Tapeworm Infestation Symptoms

Tapeworm infestation in humans usually occurs in areas with low levels of sanitation. The parasite can be transferred through fecal matter, infected water and plants, where it is then ingested or comes into contact with either humans or another animal. Infestation can also occur by eating infected plants--that have either not been washed or washed in polluted water--or by eating meat that is undercooked. Tapeworms attach themselves to the walls of the intestines and can produce and fertilize their own eggs, laying thousands per day.

Intestinal Infection

• Intestinal infection occurs after ingesting infected foods. This is not generally fatal although it can be uncomfortable; however, if the parasites are able to grow for long enough--adult tapeworms can measure up to 50 feet long and survive 20 years in a host--they may become large enough to block the bile duct, appendix or pancreatic ducts and damage those organs. Symptoms and signs of an intestinal infestation include constipation, diarrhea, discomfort and swelling in the abdomen, segments of tapeworm in the feces or clothes, nausea, weakness--which usually occurs when there is a severe infestation causing malnutrition and blood loss--loss of appetite, abdominal pain, weight loss and inadequate absorption of nutrients from food or vitamins. Having only one symptom is not generally considered a sign of infestation. Although tapeworms are much more common than most people suspect, they usually do not cause much trouble and most people do not even realize they have them.

Invasive Infection

• An invasive infection occurs when embryos or eggs migrate out of the intestines. This can happen if you ingest a cyst containing an embryo by eating the uncooked flesh of an animal, drinking infected water, or when so many eggs are being produced that they leave your intestine to find a better habitat. These embryos tunnel into a vein and use it to travel to major organs like the brain or liver or to muscles, where they form a cyst and nest in the tissue. This can cause seizures, fever, cystic masses or lumps, allergic reactions, bacterial infections, neurological symptoms, brain and central nervous system impairment and organ function disruption. Cysts put pressure on blood vessels and hinder circulation or cause blood vessels to rupture. Neurocysticercosis, a dangerous complication, occurs when the larvae invade the brain, forming cysts and resulting in headaches and visual impairment, seizures, meningitis, hydrocephalus or dementia. Severe infections can result in death.

Medical Attention

• There are many ways to de-worm yourself but they should all be practiced under medical supervision. In severe cases organ transplant or surgery may be needed but in most cases it can be done with herbs or medication. A number of prescription drugs will kill the parasites but some may interfere with other prescription drugs and others cause severe side effects. Natural methods include using a number of herbs, seeds, barks and vitamins but it is important to only use them under medical supervision, to make sure they are not doing any damage as well as to see if they are actually working. Results will vary according to the type of tapeworm and severity of the infestation.