What symptom is commonly associated with pinworm infections?

Perianal itching is the symptom most commonly associated with pinworm infections. This particular symptom arises because female pinworms deposit their eggs around the perianal area, typically during the night. The irritation caused by the eggs can lead to significant discomfort and itching, prompting scratching and leading to potential further complications like secondary infections. This symptom is often the most noticeable and is what typically brings individuals, especially children, to seek medical attention for pinworm infections.

Other symptoms like abdominal cramping, fever, and coughing may occur in a variety of gastrointestinal or respiratory conditions but are not characteristic of pinworm infections specifically. These symptoms could suggest other causes but do not directly correlate with the typical presentation of a pinworm infection, making perianal itching the hallmark symptom that defines this parasitic infestation.