Tapeworm infections are caused by parasitic worms and often stem from contaminated food or water; symptoms, types, treatments, and key prevention tips are covered.
Tapeworms—sounds like something straight outta a sci-fi movie, right? We’ve all heard the name thrown around, but what’s the real deal? What causes a tapeworm infection, and how do you even know if you’ve got one? And, most importantly, how do we get rid of these unwanted guests? We’ll break it all down for you. Let’s get to it!
- What Is a Tapeworm?
- Causes of Tapeworm Infection
- Symptoms of Tapeworm Infection
- Treating a Tapeworm Infection
Please note that we’ll explore the topic further down the page, so stick around!
What Is a Tapeworm?
A tapeworm is a parasitic worm that looks like a, well, tape measure. What makes ’em freeloaders? They can’t live on their own; they need a host—that’s you or your pet—to survive. They attach themselves to the inside of your intestines and start soaking up all the nutrients.
Most of the time, humans pick up tapeworms by ingesting them through animals, meaning mainly by eating food particularly undercooked beef, pork or fish, that’s carrying the parasite.
People usually get infected by coming into contact with animal feces or contaminated water. A friendly reminder to wash those hands people!
Infections come in different flavors, the major types include:
- Pork tapeworm (also known as Taenia solium).
- Beef tapeworm (known as Taenia saginata).
- Dwarf tapeworm (Hymenolepis nana).
- Fish tapeworm (Diphyllobothrium latum).
Causes of Tapeworm Infection
So, how exactly do these unwelcome guests make their way into your system? Here’s the lowdown:
1. Swallowing Tapeworm Eggs
This happens when you eat food, drink water, or touch soil that’s been contaminated with tapeworm eggs from an infected animal.
2. Eating Contaminated Meat or Fish
Sometimes, meat or fish can contain tapeworm cysts. If that meat or fish isn’t cooked properly, these cysts can make their way into your system, hatch, and grow into adult tapeworms. We’ve noticed that many folks aren’t sure about the safe internal temperatures for cooking meat. So, always use a meat thermometer to ensure your food is cooked to a safe temperature. For example, beef steaks should reach 145°F (63°C), while pork needs to hit 160°F (71°C).
Tapeworms can live a shockingly long time, like, decades. And they can grow, really grow. Some can reach up to 50 feet in length and hang out in your intestines, shedding segments that pass through your stool. Gross, but true.
3. Person-to-Person Transmission
The dwarf tapeworm is able to be transmitted from one person to another, since its entire life cycle can be completed in one host.
Dwarf tapeworms are one of the most common types worldwide.
4. Transmission from Insects to Humans
Certain insects can pick up tapeworm eggs and transmit them to humans; this is more common in countries and areas that lack robust sanitation practices.
5. Reinfection
What we mean by this, is that it’s possible to get another tapeworm infection, especially if you don’t follow proper hygiene practices. This happens when the eggs are still present in the stool, and the individual doesn’t wash their hands properly after using the restroom.
If you don’t wash your hands after using the restroom, you could be at risk of reinfection.
Symptoms of Tapeworm Infection
Often, people who have a tapeworm infection don’t even know it. They might not have any symptoms. Sometimes, though, there are signs, and they can sometimes be mistaken for other health issues.
Sometimes the symptoms you’ll get might include:
- Finding worm pieces or eggs in your stool.
- Abdominal pain.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Feeling weak.
- Appetite changes.
- Diarrhea.
- Weight loss or gain.
- Trouble sleeping.
- Dizziness and salt cravings.
- Poor nutrient absorption from food.
- Vitamin B12 deficiency (in some cases).
Treating a Tapeworm Infection
Good news: getting rid of a tapeworm is usually pretty straightforward. The goal is to get rid of the worm, but it’s also important to get rid of the parts that can cause more problems later on.
Here’s the rundown of how we can treat it:
1. Medication
For a tapeworm infection, your doctor might prescribe medications like praziquantel or albendazole, which are designed to kill the adult worms and their eggs.
The doctor will prescribe a medication to help get rid of the tapeworm entirely, and usually you’ll be checked again in 1-3 months to make sure it’s gone.
2. Natural Remedies
These natural remedies can be helpful, but it’s important to remember, some might not be as effective as traditional medicine. That said:
Pumpkin Seeds
They contain compounds that are toxic to parasites. It’s recommended to use the whole seed or pumpkin seed oil.
Take a small amount of pumpkin seeds with a glass of water first thing in the morning, then drink a cup of warm water after about three hours, followed by a light meal.
Garlic
It contains compounds that fight parasites and can help in the fight against tapeworms. Eat three cloves of raw garlic daily for about a week.
Unripe Papaya
It contains an enzyme called papain, which helps break down and get rid of tapeworms.
Mix a small amount of unripe papaya juice with honey, then add three to four small glasses of warm water; drink it in the morning and eat a light meal an hour or two later.
Clove Buds
Known for containing antiparasitic properties, clove buds prevent tapeworms from attaching to the intestinal walls, which helps your body expel them more easily.
Add two small pinches of ground clove buds to three cups of boiling water and let it steep for 30 minutes before consuming.
Key takeaways
- Proper handwashing after using the toilet and before preparing or eating food can stop the spread of the infection.
- Always cook meat and fish thoroughly to kill tapeworm cysts, paying attention to recommended internal temperatures.
- If you experience any symptoms of a tapeworm infection, seek medical treatment to identify and treat the infection.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Can you see a tapeworm?
Yes, you might see segments of the tapeworm in your stool. These look like small, white grains of rice. Sometimes, you might even see a whole worm, which can be quite long.
Are tapeworms contagious?
Most tapeworms aren’t directly contagious from person to person. However, dwarf tapeworms can spread from person to person because they complete their life cycle in a single host.
Can tapeworms cause serious health problems?
In most cases, tapeworm infections are mild and easily treated. However, if left untreated, some types of tapeworms can cause serious complications, such as cysticercosis, which can affect the brain and other organs.
Is it safe to treat a tapeworm infection with natural remedies alone?
Natural remedies may help, but they’re not always effective on their own. It’s best to consult with a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Can pets give tapeworms to humans?
While it’s rare, it’s possible for humans to get tapeworms from pets if they ingest fleas carrying tapeworm larvae. Always deworm your pets regularly and practice good hygiene.
“I was so worried when I found out I had a tapeworm. I thought it was going to be a nightmare, but the doctor prescribed some medicine, and it cleared up in no time. Now I’m extra careful about cooking my meat thoroughly.”
“I had no idea I had a tapeworm until I saw something moving in my stool. It was so gross! The medication worked, but I also started being super vigilant about washing my hands. It’s a lesson I won’t forget.”
“My kiddo got a tapeworm from playing in the dirt, and it was a wake-up call. Now we’re all about hygiene, and I make sure to deworm the pets regularly. It’s just part of our routine now.”
So there you have it, a quick guide to tapeworms! While the thought of having a worm in your gut is definitely not pleasant, knowing the facts and how to prevent and treat these infections can give you some peace of mind. We’ve noticed that most of us don’t think about these things until we’re faced with them. I definitely didn’t, until my friend shared her experience, and, um, yeah, I’m cooking my steaks well-done from now on.
