Symptoms and Treatments of Stool Parasites

By errol

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 1. Kucik, Corry J., et al. 'Common Intestinal Parasites.' American Family Physician, 1 Mar. 2004, www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0301/p1161.html

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Parasitic worms, also called intestinal worms, are broadly classified into two types: helminths, which are the most prevalent type of stool parasites, and protozoa. A parasite depends on its host for nutrients. Some stool parasites prefer human hosts, but most species use humans as hosts only by chance.¹1. Kucik, Corry J., et al. ‘Common Intestinal Parasites.’ American Family Physician, 1 Mar. 2004, www.aafp.org/afp/2004/0301/p1161.html

Although people in developing countries are most at risk for intestinal parasites, cases occur in the United States as well. Children become infected with parasites more frequently than adults, but a child with stool parasites can introduce them to an entire household.

Tapeworms

Symptoms of tapeworm infection vary according to the worm species. Most infections cause mild nausea, weakness, diarrhea, dizziness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain or a craving for salt.

Invasive infections occur when tapeworms leave the intestines and form cysts in other tissues. This can lead to infection or tissue destruction in organs and muscles. Large tapeworms can block the appendix, bile ducts or pancreatic ducts. These blockages result in stomach pain and digestive problems. Neurocysticercosis occurs when tapeworm cysts form in the brain or nervous system. Potential symptoms include headaches, visual impairment, meningitis, seizures, confusion or poor coordination.