Tapeworms: How to tell if you have one - Fox News
Tapeworms: How to tell if you have one - Fox News |
- Tapeworms: How to tell if you have one - Fox News
- Intestinal worms: Pictures, symptoms, and treatment - Medical News Today
- What Kind Of Parasites Do Humans Get? - World Atlas
| Tapeworms: How to tell if you have one - Fox News Posted: 14 Dec 2019 12:00 AM PST  A tapeworm is a parasite that you can get if you eat the infected and undercooked meat of an animal. (iStock) Dear Dr. Manny, I ate something on a trip to Brazil and now I've been having terrible stomach issues. I've read about people who have had tapeworms and I don't know if I have one. How do you know if you have a tapeworm? What do the eggs look like? How do you diagnose a tapeworm? Will the worm die on its own? Is it common to get a tapeworm? Thanks for your question. A tapeworm is a parasite that you can get if you eat the infected and undercooked meat of an animal. So you could have gotten a tapeworm by eating something. It's hard to know if you have a tapeworm on your own, but the most common symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, unexplained weight loss, dizziness, trouble sleeping, and jaundice. WHICH MEAT IS HEALTHIEST TO EAT? When you go to the bathroom, look at your stools. If you see white pieces in there, you might have a tapeworm infection. Your appetite might change. If you're eating a lot more but weighing a lot less, then it might be a tapeworm. Some kinds of tapeworms cause anemia symptoms because they eat all the Vitamin B12. This is a problem because your body needs that vitamin in order to make red blood cells. If you have no sense of touch, trouble walking, and feel stiff, that's a sign of anemia. Paired with the other symptoms, you might just have a tapeworm. Tapeworm eggs look like little grains of rice or seeds. If they hatch, the larvae can sometimes crawl up your intestines and live there. This causes cold-like symptoms, such as coughing. WHY IS YOUR STOMACH MAKING NOISES? In many situations, however, most people don't even know they have tapeworms. There can be almost no symptoms. When doctors diagnose tapeworms, they do it via a stool test. They check the stool for worm parts, or proglottids, and eggs. The patient collects a sample and sends it to the lab for testing. Technicians view the sample through a microscope to see if they can find proglottids or eggs. The Centers for Disease Control mandates that three different samples be tested. Tapeworms must be treated because they do not go away on their own. They reproduce with eggs and grow in the human intestine. Some tapeworms grow to be 25 feet long inside their hosts. The larvae travel to other parts of the body and infect parts of the tissue, in the brain and in other areas. These larvae form cysts that can cause damage. Tapeworms are not very common in the U.S. The laws and inspection practices have ensured that infected meat is not sold. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP If you think you have a tapeworm, you need to talk to your doctor about getting tested.  |
| Intestinal worms: Pictures, symptoms, and treatment - Medical News Today Posted: 14 Feb 2020 05:58 AM PST  Intestinal worms, or parasitic worms, are simple organisms that feed off the human body. Many people recognize the more common varieties, such as tapeworms and hookworms, but may be less aware of the others. Intestinal worms can cause many symptoms in the body, some of which are similar to the symptoms of other gut disorders. A quick and thorough diagnosis is crucial in each case to avoid complications. Doctors may use antiparasitic medications or other treatments to help get rid of the worms. Although intestinal worms may seem scary, most people respond well to treatment. In this article, we take a look at the different types of intestinal worm and the symptoms that they can cause. We also examine how people can get intestinal worms and what the treatment involves. Each species of intestinal worm may cause different symptoms, and the symptoms may also vary from person to person. However, some common signs and symptoms of intestinal worms include: In some cases, the person may start passing segments of the intestinal worm in their stool. In rarer cases, the intestinal worm may lead to severe blockages in the intestine, making it difficult for the person to have a bowel movement. There are many different types of intestinal worm that can affect people. Below, we look at some of them in more detail. TapewormA tapeworm is a type of flatworm that lives in the intestine, where it attaches itself to the intestinal wall. Most people with tapeworms experience either no symptoms or very mild symptoms. There are a few different types of tapeworm. Some tapeworms live in water, and drinking unclean water may allow them into the body. Other tapeworms live in meats, such as beef or pork, and ingesting unclean or raw meats may expose the person to them. Tapeworms are flat and tend to be long, usually between 3 and 10 meters depending on the type of worm. