Giardia lamblia symptoms are bloating, abdominal cramping, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. These symptoms usually start between one and three weeks after infection. If you have giardiasis, you should consult a doctor for treatment. Medications can help to relieve symptoms and prevent complications. In some cases, medication may be necessary for a long time. You should not stop taking medication if you feel better, because your infection might come back.
Giardiasis can be caused by ingesting infected food or water. It is most common in children, though adults and pets can also be infected. Children should avoid drinking from lakes, rivers, and ponds, which can contain contaminated water. A person with giardiasis should not take baths, showers, or swim in freshwater pools, which can contain contaminated water. Water that is untreated, or water that is contaminated with feces, should be boiled for at least three minutes before consumption.
To diagnose a giardiasis infection, a doctor will take a sample of mucus or a stool from the infected person. The doctor will then send the sample to a lab for testing. Depending on the results of the test, the person may need to undergo a more comprehensive exam. Some people may have to have more than one stool tested in order to get a definitive diagnosis.
Giardia is a parasite that is commonly found in the intestines of animals and human feces. The parasites are enclosed in cysts that are about 10 to 15 mm in diameter. The cysts can live outside the body for months, which allows them to be picked up by the wind. Because the cysts are so small, it is easier to detect them with a special dye.
Giardia can also be transmitted through contact with other people or through dirty diapers or hand-to-mouth transmission. If you are infected, you should wash your hands frequently and be sure to avoid eating or drinking from infected foods. After an infection, you might experience recurring diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and other complications. Medications can help to alleviate symptoms and shorten the duration of the infection.
Symptoms can last from two to six weeks, but you can usually recover within a few weeks. However, if you have giardiasis for a longer period of time, you might experience delayed development, failure to thrive, and other problems. People who have giardiasis are at greater risk of contracting a severe form of the disease, which can lead to malnutrition. This condition is also associated with the development of cancer.
There are many factors that can contribute to giardiasis, including improper hygienic practices and contaminated water. Children, international travelers, and campers all have a higher risk of contracting giardia, but they can be diagnosed and treated.
Treatment for giardiasis includes medication to kill the parasite. Antiparasitic medications such as wormwood or albendazole can reduce the symptoms. Patients may also need to have an endoscopy, which will allow the doctor to check for cysts.
