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Giardiasis is an illness caused by a parasite called Giardia intestinalis. It lives in soil, food, and water. It may also be on surfaces that have been contaminated with waste. You can become infected if you swallow the parasite. You can also get it if you're exposed to human feces (poop) through sexual contact.

The risk of getting giardia is higher for travelers to countries where it is common, people in child care settings, and those who drink untreated water.

Diarrhea is the main symptom of giardia infection. Others include

  • Passing gas
  • Greasy stools
  • Stomach cramps
  • Upset stomach or nausea

These symptoms may lead to weight loss and loss of body fluids. Some people have no symptoms at all. Symptoms of infection often last two to six weeks. Stool sample tests can diagnose it. You often need to collect several samples to test. Doctors use several drugs to treat it.

The best way to prevent giardia infection is to practice good hygiene, including frequent hand washing. You should not drink water that may be contaminated. You should also peel or wash fresh fruit and vegetables before eating.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Symptoms of Giardia Infections

The following features are indicative of Giardia Infections:
  • foul-smelling diarrhea
  • fatigue
  • abdominal cramps
  • bloating
  • gas
  • nausea
  • weight loss
It is possible that Giardia Infections shows no physical symptoms and still is present in a patient.

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Common Causes of Giardia Infections

The following are the most common causes of Giardia Infections:
  • swallowing contaminated water
  • eating contaminated food

Risk Factors for Giardia Infections

The following factors may increase the likelihood of Giardia Infections:
  • children
  • people without access to safe drinking water
  • anal sex

Prevention of Giardia Infections

Yes, it may be possible to prevent Giardia Infections. Prevention may be possible by doing the following:
  • wash your hands properly
  • avoid drinking untreated water
  • use bottled water
  • avoid oral-anal sex unless you're fully protected

Occurrence of Giardia Infections

Number of Cases

The following are the number of Giardia Infections cases seen each year worldwide:
  • Very common > 10 Million cases

Common Age Group

Giardia Infections can occur at any age.

Common Gender

Giardia Infections can occur in any gender.

Lab Tests and Procedures for Diagnosis of Giardia Infections

The following lab tests and procedures are used to detect Giardia Infections:
  • Stool test: To examine the presence of parasites

Doctor for Diagnosis of Giardia Infections

Patients should visit the following specialists if they have symptoms of Giardia Infections:
  • Gastroenterologist

Complications of Giardia Infections if untreated

Yes, Giardia Infections causes complications if it is not treated. Below is the list of complications and problems that may arise if Giardia Infections is left untreated:
  • dehydration
  • failure to thrive
  • lactose intolerance

Self-care for Giardia Infections

The following self-care actions or lifestyle changes may help in the treatment or management of Giardia Infections:
  • Wash hands thoroughly: Wash hands after using the toilet or changing diapers: Helps in preventing giardia infection
  • Adopt infection preventing methods: Avoid drinking untreated water from shallow wells, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds and streams

Alternative Medicine for Treatment of Giardia Infections

The following alternate medicine and therapies are known to help in the treatment or management of Giardia Infections:
  • Intake Pippali rasayana supplements: An ayurvedic medication can be used to manage Giardiasis
  • Intake of certain supplements: Ingestion of probiotics, wheat germ, berberine-containing herbs and garlic can be helpful

Time for Treatment of Giardia Infections

While time-period of treatment for each patient may vary, below is the typical time-period for Giardia Infections to resolve if treated properly under an expert supervision:
  • In 1 - 4 weeks

Is Giardia Infections Infectious?

Yes, Giardia Infections is known to be infectious. It can spread across people via the following means:
  • by food
  • contact with infected blood

Last updated date

This page was last updated on 2/04/2019.
This page provides information for Giardia Infections.
Drinking Water
Parasitic Diseases

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