Do i have tapeworms? since the beginning of december, i have been experiencing extreme abdominal discomfort, bouts of nausea, vomiting, gas, extreme constipation (cuts my rectum, at times didn't have bowel movement for 2 weeks) and then diarrhea, binge e

Hello. : Hello. Although tapeworms are seen more often in developing countries, it does occur in the us but isn’t common. Tape worms are segmented worms that can reach 15 to 30 feet long and live in the intestine. Tape worms can be transmitted by eating raw beef, pork and fish as well as drinking water or eating food that is contaminated with feces. Many people who have tapeworms have no symptoms other than seeing worms or worm segments when they have a bowel movement. Possible symptoms/ signs can include: weight loss, loss of appetite or the opposite (hunger), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. It can lead to loss of important vitamins and minerals. Serious complications can occur however. The next time you pass a worm or segment of a worm, obtain a stool specimen to include it (don’t handle it directly with your hands). The type of worm can be identified in a laboratory. If you doctor is not knowledgeable about worms, she could ask you to see an infectious disease specialist.