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About Dr. Taher Kagalwala
Expertise
I come from India, practising since 23 years. Specially interested in infections, asthma, neonatology and parenting. I have authored a book on Parenting.It is called "Child Care: From Birth to Eighteen". It is available all over India. Feel free to contact me on drtaher@gmail.com. I have my professional site at Blogspot. Here, you can read good advice and also seek a professional online consultation for a small fee. Do check out http://drtaherforkids.blogspot.com.

Experience
Qualified Pediatrician practising since 23 years.
Visiting major hospitals such as Saifee Hospital and Masina Hospital in Mumbai, India.

Organizations
Indian Academy of Pediatrics, life member. Mumbai Branch of the I.A.P., life member. Genetics Chapter of the I.A.P.

Publications
Indian Pediatrics, Indian Journal of Pediatrics, Toxicology Abstracts.

Education/Credentials
M.D., D.C.H.

Awards and Honors
Gold Medallist in D.C.H., April, 1985
Highest aggregate marks in University of Mumbai, for M.D. ( Pediatrics ), October 1986.

You are here: Experts > Kids > Health for Kids > Pediatrics > pinworms?

Pediatrics - pinworms?

Expert: Dr. Taher Kagalwala - 10/26/2009

Question
Hi I was on the Internet first finding info for myself, on teeth grinding ,which led me to pinworms, which then led me to my son,I've noticed my son:
1st in the morning scratching his back
2nd sometimes getting up in the middle of the night
3rd being hyperactive
4th bed wetting
this is just some of the symptoms of pinworms which I read, but I wanted to know am I just jumping to conclusions and worrying for nothing because although:
(1st) my son scratches, it is when I change his diaper whether it is in the morning or afternoon and i always figured it was because it is damp and snug on him and when I change his diaper his skin is exposed to air and also he scratches on his back or just above his buttocks where his diaper stretches to stay on or can I be wrong and he tries to scratch to his anus but because he is small he cannot reach
(2nd) when he gets up in the middle of the night it is usually because he fell asleep without his bottle
(3rd) his hyperactivity can it just be normal because he is my first son and he is just turning 2 years old this week
my (4th) reason I think maybe I might not be jumping to conclusion because he still wears diapers', but i haven't been training him to use the potty so is it normal for him to be wetting the bed/diaper still
I am just another new parent worried for my soon but again it can be all for nothing please help

Answer
Dear Vickie,

A situation that is very common in tropical countries, this pin worm thing. Not so common in the U.S. However, once it occurs, the child can re-infect himself by scratching his anus, and then mouthing the eggs of the worms at the next opportunity. The point is, why not get his stool examined for eggs or worms? That way, you will be sure.

My opinion? It could be pin-worms, but I don't think the evidence is strong. That is because, hyperactivity is subjective, teeth grinding is a behavioural problem and not due to worms, and as you say, you haven't toilet trained him, so bed wetting as a term does not apply. As far as evidence no 2 is concerned, you have yourself refuted it.

= drtaher

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