HomeAnswersInfectious Diseasespinworm infectionI have muscle pain, spasms, headaches, weight loss, stomach upset, and fatigue. What could be the reason for my sickness?

What are the symptoms of pinworm infection?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 24, 2023
Reviewed AtOctober 24, 2023

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have muscle pain, spasms, headaches, weight loss, stomach upset, sickness, fatigue, and muscle loss. I am currently taking Omeprazole. I have done antigen tests and MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

What could be the reason for my sickness? Please help me.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and understand your concern.

I have seen your laboratory reports and pictures (attachment removed to protect the patient's identity).

Please note that this is most likely threadworm, which we call in Infectious diseases as pinworms. The worms are white and look like small pieces of thread. You may notice them around your bottom (anus) or in the stool. They do not always cause symptoms, but patients may often experience itchiness around their anal area or vagina. It can be worse at night and disturb sleep. It can be treated with oral medication to clear the infection.

Despite that your ascariasis antibodies are negative, I suggest you go for stool analysis and microscopy to detect the worm type so a directed therapy can be initiated for eradication. I am reassuring you that your problem can easily be solved with the proper testing.

I have seen and reviewed your tests. Strongyloidiasis and Ascaris serologies are negative. Which makes them less likely, of course. But as I recommended, you need to do stool analysis and microscopy to detect the worm type so a directed therapy can be started. The vomiting and the worms you are seeking are all signs and symptoms of an active worm parasitic infection.

I hope this information helps you.

Thank you.

Patient's Query

Hello Doctor, thank you so much for the reply.

We were told to treat twice weekly with Mebendazole, Albendazole, and Pyrantel pamoate. The worms are no longer in our stool but the symptoms are headaches, still losing weight, being sick, stomach pain, and vomiting. We never had this before the infection.

Please help.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

Please be aware that the side effects of Pyrantel pamoate may include nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, and diarrhea. If vomiting occurs after receiving a dose on an empty stomach, give future doses with food. Lack of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting may occur due to the elimination of parasites, so do not worry.

Most likely, your symptoms are side effects of the medications you are taking. Once you complete the course of antibiotics, you will be fine. You need to pay attention to hygiene in food, clothes, and bed sheets. Clean everything very well or buy new sheets because these things will cause reinfection.

I hope I answered your concern and reassured you.

Thank you.

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

Dr. Shahad Alshehri
Dr. Shahad Alshehri

Infectious Diseases

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Infectious Diseases

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy