Tapeworms in Humans

Tapeworms in humans is an infection in which certain parasites, such as tapeworms, attack the digestive tract and generally remain confined to the intestines. The intestines act as a great host for tapeworms. As we all know, the intestine is the part of the body where digestion takes place. Thus tapeworms that stay in the intestine, absorb the nutrients from food which in turn promotes their growth. Tapeworms in intestines are rarely a cause of discomfort, however when these worms multiply and reach other body organs such as the lungs, then urgent medical treatment is a must.

Causes of Tapeworms in Humans
Unsanitary conditions and inadequate hygiene is the main cause of tapeworms in humans. The worms enters the body when food contaminated with tapeworm eggs is eaten. Once inside the body, the eggs hatch and release larvae which usually live in the intestines. When tapeworms mature, they lay thousand of eggs, some of which pass into the feces, while others move to other body parts and spread the infection. In rare cases, tapeworms cause inflammation of the intestine.

Symptoms of Tapeworms in Humans
In most cases, these intestinal parasites in humans do not give rise to serious conditions. Also, many people infected with tapeworms acquire natural immunity. As a result, their body does not show any symptoms. In general, when tapeworms in humans are present in the intestine, the following symptoms are observed:

• Loss of Appetite
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Nausea

In case tapeworms have multiplied and spread in other body organs, then overall health may deteriorate rapidly. This is because tapeworms that are no longer restricted to intestines can cause considerable damage to the tissues and organs. In case the infection has moved beyond the intestines, then the symptoms observed when the worms are present in sufficiently large numbers, are listed below:

• Neurological symptoms such as numbness or tingling of the face and double vision
• Seizures
• Allergic reactions
• Bacterial infections
• High fever

How to get Rid of Tapeworms in Humans?
Oral medications are commonly prescribed for the treatment of intestinal parasites. The medicine that the doctor may advice is Niclosamide (Niclocide). This drug is extremely effective as it is capable of destroying tapeworms rapidly. Thus people taking Niclocide tablets are likely to get rid of tapeworms within a short period of time. Most importantly, these tablets are safe to use for both adults and children. Side effects associated with Niclocide are mild and not a cause of concern. For optimum results, one has to first chew the tablet properly and then swallow it with water. Children are generally given these tablets in a powdered form. However, the recommended dosage for both adults and children varies significantly.

Another medication given to people infected with tapeworms is Praziquantel (Biltricide). This medicine, available in a pill and tablet form, is a boon for people diagnosed with parasitic infection. The tablets have a bitter taste, so chewing the tablets would not be a good option. However, these medicines can be a cure for tapeworms in humans when taken in the prescribed dosage. The dosage completely depends on how severe the infection is.

Albendazole is another medication used for treating human tapeworm infection. This medicine basically prevents these worms from absorbing nutrients in food. Eventually, these parasites die for want of food. Albendazole is an excellent remedy to eradicate tapeworms in humans. Read more on:

• Roundworms In Humans
• Pinworms In Humans

Tapeworms in humans can be effectively controlled by maintaining personal hygiene. Washing hands thoroughly before eating food, and especially after coming from the washroom is necessary, as unwashed hands are a potent source of parasitic infection.