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Is It Possible To Get Worm Infection By Having Outside Food?

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Posted on Thu, 11 Dec 2014
Question: I had pin worms when I was a kid once and I am terrified to get another parasite. I'll admit I am paranoid about it, but today my BM had a longish string in it. The string actually held the feces in and I had to pull it. I couldn't tell if it was white, but I am totally freaked out now. Does the over the counter pin worm stuff actually work? Should I call my doctor asap? I have no itching
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Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (39 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
They can be worms.

Detailed Answer:
I understand your concern.

The description you have given, seems to be of passing worm in stools.
There is no correlation between history of having worms in childhood and now, but yes one can get them easily specially if you consume food from outside.
Don't panic.
The best way out is to get a stool examination done for Ova and parasites. If they are seen, one can be treated according to the species identified.

However if testing is not feasible, anti helminthic drugs like Mebendazole, Albandazole can help you in getting rid of worms.

I personally prefer to use Mebendazole as it is safer then Albandazole.

You can discuss my opinion with your doctor and get your stool examination done.
He will also prescribe you the Anti Helminthic medicines as discussed above.

If you opt for over the counter Medicine, then don't take Albandazole. Prefer to take Mebendazole.

I hope this helps you.

If you have any further query, feel free to ask me.

Stay Healthy.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
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Answered by
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Dr. Anshul Varshney

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3071 Questions

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Is It Possible To Get Worm Infection By Having Outside Food?

Brief Answer: They can be worms. Detailed Answer: I understand your concern. The description you have given, seems to be of passing worm in stools. There is no correlation between history of having worms in childhood and now, but yes one can get them easily specially if you consume food from outside. Don't panic. The best way out is to get a stool examination done for Ova and parasites. If they are seen, one can be treated according to the species identified. However if testing is not feasible, anti helminthic drugs like Mebendazole, Albandazole can help you in getting rid of worms. I personally prefer to use Mebendazole as it is safer then Albandazole. You can discuss my opinion with your doctor and get your stool examination done. He will also prescribe you the Anti Helminthic medicines as discussed above. If you opt for over the counter Medicine, then don't take Albandazole. Prefer to take Mebendazole. I hope this helps you. If you have any further query, feel free to ask me. Stay Healthy.