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Giardiasis, Intestinal
Medical Questions » Giardiasis, Intestinal
| Name: Giardiasis, Intestinal |
| Also known as: |
| A very common protozoan (microscopic single celled animal) infection of the intestine. Far more common in children than adults. |
Causes of Giardiasis, Intestinal
Giardia lamblia is the parasite responsible. It can enter the small intestine via the mouth and pass from one person to another by poor personal hygiene. Eggs are found in the faeces, and fecal contamination of water supplies is a common method of infection. From the time giardia eggs are swallowed, it may be one to three weeks before symptoms develop or the parasite can be found in the faeces. |
Symptoms of Giardiasis, Intestinal
Most patients have no symptoms. In more severe cases, mild diarrhea, foul-smelling stools, smelly flatus (farts), general tiredness, an uncomfortable feeling in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, burping and cramping pains in the abdomen may occur. |
Tests for Giardiasis, Intestinal
Diagnosed by examining a sample of faeces under a microscope and identifying the eggs or live giardia. |
Treatment for Giardiasis, Intestinal
Most cases clear spontaneously after many weeks or months. Essential to treat all members of the patient' s family, and any other close contacts. A number of different single-dose treatments are available as tablets or mixtures. The only form of prevention is scrupulous personal hygiene.
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Complications of Giardiasis, Intestinal of its treatment
Malnutrition, particularly amongst Aborigines and children in third-world countries, from the constant diarrhea which prevents proper food absorption. People with the parasite but without symptoms can easily pass on the infection. |
Likely Outcome of Giardiasis, Intestinal
The vast majority of cases settle rapidly with treatment. |
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