What are the most prominent symptoms of tapeworm, and by what means may the parasite be expelled?
Tapeworm
Q. What are the most prominent symptoms of tapeworm,
and by what means may the parasite be expelled?
A. The most prominent symptoms of tape worm are colicky pains in the lower part of the abdomen, especially after fasting, relieved by
a full meal; ravenous
hunger, distention of the bowel with gas, alternate constipation and diarrhea,
itching and prickling sensations; in children, convulsions; the passage of
portions of the worm.
Of the various symptoms just named
the last is the only positive sign of the presence of tapeworm. No patient
should ever be treated for tapeworm unless the positive signs of the presence
of the parasite are first detected. The application of measures for expelling the worm must be managed by a physician. There are various remedies, but they
should be used under the supervision of a competent medical
man, as is true of the use of all
poisons.