Question 1

what is a tapeworm in humans and how is it treated?

Accepted Answer

There are three that: Occur classically in humans.  The beef tapeworm, the pork tapeworm and the fish tapeworm.  All of these are acquired by eating the undercooked meat of the animal with the larval form encysted in the food. They can be treated with an oral medicine called Praziquantel

Question 2

how to know i have tapeworms?

Accepted Answer

Need medical eval.: Tapeworm symptoms: GI tapeworm infection symptoms may include: weight loss, weakness, decreased appetite, nausea, loose stools and abdominal pain. Invasive tapeworm infection symptoms:  fever, cysts, seizures (other neurologic or allergic sxs).

Question 3

what are symptoms of tapeworms?

Accepted Answer

Few symptoms: Most people with tapeworms have no symptoms until they see part of the worm in their stool.  Rarely, the fish tapeworm can cause vitamin B12 deficiency leading to anemia.

Question 4

what can you do to treat tapeworms?

Accepted Answer

Through: Medical evaluation and prescription antiparasitic medication.

Question 5

are tapeworms dangerous in children?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Tapeworms are dangerous in children and adults.  They lead to loss of weight, nutritional deficiences, and malnutrition.  These can lead to problems in other parts of the body such as the kidneys and heart.  They can also lead to allergic-type reactions as the body tries to fight it.  In children, since they are still growing, a parasitic infection like tapeworms can lead to stunted growth.

Question 6

can you get tapeworms from a pet cat?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Dypilidium can be acquire by accidentally ingesting a cat flea contains the immature form of the worm.

Question 7

how can i tell if my child has tapeworms?

Accepted Answer

Stool sample: The best way to check for tapeworms is to have a lab inspect a stool sample. Check with your child's doctor regarding how to go about submitting a sample.

Question 8

what occurs if a human ingested tapeworms?

Accepted Answer

Infected: Can become infected.Many people who have tapeworms have no sxs other than seeing worms or worm parts with a bowel movement.  Possible sxs/ signs can include: weight loss, loss of appetite or hunger, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea & lethargy. It can lead to loss of important vitamins / minerals.  In rare cases tapeworms have blocked intestines & damaged the eyes, heart, brain & liver.

Question 9

what is the easiest way you can catch tapeworms?

Accepted Answer

Raw meat...: Eating raw or undercooked meat from an animal infected with the tapeworm is usually how it is contracted.

Question 10

can have tapeworms cause other secondary disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Tapeworms can cause related illnesses such as nutritional deficiencies (e.g. Iron-deficiency anemia), allergic syndromes, and other illnesses. If you suspect a parasitic infection or have symptoms of unexplained weight loss or malnutrition, see your doctor for evaluation & treatment.

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What is a tapeworm in humans and how is it treated?

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