Problems With Tapeworms

Tapeworms are a type of parasitic worm belonging to the cestoda family of worms, according to NHS Choices. The worms are flat and segmented and can grow up to 15 to 30 feet inside a human's intestines if a person is exposed to contaminated food or feces. More commonly found in developing countries, the parasite can cause a number of problems, which range from uncomfortable short-term symptoms to severe and long-term health problems in the infected person. Identifying the tapeworm as early as possible is vital to ensure fast and straightforward treatment.

Short-term Problems

• A tapeworm in your intestine can cause unpleasant symptoms, which can worsen if it is left untreated. These include abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and weight loss, dizziness, insomnia and fits, according to NHS Choices.

No Symptoms

• It is potentially more problematic when a person lacks few or no symptoms, so the tapeworm goes unnoticed and therefore untreated. This can allow the parasite to grow inside the intestines, which in some cases means a life-span of up to 25 years, which could lead to severe weakness, malnutrition and general malaise.

Cysticercosis Disease

• Cysticercosis disease occurs when the larvae of a pork tapeworm enter the bloodstream from the intestines and settles in the tissue of another organ such as the lungs, liver or brain. As the cysts grow, they cause swelling in the given area, affecting the organ's normal functioning, which in some cases can lead to life-threatening conditions like meningitis and epilepsy. There is also a danger that the cysts can become infected with bacteria and consequently burst. This has been known to induce a dangerous allergic reaction in sufferers called anaphylaxis.

Hydatid Disease

• Hydatid disease is caused by the larvae of dog tapeworm, which like cysticercosis, can settle and form cysts in other parts of the body, namely the liver and the lungs. The cysts contains a watery substance which hold many larvae. They are usually approximately 1 to 3 inches in size but they can grow up 12 inches and remain undetected if or until a main organ is noticeably affected.