How to Identify a Tapeworm Infection
Identifying an intestinal tapeworm infection requires a thorough examination by a healthcare professional. The initial step involves sending samples of your stool to a laboratory for further analysis. Trained technicians will carefully scrutinize the samples to detect the presence of tapeworm eggs or segments. Since tapeworm eggs and segments are not consistently expelled from the body, it may be necessary to provide multiple stool samples to ensure accurate results. In some cases, blood tests can also be utilized to diagnose invasive tapeworm infections. By analyzing the antibodies present in your blood, the laboratory can determine the specific type of tapeworm affecting you.
Treating an Intestinal Tapeworm Infection
In the case of an intestinal tapeworm infection, treatment may not always be necessary as the tapeworm can naturally be eliminated from the body through bowel movements. However, if the tapeworm remains inside the body and becomes attached, oral medication is the most commonly employed treatment method. The specific type of medication prescribed will depend on the particular species of tapeworm and the area of the body it is affecting. It is important to note that medications used to eliminate adult tapeworms are ineffective against tapeworm eggs. Therefore, your doctor will continue to monitor your stool until the infection is completely eradicated.