What is the difference between roundworms and threadworms

Taeniasis is the infection of a human with an adult pork or beef tapeworm. Typically, symptoms are mild to nonexistent, but you may experience some stomach upset, loss of appetite, abdominal pain and weight loss.

In rare cases, pork tapeworms travel to the brain and cause seizures, a condition known as neurocysticercosis. Most tapeworm infections can be treated effectively with medication. Tapeworms in the brain are an exception.

Your best bet at preventing a tapeworm infection is to mind your diet. Cook all meats to the recommended temperatures prior to eating. And those less-than-stellar hand washing habits? This is just one more reason to get on the scrub bus. WHre is the CDC? Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

There are many different kinds of worm infections here in the States, some of which can be transmitted by your pets. How Do You Get Pinworms? Unfortunately, repeat threadworm infection is very common. To help reduce this and to prevent the threadworms from spreading to others, you can take the following precautions:. If you have tried a threadworm treatment for your child and their symptoms have not improved, take them to your GP. The doctor will examine your child and may want to do blood or faeces poo tests.

Also take your child to the GP if:. No, ringworm is not actually a worm at all. It is a fungus that needs to be treated with anti-fungal medication. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers. To donate, visit www. This information is intended to support, not replace, discussion with your doctor or healthcare professionals.

The authors of these consumer health information handouts have made a considerable effort to ensure the information is accurate, up to date and easy to understand. The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne accepts no responsibility for any inaccuracies, information perceived as misleading, or the success of any treatment regimen detailed in these handouts. Information contained in the handouts is updated regularly and therefore you should always check you are referring to the most recent version of the handout.

As the worm tends to lay her eggs at night, good samples are more likely early in the morning. People may apply the tape themselves before using the bathroom or bathing. The sample should then be taken to the doctor. Sometimes the worms are visible in the anal area, underwear, or in the toilet. In stools, the worms look like small pieces of white cotton thread. Because of their size and white color, pinworms are difficult to see.

The male worm is rarely seen because it remains inside the intestine. It is best to search for pinworms at night, when the female comes out to lay her eggs. If you are checking children, it is best to inspect about 2 to 3 hours after they have fallen asleep.

If you are pregnant, breast-feeding, or have a baby less than 6 months of age, and you suspect you may have pinworms, you should see your doctor straight away. Pinworm infection can be easily treated. It is important to remember that treatment also focuses on preventing re-infection. All members of the family need to be treated. Treatment may consist of either a 6-week strict hygiene method or medication followed by strict hygiene for 2 weeks. Some medications are available OTC over the counter at local pharmacies.

Individuals who are pregnant, breast-feeding, or have a baby less than 6 months old should speak with a doctor. If medication is used, it should be given to everybody in the household. There is a risk of transmission between family members people in the same household ; so the chances of being infected if somebody has been diagnosed are high, even if no symptoms are present.

Currently, the CDC recommends the following treatment for pinworms. Various medications are available to purchase online. Speak to a doctor before taking any medicaton. The hygiene method is usually recommended for pregnant or breast-feeding mothers, rather than medication.

Neither mebendazole or albendazole should be taken during the first 13 weeks of pregnancy. During the 2nd and 3rd trimesters of pregnancy and breast-feeding, medication can be used if necessary. They're common in the UK and can be treated with medicine from a pharmacy. These could be symptoms of something like roundworm, hookworm or tapeworm.

These infections are usually caught while travelling. They can take a long time to cause symptoms, so tell the GP if you have been abroad in the last 2 years. It does not matter which type of worm you have — all worm infections are treated in a similar way.

You might be asked to provide a sample of poo so it can be tested for worm eggs.