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How to treat cyclical gastrointestinal parasitic infection?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have had GI issues that do not go away. Their severity is cyclical. I have reason to believe that I may have a parasitic infection.

Please help.

Answered by Dr. Patel Hirenkumar Prakashbhai

Education:

DNB Gastroenterology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Patel Hirenkumar Prakashbhai is a Medical Gastroenterologist with three years of clinical experience. He completed his DNB in Medical Gastroenterology at Manipal Hospital, Bangalore. Currently, he is practicing in the Iris Hospital, Gujarat, India. He is specialized in treating the digestive system and its disorders concerned with the esophagus, stomach, intestines, its associated glands, the liver, and the pancreas.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Yes, it looks like some kind of thing, but difficult to say from the picture (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It is better to get a proper stool testwith special stains that will tell the kind of parasite. Another thing I want to know is what kind of GI issues you have. The exact nature, duration, and pain, or not, constipation or diarrhea?

For parasitic gastroenteritis, I recommend the tablet Nitazoxanide 500 mg two times a day for five days, which will eliminate most parasites from your body. GI issues related to parasite is not so common, so I think you should describe your exact history of GI issues and what medications have been given to you.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you.

I have intermittent loose stools, which then turn to constipation, and I struggle to pass waste. My spine issues return. I pass suspicious material, such as in the images, and what appear to be cysts. Then it goes away for a few months or so, only to return with similar symptoms.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Patel Hirenkumar Prakashbhai

Education:

DNB Gastroenterology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Patel Hirenkumar Prakashbhai is a Medical Gastroenterologist with three years of clinical experience. He completed his DNB in Medical Gastroenterology at Manipal Hospital, Bangalore. Currently, he is practicing in the Iris Hospital, Gujarat, India. He is specialized in treating the digestive system and its disorders concerned with the esophagus, stomach, intestines, its associated glands, the liver, and the pancreas.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Yes, bowel disturbance is common with GI (gastro-intestinal) parasites, but such a big thing cannot be an ova or cyst; only mature worms can be such a large thing. It looks like fasciola to me, but I cannot say from the image (the attachments were removed to protect the patient's identity).

I think you can go to any laboratory and give a stool sample. Tell them I want a stool examination to be done that will tell you the broad picture of things, as there may be multiple things associated with the parasite, no need to go to the doctor.

After submitting stool, you can start taking tablet Nitazoxanide 500 mg (antiprotozoal agents) two times a day after food for three days, which will serve your problem. Send me the stool report once you get it.

I hope this helps.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Divya Banu M
Published At June 15, 2020
Reviewed At February 16, 2026

Education:

DNB Gastroenterology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Patel Hirenkumar Prakashbhai is a Medical Gastroenterologist with three years of clinical experience. He completed his DNB in Medical Gastroenterology at Manipal Hospital, Bangalore. Currently, he is practicing in the Iris Hospital, Gujarat, India. He is specialized in treating the digestive system and its disorders concerned with the esophagus, stomach, intestines, its associated glands, the liver, and the pancreas.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Divya Banu M is a dedicated Dental Surgeon with valuable clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of various diseases and conditions affecting the oral cavity. With a gentle and patient-centered approach, she is committed to promoting oral health and enhancing smiles through quality dental care. Her areas of expertise include restorative dentistry, preventive dental care, and cosmetic dental procedures.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

DNB Gastroenterology

Professional Bio:

Dr. Patel Hirenkumar Prakashbhai is a Medical Gastroenterologist with three years of clinical experience. He completed his DNB in Medical Gastroenterology at Manipal Hospital, Bangalore. Currently, he is practicing in the Iris Hospital, Gujarat, India. He is specialized in treating the digestive system and its disorders concerned with the esophagus, stomach, intestines, its associated glands, the liver, and the pancreas.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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