Ingesting raw or undercooked meats, such as beef or pork, can cause taeniasis--a tapeworm infection. Tapeworms can produce eggs (larvae) in the bodies of humans and animals, which can be transmitted to other people due to poor hygiene or close contact. Typically, humans who develop tapeworm infection do not experience any symptoms, explains Medline Plus, an online medical encyclopedia provided by the National Institutes of Health and the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Patients who notice tapeworm segments in their stools should contact a doctor for further evaluation and care.
Upset Stomach or Abdominal Pain
A patient who develops a tapeworm infection can experience symptoms of upset stomach due to this condition. Nausea can be uncomfortable and can lead to vomiting in certain instances. Frequent diarrhea due to intestinal irritation caused by tapeworm infection can also occur and may be accompanied by abdominal cramping or bloating, warn health officials at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts. Certain patients also experience mild to moderate abdominal pain as a result of tapeworm infection. These stomach-related symptoms typically persist and can progressively worsen until treatment is received.
Appetite Changes or Weight Loss
Tapeworm infection can lead to appetite changes in certain patients. A tapeworm is a parasite that survives by living off of nutritional resources provided by a host. In a patient with tapeworm infection, the tapeworm views her as its host and can steal vital food and energy from the body. As a result, she can experience an increase in her appetite that occurs in conjunction with progressive, unintended weight loss, explains the Better Health Channel, a medical information website provided by the Australian government. Stomach upset and abdominal pain symptoms may lead to a decreased appetite and subsequent weight loss in certain patients.
Fatigue or Weakness
Tapeworms can prevent the body from receiving the nutrition and energy it needs to support daily activities. Consequently, patients with tapeworm infection can become unusually weak or fatigued, explains Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. These symptoms can significantly affect productivity at work or school and can cause people to sleep for longer periods of time throughout the day.
Nervous System Complications
In rare instances, tapeworms can migrate from the digestive tract into other organs, such as the heart or brain, warns Medline Plus. If this occurs, patients can experience severe nervous system complications, such as seizure or organ failure. Such symptoms can be life-threatening if immediate medical treatment is not received.
