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What is Giardiasis?

Giardiasis meaning a condition that causes infection in your small intestine due to a microscopic parasite named as Giardia lamblia. This disease spreads via contact with people who are infected. Besides, consuming food that is contaminated or drinking water that is contaminated are also some of the giardiasis causes. It is quite normal for Pet dogs as well as cats to very often get contracted to giardia. It is very common for people to get contracted by this disease in overcrowded developing countries lacking hygiene and sanitary conditions as well as water quality control. Usually Giardia infections clear up within a couple of weeks. However, it is possible to get intestinal problems for long even post clearance of the parasites. Giardiasis causes can ultimately lead to severe weight and appetite loss. Normally, a child under the age of 5 who suffers giardiasis symptoms, are at a larger risk of malnutrition. There are many drugs that are available for treatment of giardia, however not necessary every person responds to them. Therefore, giardia prevention is the best option ever. Giardiasis is diagnosed with the help of stool sample testing as well as an enteroscopy.

Causes of Giardiasis

The giardiasis causes are mentioned below:

Primary Causes:

  • Stools of an infected animal or person.

Secondary Causes:

  • Touching contaminated surfaces such as bathroom handles, diaper pails, toys, changing tables and then eating without washing your hands
  • Consuming contaminated water
  • Using ice that is made from untreated sources of water such a stream, or a lake, well, etc.
  • Swallowing parasites while swimming or playing in water
  • Eating uncooked food containing giardia
  • Coming in to contact with a person or an animal who already has giardiasis
  • Traveling to a specific country or countries where giardiasis is too common

Types of Giardiasis

Giardia is of two different types.

The first one is in the active form that is present in the gut of an infected animal or a person.

The second one is the inactive cyst form that can remain dormant for months together in the environment.

Treatment

What should you do in case your Giardiasis worsens?

Usually giardiasis doesn’t last for more than a couple of weeks in a person who is healthy people with or without treatment. However, it is quite possible that Giardia can be a long-term issue, if untreated. Therefore, if you face the giardiasis symptoms such as a slight fever, fatigue, heartburn, indigestion, dehydration, watery stools, weight loss, appetite loss, etc. for long, it is recommended to visit your doctor immediately.

What are the available Giardiasis treatment options?

You may also recover eventually on your own in case you do not take giardiasis treatment. But, it is recommended to receive treatment if you have been seeing giardiasis symptoms. A medical treatment can also helpful for giardiasis prevention that leads to spreading of the infection to others.

Usually doctors recommend Metronidazole (flagyl) and Tinidazole for Giardiasis treatment.

A doctor will examine and will accordingly suggest treatment for sexually active partners and also for people who have had close contact with the person who is infected like household members, although they may not have giardiasis symptoms. Usually, ladies who are pregnant are not advised any medications, especially in the first trimester for giardiasis symptoms.

Experts suggest drinking plenty of purified water or fluids for giardiasis prevention. You may also be suggested over-the-counter medications to treat diarrhoea. Remember to lead a hygienic lifestyle by washing hands regularly if you have been diagnosed by giardiasis.

What is the available Giardiasis prevention?

Mentioned below are some of the tips of giardiasis prevention.

  • Washing hands regularly: It is important that you wash your hands regularly post using the bathroom or if you change a diaper. Most importantly it is recommended to wash hands before eating or post handling food.
  • Drinking water: Usually water from sources such as wells, lakes, streams is contaminated. Therefore, beware when you use water from such sources for forming ice or while cooking food during camps.
  • Food: Giardiasis prevention can be done by avoiding consumption of raw foods as well as foods washed in contaminated water.
  • Brushing teeth: It is recommended make usage of only purified water for brushing teeth.

Are there any natural or homemade remedies for Giardiasis?

Giardiasis meaning a parasitic infection caused by a protozoan named as ‘Giardia lamblia’. Mentioned below are some of the homemade remedies for Giardiasis.

  • Oregon grape

This helps in fighting infection

  • Garlic

Consumption of garlic would eradicate your indigestion issues thereby getting them to normal.

  • Long pepper

Since this spice has a natural quality to stimulate your immunity, it is recommended to consume long pepper in your food.

  • Grapefruit juice

This fruit is loaded with antioxidants and therefore grapefruit consumption can help to clean your digestive tract.

  • Coconut

Coconut as well as the oil extracted from it contains lauric acid. Being an anti-parasitic, it helps in fighting bacterial and viral infections.

  • Onion

Onion has powerful nutritional benefits thereby cleansing your intestine and guts.

When to see a doctor?

As mentioned earlier, if the giardiasis symptoms such as loose stools, nausea, fever, abdominal bloating, weight loss, etc. remain for long, it is advisable to immediately visit the doctor and inform him about your condition and the symptoms. Also, provide every detail to your doctor in case you swallow water from a stream or a lake or well or inform if you have recently travelled to an endemic area, etc.

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