You can get a tapeworm from eating meat that is not cooked.If left undetected, tapeworms can cause serious problems.If you think you may have a tapeworm, the best thing to do is to see a doctor as soon as possible.There are some symptoms that you can watch for that may indicate you have a tapeworm, but it is necessary to get a diagnosis to be certain.
Step 1: Check for symptoms.
A tapeworm can cause a variety of different symptoms that mimic other medical conditions or it may cause no symptoms at all, so it can be hard to tell if you have one.It is possible to determine if you need to see a doctor by knowing the most common symptoms.Some of the symptoms of tapeworm include abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Step 2: Take your stools and examine them.
You can tell if you have a tapeworm by examining your stools.If you see particles that look like rice, you may have a tapeworm.Eggs from the tapeworm can be found in these small white segments.
Step 3: Pay attention to the amount of food you eat.
Some people have an increase in appetite when they have a tapeworm.This is more common in tapeworm, which is caused by eating too much beef or pork.You should watch for changes in your appetite.
Step 4: Look for signs of anemia.
If you eat fish that is not cooked, the tapeworm may cause you to have a vitamin B12 deficiency.This could cause you to become anemic because you don't have enough B12 in your body.There are a number of symptoms of anemia caused by a vitamin B12 deficiency.
Step 5: There are symptoms of a larvae infections.
In some cases of tapeworm, the tapeworms can hatch and work their way through your ileal wall and into other parts of your body.There are a number of different symptoms associated with this type of tapeworm.
Step 6: You should make an appointment with your doctor.
The only way to know if you have a tapeworm is to see your doctor for a diagnosis.If you have a tapeworm, your doctor will order lab work to confirm it.
Step 7: If necessary, get a stool sample.
Your doctor can determine if you have a tapeworm by ordering a lab analysis of your feces.If you need to collect a stool sample before your appointment, ask.
Step 8: A blood test is necessary.
If a stool sample shows negative results, you may need to get a blood test to find out if you have a tapeworm.You can find out if you have a tapeworm with a lab analysis of your blood.
Step 9: Undergo a test.
If you have a tapeworm, your doctor may want you to have an x-ray to see if it has damaged other parts of your body.These tests are not painful, but they can be a little time consuming.
Step 10: To pass the tapeworm, you should take medication.
To pass the tapeworm, your doctor will prescribe a medication.Follow your doctor's instructions for taking your medication.Praziquantel is one of the most common medications used to treat tapeworm infections.The medication works by killing worms.If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, allergic to any ingredient in the medication, have a worm infection in your eye, or are on rifampin, do not take this medication.Albendazole is a drug.Newly hatched worms are prevented from growing in your body with this medication.You can get tapeworm infections from eating pork and being around dogs.Alinia has a drug called nitazoxanide.This medication is used to treat parasites that you pick up from swimming in a lake or spending time in other moist places.
Step 11: There will be pain and nausea.
If you have to pass a large tapeworm it is likely that you will have some pain.If the pain becomes severe, you should call your doctor.
Step 12: You should see your doctor for a follow-up visit.
One month after your treatment, your doctor will need to check your stools to make sure you are tapeworm free.If you are feeling well, make sure you keep this appointment.