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Suggest Treatment For Intestinal Parasite

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Posted on Mon, 10 Nov 2014
Question: I had a long noodle wrapped in and around my stool last night. It was white, and round (not flat), and looked like a think ramen noodle. Is this a worm? If so what kind, and what do I need to do to treat it? I have been having slight stomach pains for a few days as well.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (13 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
possibly an intestinal parasite

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

It is possible that it is an intestinal parasite or worm.

The most common is the tape worm.

These are transmitted by use of contaminated food or drink.

They can vary in length from only a few inches to feet.

One of the medications most commonly used to treat worms is zentel which is the trade name for a medication called albendazole.

It may be possible to obtain without a prescription but you would have to ask your local pharmacist if this is the case or if a prescription from your doctor is needed.

If you wanted to accurately determine if any infection is present, you would need to have a stool test done.
Your doctor would send a sample to the lab.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (8 minutes later)
Thank you, but aren't tape worms flat? This was definitely tubular. And not moving.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
need stool testing if want to check accurately

Detailed Answer:
HI

Tapeworms are flat, this was mentioned because it is one of the more common ones seen. Other types of parasites are threadworms and roundworms.

The fact that it was immobile does not rule out infection unfortunately.

It is not definite that you do not have any parasitic infection and the structure may be food used that passed out undigested.
As mentioned if you want to confirm or deny, you can consider stool testing.

The treatment with zentel, if you wish to use it, is only one single dose.

Please feel free to ask any additional questions
Note: For further follow up on digestive issues share your reports here and Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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Suggest Treatment For Intestinal Parasite

Brief Answer: possibly an intestinal parasite Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic It is possible that it is an intestinal parasite or worm. The most common is the tape worm. These are transmitted by use of contaminated food or drink. They can vary in length from only a few inches to feet. One of the medications most commonly used to treat worms is zentel which is the trade name for a medication called albendazole. It may be possible to obtain without a prescription but you would have to ask your local pharmacist if this is the case or if a prescription from your doctor is needed. If you wanted to accurately determine if any infection is present, you would need to have a stool test done. Your doctor would send a sample to the lab. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions