Tapeworms are parasites which attack the digestive tract and remain in the intestines of their hosts. While living in the intestines, these parasites absorb the nutrients from our food which in turn promotes their growth. Tapeworms don’t cause much discomfort, but they multiply very rapidly and can reach other organs of the body like the lungs, which requires urgent medical treatment attention.
Type of Tapeworms in Humans:
There are around six types of tapeworms which infect humans.
- Pork tapeworm: Pork tapeworms can grow to lengths of around 21 feet.
- Fish Tapeworm: Fish tapeworms reach a size of 25 feet in length.
- Beef tapeworm: Beef tapeworms can reach lengths of about 25 feet.
- Rodent tapeworm
- Dog tapeworm: This tapeworm grows to 24 inches.
- Dwarf tapeworm: Dwarf tapeworm is the smallest of all tapeworms and grows to 12 inches.
Tapeworm Causes:
Inadequate hygiene and unsanitary conditions are amongst the main causes for tapeworm infections in humans. Tapeworms enter the body when we eat food that is contaminated with tapeworm eggs. After they are in the body, the eggs hatch and then release larvae which live within the intestines. When these tapeworms mature, they lay thousands of eggs, some of which pass through the feces, while others move to different parts of the body and spread infection. In rare cases, tapeworms are also known to cause inflammation of the intestine. Eating undercooked meat and drinking unclean water increases the risk of tapeworm infections in humans. Undercooked meat contains tapeworm cysts that ultimately develop into adult tapeworms.
Sometimes, tapeworm infections might even cause intestinal blockage. On an average, adult tapeworms measure around half an inch, but they can grow to lengths as long as 30 feet. An adult fish tapeworm can grow to lengths of 30 feet, while tapeworms coming from the consumption of undercooked pork are generally up to 20 feet in length. The length of tapeworms coming from beef varies from 10 – 20 feet in length. Considering the sizes these parasites can grow to, it is no surprise that severe tapeworm infections can lead to intestinal obstruction. Tapeworm infections can even cause vision problems and meningitis, as well as brain damage causing epileptic seizures if the parasites settle somewhere else besides the intestines.
Symptoms of Tapeworm Infections:
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of Appetite
- Nausea
- Weakness
- Malnutrition
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Muscle weakness
- Difficulty Sleeping
Tapeworm infections in humans can be effectively controlled by maintaining personal hygiene. It is important to wash your hands before eating and after visiting the washroom, since dirty hands are a potent source of parasitic infections. On the whole, thoroughly cooking meat and drinking clean water is a must in order to prevent tapeworm infections in humans.
Treatment for Tapeworms:
Treatment for tapeworm infections involves the use of oral medications such as Biltricide. Biltricide is a commonly prescribed medicine to effectively treat intestinal parasites such as tapeworms, liver flukes, and flatworm infections. Patients can purchase Biltricide in the form of tablets and pills. The dosage for this medication depends upon how severe the infection is. However, Biltricide is ineffective for the treatment of pinworms and other roundworm infections. Patients can order Biltricide online or from their local pharmacy. However, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional prior to deciding to buy Biltricide for treating tapeworm and other flatworm infections.
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