A tapeworm is a parasite that can cause an infection in the intestinal tract. Children can develop a tapeworm infection--also called taeniasis or cystisercosis, depending on the cause--by eating undercooked meat or fish that contains tapeworms or their larvae, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. Contact with contaminated feces may also cause a tapeworm infection. A tapeworm can live in a person's intestinal tract for decades, and can reach more than 12 feet in length. Many tapeworm infections do not cause symptoms.
Passing Worms
Because tapeworm infections often cause no noticeable symptoms, the first sign your child is infected may be noticing a tapeworm or part of a tapeworm in his stool, according to MedlinePlus. The worms are often noticeable in a person's stool because they can be seen moving.
Gastrointestinal Distress
Some children with a tapeworm infection may experience bouts of nausea and vomiting, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Additionally, your child may complain of stomach pain or abdominal cramps. However, the symptoms can be an indication of many medical conditions. If your child has chronic vomiting or diarrhea or frequently experiences stomach pain, she should be evaluated by a doctor.
Weight Loss
A tapeworm infection can cause weight loss in some individuals. The weight loss occurs because the parasites are receiving some of the nutritional benefits from the foods your child eats, according to MayoClinic.com. Similarly, nutrient absorption may be diminished and your child may not be getting all the vitamins and minerals he needs from his foods.
Cysts
With invasive tapeworm infections, the parasites can migrate out of the intestinal tract and cysts can form on other parts of the body, including the organs. In some cases, the masses may be palpable or visible. Depending on where the cysts form, serious and potentially life-threatening symptoms such as seizures and neurological impairment can develop, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Behavior Changes
Tapeworm infections can also cause behavior changes in your child. You may notice she is having trouble sleeping or she may seem nervous or agitated, according to the CDC. These types of symptoms, including odd behavior disturbances, may be an indication of an invasive infection affecting the brain, the American Academy of Pediatrics reports.
