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Giardiasis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention of Giardia Infection

Giardiasis, also known as a giardia infection, is an intestinal disease caused by a tiny parasite called Giardia intestinalis. This parasite is commonly found in areas with untreated drinking water and is a frequent cause of waterborne illness in the United States.

Symptoms of Giardiasis

Symptoms of giardiasis typically appear 1-3 weeks after exposure to the parasite and may last for 2-6 weeks. The most common symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea

  • Gas or flatulence

  • Greasy, floating stool

  • Stomach or abdominal cramps

  • Upset stomach or nausea

  • Dehydration

  • Weight loss

If you experience any of these symptoms for more than a week, it's important to consult your doctor to determine if you should be tested for giardiasis. While some cases may resolve on their own, treatment may be necessary.

Causes of Giardiasis

Giardia infection is typically acquired through contact with the stool of an infected person or animal. The parasites form a hard shell called a cyst, which allows them to survive outside the body for months in water or on surfaces. You can become infected by:

  • Close contact with someone who has giardiasis

  • Touching contaminated surfaces and then eating without washing your hands

  • Drinking water or using ice made from an untreated water source containing giardia

  • Swallowing the parasite while swimming or playing in water

  • Eating uncooked food that contains giardia

  • Traveling to countries where giardiasis is common

Risk Factors for Giardiasis

While anyone can contract giardiasis, certain groups are at a higher risk of coming into contact with the parasite:

  • Parents and child care workers who change diapers

  • Children in child care centers

  • People living in the same household as someone with giardiasis

  • Those who drink water or use ice made from untreated water

  • Backpackers, hikers, and campers who drink unsafe water or have poor hygiene practices

  • International travelers

  • People who engage in anal sex

Diagnosing Giardiasis

To diagnose giardiasis, your doctor will require a stool sample, which will be sent to a lab for testing. Multiple samples over several days may be necessary for the best results. If you are diagnosed with giardiasis, follow-up stool tests will be needed to confirm that the parasites have been cleared from your system.

Treating Giardiasis

Many people recover from giardiasis without treatment, but your doctor may prescribe medication to help eliminate the infection. Common drugs used to treat giardia infections include:

  • Metronidazole (Flagyl)

  • Nitazoxanide (Alinia)

  • Tinidazole (Tindamax)

Complications of Giardiasis

Giardiasis can lead to complications even after the infection has resolved, particularly in infants and children. These complications may include:

  • Dehydration: Severe diarrhea can cause the body to lose too much water, leading to dehydration.

  • Failure to thrive: Prolonged diarrhea can impact a child's mental and physical development.

  • Lactose intolerance: Some people who have had a giardia infection may develop difficulty digesting milk sugar (lactose), making it challenging to consume dairy products.

Preventing Giardiasis

Although there is no vaccine to prevent giardiasis, you can take several steps to reduce your risk of infection:

  • Wash your hands after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or preparing food.

  • Filter or boil water when outdoors.

  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming in pools, lakes, or streams.

  • Drink bottled water and avoid ice cubes when traveling to places with unsafe water.

  • Use a condom during anal sex.

By understanding the symptoms, causes, treatment options, and prevention methods for giardiasis, you can take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from this common waterborne illness.

For more information on giardiasis and other intestinal diseases, visit:

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