What is a tapeworm?
A tapeworm is a type of parasite that can live inside a human’s gut, and they are surprisingly common. According to the World Health Organization, up to 75% of the world’s population may be infected with some type of intestinal parasite, including tapeworms. Typically, humans can pick up tapeworms by ingesting the larvae or eggs of an infected animal or through contact with contaminated food or water.
What are the symptoms of a tapeworm infection?
The symptoms of a tapeworm infection can be difficult to spot and vary depending on the type of tapeworm. Some common symptoms of a tapeworm infection include:
- Abdominal pain and discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss and weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Itching and irritation around the anus
- Visible tapeworm segments in stool
Can I see a tapeworm in my stool?
Yes, it is possible to see tapeworm segments in your stool. Tapeworms shed mature segments of their bodies throughout their life cycle, which can be visible in your stool. These segments are typically flat and white or yellow in color and can be up to several inches long. If you do see tapeworm segments in your stool, it is important to seek medical attention right away.
Can I feel a tapeworm inside my stomach?
In most cases, you will not feel the tapeworm inside your stomach. Tapeworms are not actively moving inside your body, and most people with a tapeworm infection do not have any symptoms. However, in some cases, tapeworms can cause abdominal discomfort or pain.
How is a tapeworm infection diagnosed?
A tapeworm infection is typically diagnosed by a medical professional through a stool sample or blood test. The stool sample will be examined for tapeworm eggs or segments, while the blood test will look for antibodies to the tapeworm. In some cases, medical imaging such as an X-ray or ultrasound may be used to detect a tapeworm infection.
Can a tapeworm infection be treated?
Yes, a tapeworm infection can be treated with medication. The medication will depend on the type of tapeworm that you have and may be taken orally or given by injection. In most cases, the medication will kill the tapeworm and it will be passed from your body in your stool. It is important to seek medical attention if you suspect that you have a tapeworm infection.
How can I prevent a tapeworm infection?
There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of a tapeworm infection:
- Wash your hands regularly, especially before eating and after using the bathroom
- Only drink and cook with clean water
- Cook meat to a safe temperature, typically around 145 degrees Fahrenheit
- Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating
- Keep your living space and surroundings clean
Conclusion
If you suspect that you have a tapeworm infection, it is important to seek medical attention right away. The symptoms of a tapeworm infection can be difficult to spot and vary depending on the type of tapeworm. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk of a tapeworm infection, including washing your hands regularly, cooking meat to a safe temperature, and keeping your living space clean.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do you know if you have a tapeworm? The symptoms of a tapeworm infection can be difficult to spot and vary depending on the type of tapeworm, but common symptoms include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, and visible tapeworm segments in stool.
- How do you get a tapeworm? Tapeworms are typically picked up by ingesting the larvae or eggs of an infected animal or through contact with contaminated food or water.
- Can you feel a tapeworm moving? In most cases, you will not feel the tapeworm inside your stomach. Tapeworms are not actively moving inside your body, and most people with a tapeworm infection do not have any symptoms.
- Can a tapeworm infection be serious? In some cases, a tapeworm infection can be serious and can lead to complications such as malnutrition or damage to organs.
- How do you treat a tapeworm infection? A tapeworm infection can be treated with medication, which will depend on the type of tapeworm that you have.
References
- World Health Organization. (2019). Intestinal Parasites. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/q-a-detail/intestinal-parasites
- CDC. (2019). Parasites – Taeniasis. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/parasites/taeniasis/index.html
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Tapeworm infection – Symptoms and causes. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tapeworm/symptoms-causes/syc-20378180