What does abdominal pain feel like with threadworms?

Threadworm-related discomfort may come and go around the middle or lower abdomen. It can be accompanied by itching around the anus, especially at night, restless sleep, irritability, or visible thin white worms near the anus or in the stool. Some people have few symptoms. Abdominal pain is not specific to threadworms, so a different cause should be considered if the pain is intense, localised, or persistent.

Threadworms spread when microscopic eggs reach the mouth from contaminated hands, bedding, clothing, or surfaces. Treating the household and cleaning routines may be discussed with a pharmacist or clinician. See Abdominal Pain for broader symptom guidance.

Speak with a pharmacist or clinician about suitable treatment, particularly for young children, pregnancy, or breastfeeding. Wash hands after using the toilet and before eating, keep fingernails short, shower in the morning, and wash sleepwear and bedding regularly. Avoid shaking bedding, which can spread eggs. Treating symptoms without checking the diagnosis may delay care for another abdominal problem.

Seek urgent care for severe or worsening pain, repeated vomiting, a swollen or rigid abdomen, blood in the stool, faintness, or marked drowsiness. Arrange a medical review when pain continues after suspected threadworms are treated, or when a child is not eating, drinking, or passing urine normally.

Ask how the diagnosis can be checked, whether everyone in the household needs advice, how long hygiene measures should continue, and which abdominal symptoms would point to another cause.