Tapeworms are worms that live in your intestines and they can make a nice comfortable home for years. Tapeworms are usually caused by consuming contaminated water or food, typically coming from undercooked pork or beef that has been contaminated with the larvae or eggs of the tapeworm. As they are ingested, they make their way to your intestines and can live for more than 20 years, reaching more than 50 feet in length. If you don't like unwelcome visitors taking up residence in your gut then it's a good idea to know tapeworm symptoms.
Key Points
- Tapeworms can live in your intestines for more than 20 years and reach around 500 feet in length.
- Symptoms of tapeworm can vary but include nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, abdomen pain, diarrhea, and unexpected weight loss.
- If the infection worsens, high fever, vitamin deficiencies, and sometimes seizures can occur.
- Treatment of tapeworms is fairly easy and includes a visit to the doctor
Symptoms of Tapeworms
If you are like most people who have a tapeworm visitor, you probably aren't showing tapeworm symptoms. Luckily, you may be able to see tapeworm larvae eggs or even parts of the tapeworm in your stool.
If it is more serious, then you may be showing classic tapeworm symptoms. These symptoms include feeling nauseous, having a general feeling of weakness, losing your appetite, having pains in your abdomen, having diarrhea, and having unexplained weight loss. As the tapeworm infection gets worse, serious tapeworm symptoms may appear. These include vitamin deficiencies, high fever, and even seizures.
It's relatively easy to treat a tapeworm infection so if you are showing any tapeworm symptoms or if you think you might have a tapeworm visitor, then visit your doctor for a checkup. He can help you get rid of the unwanted guest in your intestine.
The content of this article should not be considered professional medical advice. Exercise due diligence when seeking relevant health information. Always consult your healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.