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that there are fewer than 1,000 new cases of tapeworms each year in the United States. HookwormA hookworm is a worm that usually enters a person's body through unsanitary soil. The name of the worm describes the way that one end of its body tapers off into a needle or hook shape. The CDC state that, according to estimates, 576 to 740 million people in the world have a hookworm infection. Hookworms take up space in the small intestine, where they lay eggs, which pass out of the body through the feces. When the eggs hatch, the larvae can potentially enter through the skin of another person. People are at risk if they come into contact with the fecal matter or with soil containing contaminated feces as fertilizer. Most people with a hookworm have no symptoms. Some people may show typical gastrointestinal symptoms, and this may be more common with first-time infections. FlukeFlukes are another type of flatworm. Flukes may be more common in animals, although it is possible for humans to contract these parasitic worms as well. Flukes are small and have a rounded leaf shape. Humans get them by accidentally eating or ingesting them, either in drinking water or freshwater plants, such as watercress. Once inside the body, adult flukes occupy the bile ducts and liver. Some people do not have any symptoms, but others may experience symptoms months or even years after first ingesting the parasite. These people may experience inflammation of the bile ducts or complete blockages. They may have an abnormally large liver or unusual readings on a liver test. PinwormA pinworm is a small, thin roundworm that is about the size of a staple. Pinworms are relatively harmless and sometimes live in the colon and rectum of humans. Someone who has the worms can pass them onto someone else through direct contact or by sharing a contaminated object with them. Pinworms commonly cause itching around the anus, which can be severe enough to make sleeping difficult. Symptoms appear during the night as this is when the female pinworms crawl out of the anus to lay their eggs on the surrounding skin. Other symptoms are usually mild, and many people do not experience any. AscariasisAscariasis is similar to a hookworm, although it is only a few inches long. It lives in contaminated soil, so it only enters the body when people ingest the eggs. Inside the body, this worm lives in the intestines. People with an ascariasis infection often show few to no symptoms. However, severe infections may cause intestinal blockages or impair growth in children. TrichinellaTrichinella worms are another type of roundworm that may pass to humans who eat undercooked or raw meats that contain the live larvae. The larvae then grow in the intestines. On reaching their full size, the Trichinella worms may leave the intestines and live in other tissues, such as the muscles. Symptoms vary with a trichinosis infection. In addition to common gastrointestinal symptoms, some people may experience:
Heavy infections may cause breathing or heart problems or make it difficult for the person to move. Very severe cases may lead to death. Trichinella infection is rare in the U.S., but it is more likely to affect people who eat wild meats, such as bear, pork, or seal. As a 2016 study notes, over 3.5 billion people around the world have an intestinal parasite infection. The vast majority of these infections occur in developing countries where sanitation is poor. However, intestinal worms are still possible in developed areas. Some people may be more at risk of contracting an intestinal worm. These people include those with a weakened immune system, such as older people and people living with HIV. Pregnancy does not increase the risk of getting intestinal worms, but intestinal worms may pose a more significant health risk for people who are pregnant. Some antiparasitic medications may not be safe during pregnancy. Anyone who is pregnant and has an intestinal worm should work closely with their doctor throughout their treatment. Doctors may order several different tests to help them diagnose intestinal worms. These tests may include:
A tape test involves placing a piece of tape over the anus as the person sleeps to check for signs of eggs. Anyone who suspects that they have an intestinal worm should see a doctor. Although intestinal worms sound a bit frightening, treatment is often straightforward. In some cases, the person may not need any treatment at all. A healthy immune system may be sufficient to manage some types of tapeworm without the need for medication. In other cases, doctors will use one or more antiparasitic medications to get rid of the intestinal worm. Doctors will sometimes choose to monitor the person first to see if their body can take care of the worm before moving on to medication. During this period, the individual should report any symptoms to the doctor. Some signs and symptoms may indicate that further treatment is necessary. These may include:
