tapeworm is a big worm It can live inside the small intestine of children and adults. It seems incredible to think that a worm can live inside our body and feed on our food. Fortunately, there are few cases and many of them are resolved effectively since it is a case that is not usually serious.
This parasite can live for a long time inside our body and not realizing it. For this, we are going to assess when we can suspect said worm and what to do when we suspect such a situation.
What is a tapeworm?
The tapeworm is a flat, whitish, ribbon-shaped worm. and where you can see some marks as segments. It is a bit sensitive to say that this parasite reaches colonize within the human intestine, getting to measure from 2 to 8 meters long, in the case of the porcine tapeworm and from 6 to 12 meters, in the case of the bovine.
A fact that relieves us is that does not cause serious problems in the health of the person, Although its symptoms are usually mild to moderate, if detected early it can be effectively eliminated.
Tapeworm classes:
- Taenias Saginata or bovine tapeworm: this parasite is rare and its infection is found in Western Europe.
- Taenia Solium or porcine tapeworm: known as the loner. This parasite causes cysticercus cysts that can be serious.
- Asian taenia. It has been discovered recently and the best known cases have occurred in Asia.
When the tapeworm is in the intestine, it remains anchored, feeds on the food that the person eats, grows and eventually causes gastrointestinal symptoms. In the case of the porcine tapeworm, its case is somewhat more serious. It gets through the wall of the intestine, reaches the blood vessels and deposits its larvae. said larvae travel to other parts of the body reaching the formation of cysts or cysticerci, causing the disease of cysticercosis.
Tapeworm symptoms in children
tapeworm in kids can go unnoticed for a long time. It can take months and even years to present any unusual symptoms. The most common characteristic is usually belly pain, something very common among children and that we do not usually give much importance to. Apart from this discomfort, we must Keep in mind these series of symptoms:
- Loss of appetite.
- Mild or continuous nausea.
- Weight loss or lack of nutrients in the body.
- Diarrhea.
- Upset stomach or abdominal pain.
It is necessary to examine the feces, since in the depositions parts of this worm are eliminated (it is shaped like segments and they are whitish in color).
How is tapeworm spread?
Most children who become infected with this parasitic worm were infected by frequent unsanitary places, although there may be contagion in hygienic areas in extreme cases.
- When it has been consumed red meat, pork or fish infested by this worm. Generally, it usually occurs from consuming them raw or undercooked.
- For the contact with droppings containing these tapeworm eggs (they are very tiny). An infected person can infect another through feces or by extreme cleanliness after their bowel movements. It is very important to clean your hands, all the utensils used and even the doorknobs.
How to eliminate this parasitic worm
It must be borne in mind that to prevent infection Children's hand hygiene should be maximized.. Food must be well cooked, focus on meat and fish. To be 100% sure, these foods can be frozen for 24 hours. It's important too drink bottled waterI doubt the water you can drink, unless it is boiled.
If a child maintains suspicions, they can go to a pediatrician. Will be made blood test to observe the antibodies. Another test will be stool analysis, to rule out the presence of worms. You can also make a imaging exam, MRIs or x-rays to analyze cysts.
The tapeworm has an effective remedy. The doctor or pediatrician will prescribe an antiparasitic medicine, in some cases only a single dose will be needed. If you want to know much more about worms, you can read us at “Symptoms of worms in children”.