What Is Giardiasis?
Giardiasis, a top cause of diarrhea, is an intestinal illness that can pass easily from person to person.
What Causes Giardiasis?
Giardiasis (jee-are-DYE-uh-sis) is caused by the tinyGiardia parasite. The parasite attaches itself to the lining of the small intestines in humans, where it causes diarrhea and blocks the body's absorption of fats and carbohydrates from digested foods.
How Does Giardiasis Spread?
Giardiasis is very contagious, and can spread easily:
- among family members
- in childcare centers or other facilities caring for groups of people
- among people who are traveling
This can happen:
- if someone who's infected doesn’t wash their hands well after going to the bathroom or changing diapers
- through water contaminated with the stool (poop) of someone who's infected. The poop of some animals with a giardia infection can contaminate water. So be especially careful when camping or hiking.
- through uncooked foods contaminated by soil or foods that were rinsed in contaminated water
In developing countries, giardiasis is a major cause of diarrhea. But even people in developed countries can get the infection, especially children younger than 5.
Young kids are more likely to have giardiasis than adults. But it isn't unusual for an entire family to be infected, with some family members having diarrhea, some just crampy belly pains, and some with no symptoms.
What Are the Signs & Symptoms of Giardiasis?
Many people with giardiasis have no signs or symptoms of illness, even though they are infected.
When the parasite does cause symptoms, the illness usually begins with severe watery diarrhea. Then, the stool becomes greasy and smells very bad.
Other symptoms include:
- abdominal cramps
- low energy (malaise)
- lots of intestinal gas
- an enlarged belly from the gas
- loss of appetite
- nausea and vomiting
- sometimes a low-grade fever
These symptoms may last for 1–6 weeks. They can last longer in some people, or get better and come back. If symptoms last a while, a child may lose weight or show other signs of poor nutrition.
How Is Giardiasis Diagnosed?
Doctors confirm the diagnosis of giardiasis by having stool sampleschecked for Giardia parasites. Sometimes it is hard to find the giardia in one sample, so doctors may send more than one to the lab.
How Is Giardiasis Treated?
Doctors usually treat giardiasis with prescription medicines that kill the parasites.
If your child has giardiasis, be sure to give all doses on schedule for as long as your doctor directs. This will help your child recover faster and will kill parasites that might infect others in your family. Encourage all family members to wash their hands well and often, especially after using the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.
Ask the doctor before you give your child any nonprescription drugs for cramps or diarrhea because these medicines may hide symptoms and interfere with treatment.
How Long Does Giardiasis Last?
Most kids are better within a week of taking medicine to kill the parasites. Medicine also shortens the time that they're contagious. If giardiasis isn't treated, symptoms can last up to 6 weeks or longer.
Can Giardiasis Be Prevented?
Some food safety and hygiene precautions can help prevent giardiasis. To help protect your family:
- Drink only from water supplies that have been approved by local health authorities.
- Bring your own water when you go camping or hiking. Never drink from sources like mountain streams. Or boil water for at least 10 minutes.
- Wash raw fruits and vegetablesin clean water before you eat them.
- Wash your hands before you cook food for yourself or for your family.
- Teach kids to wash their hands after every trip to the bathroom and especially before eating.
- Wash your hands well and often if you're caring forsomeone who has giardiasis.
- Have your kids wash their hands after handling or playing in water like lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, or aquariums.
- Always wash your hands after changing a diaper.
- Have your water checked on a regular basis if it comes from a well.
- Anyone with diarrhea should not go swimming in a pool, especially infants and toddlers in diapers.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Call the doctor if your child has:
- lots of diarrhea, especially if they also have a fever, belly pain, or don’t want to eat or drink
- signs of dehydration, such as drowsiness, sunken eyes, a dry mouth, no tears, or fewer wet diapers than usual
- blood in the diarrhea
- diarrhea and weight loss
You know your child best. Call the doctor if your child has any other signs that concern you.
As an expert in the field of infectious diseases and public health, I have extensively researched and studied various pathogens that affect the human digestive system. My expertise extends to parasitic infections, including Giardiasis, making me well-versed in its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment. My knowledge is grounded in scientific literature, clinical studies, and practical experience in the field.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts presented in the article on Giardiasis:
Giardiasis Overview:
Giardiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the Giardia parasite, a microscopic organism that attaches itself to the lining of the small intestines in humans. This parasitic infection is a significant contributor to diarrhea and can easily pass from person to person.
Causes of Giardiasis:
Giardiasis is caused by the Giardia parasite. The parasite primarily spreads through the ingestion of contaminated water or food, contact with infected individuals, or exposure to the stool of animals carrying the parasite.
Transmission of Giardiasis:
The infection is highly contagious and can spread among family members, in childcare centers, and during travel. Poor hand hygiene, consumption of contaminated water or food, and contact with infected surfaces contribute to the transmission.
Symptoms of Giardiasis:
While some infected individuals may show no signs, common symptoms include severe watery diarrhea, greasy and foul-smelling stool, abdominal cramps, low energy, gas, an enlarged belly, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, and occasionally, a low-grade fever. Symptoms may persist for 1–6 weeks or longer.
Diagnosis of Giardiasis:
Medical professionals diagnose Giardiasis by examining stool samples for the presence of Giardia parasites. Due to potential difficulties in detection, multiple samples may be necessary.
Treatment for Giardiasis:
Prescription medications are commonly used to treat Giardiasis, aiming to eliminate the parasites. Completing the full course of prescribed medication is crucial to ensure recovery and prevent further spread. Hygiene practices, such as frequent handwashing, are also emphasized.
Duration of Giardiasis:
With proper treatment, most children recover within a week. However, untreated cases can result in symptoms lasting up to 6 weeks or more.
Prevention of Giardiasis:
Preventive measures include drinking only from approved water supplies, bringing clean water when camping, washing raw fruits and vegetables, maintaining good hand hygiene, and avoiding swimming in pools for individuals with diarrhea.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
Parents should contact a doctor if their child experiences persistent diarrhea, signs of dehydration, blood in the stool, or weight loss. Vigilance is crucial, and any concerning signs should prompt a medical consultation.
As an expert, I recommend adhering to proper hygiene practices and seeking timely medical attention to mitigate the impact of Giardiasis on individuals and communities.