Before commencing a person's medical treatment, the doctor has to identify the specific type of intestinal worm. The type of worm will determine the best treatment option. Doctors often prescribe praziquantel (Biltricide) to clear out a tapeworm. This drug paralyzes the worm, forcing it to detach from the intestinal wall. It then helps dissolve the worm so it can pass through the digestive system and leave the body during a bowel movement. In the case of hookworms, doctors prescribe anthelmintic drugs, such as mebendazole or albendazole. Triclabendazole may help treat flukes, while pinworm infections often respond well to both over-the-counter and prescription drugs. Intestinal worms may increase the risk of certain health issues in the body. Some intestinal worms may make it difficult for the body to absorb protein or cause a loss of blood and iron, which could lead to anemia. Intestinal worms may also affect a person's ability to pass food through the intestines. This issue could ultimately lead to an intestinal blockage, which requires immediate treatment. Some types of intestinal worm may also lead to human cysticercosis, which is a potentially serious disease that can damage the eyes and cause seizures. While it may not be possible to get rid of all possible sources of intestinal worms, it is still essential to take certain steps to avoid them where possible. One of the more important aspects of prevention is basic sanitation. For instance, people should always wash their hands both before and after using the toilet to avoid possible exposure. Washing the hands before cooking or handling food is also crucial. Many intestinal worms enter the body through the food that a person eats. As a result, it is essential to follow some safe food practices:
When visiting a developing country or a place where sanitation is lacking, avoid swimming in sources of unclean water or walking barefoot in areas where contamination with fecal matter is possible. Many intestinal worms are uncommon in the U.S., largely due to proper hygiene and cooking practices. Some common worms, such as pinworms, do not pose much harm. In most cases, a thorough course of treatment can help clear up the issue. However, anyone who suspects that their symptoms come from an intestinal worm should see a doctor as soon as possible for a diagnosis and treatment. Most people respond well to treatment.  |
| What Kind Of Parasites Do Humans Get? - World Atlas Posted: 03 Jun 2020 12:00 AM PDT
You would be surprised and horrified to learn that many parasitic organisms can invade the human body and cause it harm. Evolutionary ecology teaches us that parasites are organisms that live inside a host (uninvited of course), usually smaller than the host, causing it to harm and even alter the host's behavior. They feed upon the host for necessary resources to survive and can cause diseases because they interact with other species. If you ever had the chance to watch any of the films from the Alien franchise, the mention of the word "parasite" or "host" might send shivers down your spine. However, that was the work of science-fiction, and although parasites do not burst out of your chest in real life, they can harm the human body. Hey There Little Buddy, Are You Hungry?Hookworms are one of the most common parasites that can invade the human body. They are usually transmitted via contaminated water, vegetables and feces. They are more common in places that have poor access to water and hygiene, and they cause a macroparasitic disease called helminthiases. Inside our bodies, they attach themselves to the intestinal wall where they molt into adult worms over a period of 5 to 9 weeks. Inside, they drink the host's blood and cause symptoms like nausea, anemia, and abdominal pain. The seven-year itch or the scabies mite is a parasite that causes itching, skin irritation and soreness and is usually transmitted via physical contact. This parasite lays her eggs on the skin of a host and when the parasite attempts to bury the eggs under the skin, that is when your skin starts burning with intense itches. Tapeworm is another common parasite that usually finds its way to the host through contaminated or undercooked food and water. They reside in the intestinal wall and produce eggs, which upon maturing can move to other parts of the human body. This parasite resembles a long ribbon and can live inside its host for up to 30 years. Roundworm also infests the digestive tract, and they seldomly cause any major symptoms. They are also one of the largest intestinal parasites that can live in humans (up to 35 centimeters). Through the intestines, they enter the bloodstream and can make their way to the lungs causing mild symptoms of cough and vomiting. How Do You Get Rid Of The Parasite?It is not easy to know when there is a parasite in your body because the symptoms do not have the same intensity for every person. For some infection, it may take even months to notice the symptoms and that is why diagnosis can at times be difficult. The most common symptoms include a change in appetite, weakness, diarrhea, nausea, and such. Usually, the treatment for parasitic infection is a medication that will help kill the little rascals and flush them out of the host's system. It all depends on the type of infection and the type of parasite that is in the body. In case of other health conditions and/or a troublesome immune system, it may take a longer time for the organism to recover, but most of the time, people recover over the course of few weeks or a month.  |
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