fasciola infection is both treatable and preventable. More.
Can a parasite infect humans?
A related parasite, Fasciola gigantica, also can infect people. Fascioliasis is found in all continents except Antarctica, in over 70 countries, especially where there are sheep or cattle. People usually become infected by eating raw watercress or other water plants contaminated with immature parasite larvae.
How to prevent pinworm infection?
Reinfection occurs easily. Prevention always should be discussed at the time of treatment. Good hand hygiene is the most effective means of prevention. If pinworm infection occurs again, the infected person should be retreated with the same two-dose treatment. The infected person’s household contacts and caretakers also should be treated. If pinworm infection continues to occur, the source of the infection should be sought and treated. Playmates, schoolmates, close contacts outside the home, and household members should be considered possible sources of infection. Each infected person should receive the recommended two-dose treatment.
How to prevent pinworms?
This includes washing hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before handling food. Keep fingernails clean and short, avoid fingernail-biting, and avoid scratching the skin in the perianal area. Teach children the importance of washing hands to prevent infection.
Why do you trim your fingernails after pinworm treatment?
Trimming and scrubbing the fingernails and bathing after treatment is important to help prevent reinfection and spread of pinworms. More on: Handwashing. Back To Top. This information is not meant to be used for self-diagnosis or as a substitute for consultation with a health care provider.
How long after pinworm treatment should you shower?
During this treatment time and two weeks after final treatment, it is a good idea to avoid co-bathing and the reuse or sharing of washcloths. Showering may be preferred to avoid possible contamination of bath water. Careful handling and frequent changing of underclothing, night clothes, towels, and bedding can help reduce infection, reinfection, and environmental contamination with pinworm eggs. These items should be laundered in hot water, especially after each treatment of the infected person and after each usage of washcloths until infection is cleared.
How is pinworm spread?
How is pinworm infection spread? Pinworm infection is spread by the fecal-oral route, that is by the transfer of infective pinworm eggs from the anus to someone’s mouth, either directly by hand or indirectly through contaminated clothing, bedding, food, or other articles.
What is the most common worm infection in the United States?
Pinworm infection occurs worldwide and affects persons of all ages and socioeconomic levels. It is the most common worm infection in the United States. Pinworm infection occurs most commonly among. school-aged and preschool-aged children, institutionalized persons, and. household members and caretakers of persons with pinworm infection .
How do you get pinworms?
Because of their small size, pinworm eggs sometimes can become airborne and ingested while breathing .
Overview
Symptoms
Causes
Risk Factors
Complications
Prevention
- Symptoms of pinworm infection may include: 1. Itching of the anal or vaginal area 2. Insomnia, irritability, teeth grinding and restlessness 3. Occasional stomach pain and nausea Pinworms often cause no symptoms.