An intestinal infection that usually causes the following symptoms is called Giardia infection. The most common symptoms it causes include nausea, watery diarrhea, bloating, and stomach cramps. This infection occurs due to a tiny parasite (known as Giardia) found in the whole world, especially in regions with poor sanitation and unsafe water.
Giardia infection is also called giardiasis and it is one of the most common waterborne disease causes in the U.S. These parasites can be found in lakes, backcountry streams, as well as public water supplies (such as swimming pools, whirlpool spas, and wells. Furthermore, this condition may spread from one person to another through close contact and food.
Fortunately, this condition goes away within several weeks but some people may still experience intestinal problems after the parasites are gone. There are different medicines that are quite effective against giardia parasites. However, the best defense is prevention.
Symptoms
While some people do not experience any symptoms, they still carry the parasite and can spread it to other people through the stool. In some cases, the symptoms of this intestinal infection may appear within 3 weeks after exposure. Check below some symptoms:
- Gas
- Weight loss
- Stomach cramps
- Bloating
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Diarrhea that is watery and foul-smelling
Commonly, the symptoms last up to 6 weeks but some people may experience them for a longer period.
If you experience the following symptoms for more than 7 days or you experience dehydration, you should immediately visit a doctor. Examples include stomach cramps, bloating, and loose stools.
Causes
Parasites that cause this infection usually live in the intestines of people and animals. However, before these small parasites pass in stool, they become encased within cysts (hard shells) that allow them to survive for months even outside the intestines. When the cysts enter the body, they dissolve and the parasites are released.
In most cases, giardia infection happens when you swallow the parasite cysts often accidentally. Usually, people get the infection when drink unsafe water, eat infected food, or are in close contact with an infected person.
Contaminated Water
This is the most common way how people become infected with these parasites. Giardia parasites are usually found in lakes, ponds, rivers, and streams worldwide (including public water supplies such as wells, cisterns, swimming pools, water parks, and spas). Furthermore, ground and surface water usually become infected with these parasites due to agricultural runoff, wastewater discharge, or animal feces.
Contaminated Food
The parasites may spread through food when you handle it without washing your hands or washing it in contaminated water. However, giardia parasites die when the fool is cooked. That’s why food is a less common source of the infection.
Close Contact
Some people get infected with these parasites through close contact with an infected person. For instance, during a diaper change in child care centers. Moreover, these parasites may pass to another person through anal sex.
Risk Factors
One of the most common intestinal parasites is the giardia parasite. The following people are at higher risk of getting the infection. Examples include:
- Children – Giardia infection occurs more frequently in children than adults because they are more likely to come in contact with feces, especially if they wear diapers. An increased risk of getting the infection have also people who work with small children.
- Those who do not have access to safe water – If you are traveling in regions where giardia infection is common, it is advised to drink only bottled water and avoid other sources (such as rivers or lakes).
- People who have anal sex – Those who have oral or anal sex without protection (such as condoms) are at increased risk of getting giardia infection and sexually transmitted infections as well.
What are the Potential Complications of Giardia Infection?
This condition is rarely fatal, especially in industrialized countries. However, without treatment, it may cause serious complications. Check below some complications:
- Dehydration – This complication usually causes severe diarrhea. It happens when the body loses too much water and it becomes difficult to function properly.
- Failure to thrive – Mental and physical development problems may occur in children due to malnutrition caused by chronic diarrhea.
- Lactose intolerance – There are many people who develop this complication. It occurs due to this infection that affects the ability to digest milk sugar. Furthermore, this complication may last much longer after the infection is treated.
This article does not contain all possible complications of giardia infection. That’s why you should consult with your doctor for more details.
Prevention
There are no medicines or vaccines that may prevent this infection but there are several precautions that help prevent this infection. Examples include:
- Regularly washing your hands is one of the best ways to prevent exposure to these parasites. You should do it with soap and warm water, especially after using the toilet, changing a diaper, and before preparing or eating food. If soap and water are not available you can use a sanitizer based on alcohol.
- Avoid unsafe (untreated) water such as from shallow wells, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, and streams if it is not boiled for at least 10 minutes.
- Wash thoroughly raw products (such as fruits and vegetables) with safe (uncontaminated water). It is not recommended to eat raw products especially if you are traveling in countries with poor sanitization.
- You should close your mouth when swimming in pools, lakes, or streams. It will prevent you from swallowing the water.
- It is advised to drink bottled water only, especially when traveling to different parts of the world. Bottled water also should be used even when you brush your teeth.
- Practice safe sex when you engage in anal or oral sex.
Diagnosis
In most cases, a stool sample is enough to diagnose this infection. However, doctors may ask you some questions about the symptoms and medical history. Stool tests also help doctors prescribe the best treatment for you.
Treatment
Those who have this infection without symptoms, do not require treatment usually. In such cases, people get better on their own within several weeks. However, if you experience severe symptoms or the infection does not go away within a few weeks, doctors often prescribe the following medicines. Examples include:
- Metronidazole – This is one of the most common antibiotics recommended by doctors for people with giardia infection. Possible adverse reactions include nausea and a metallic taste in the mouth. It is not allowed to drink alcohol while using this medication.
- Tinidazole – This medication works similarly to Metronidazole but it can be given in one dose only.
- Nitazoxanide – This medicine comes in a liquid form, which makes it the best option for children. The most common adverse reactions include yellow eyes, nausea, and gas.
At this moment, there are no medicines for this infection in pregnancy because adverse reactions to medicines may harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant and experience this infection, consult with your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is giardia infection contagious?
Yes, these parasites may pass from one person to another. However, most people become infected with giardia due to contaminated water, food, surfaces, or objects.
Can giardia infection go away on its own?
Yes, but only in mild cases when the infection does not cause symptoms and cannot spread to other people. Treatment is required when symptoms occur or the infection does not disappear within a few weeks.
What is the most effective medicine for giardia infection?
Healthcare professionals usually recommend Metronidazole, which helps clear the infection. However, this medicine may cause some negative effects such as nausea and a metallic taste in the mouth. While using this medicine it is not allowed to drink alcohol. If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare professional.
