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Warning-sign checks

Fish tapeworm infection: when to get help

Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.

  1. 1

    Is any of this happening now?

    Call 911

    Seek emergency care for severe abdominal pain with vomiting and an inability to pass stool or gas.

    These symptoms can indicate a bowel blockage.

    Fainting, chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, or sudden confusion also require emergency care, whatever the suspected cause.

    Other emergency signs, for anyone
    • Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
    • Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
    • Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
    • Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
    • Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
    • Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
    • Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
    • Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
  2. 2

    Is any of this happening?

    Be seen today

    Seek urgent medical assessment for repeated vomiting, worsening abdominal swelling, significant weakness, new numbness, or difficulty walking.

    And for anyone, someone who:

    • has a fever with a stiff neck, a rash that does not fade under pressure, or severe headache
    • has a wound that is hot, spreading red, or leaking pus
  3. 3

    Does any of this apply?

    Book an appointment

    Arrange a routine medical appointment if you:

    • Notice repeated pale, flat segments in your bowel movements
    • Have ongoing abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, or unexplained weight loss
    • Develop unusual tiredness, pale skin, or breathlessness
    • Have tingling, numbness, or problems with balance
    • Ate raw freshwater fish and later developed persistent digestive symptoms

    These symptoms have many possible causes.

    Stool and blood tests are needed to determine whether a fish tapeworm is responsible.

Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Fish tapeworm infection. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.