Giardiasis can be transferred via food or person-to-person contact, though experts say it's caused by a tiny parasites found in water.After consuming the parasites, you may experience a variety of symptoms.The giardiasis parasites can be found in any body of water, including streams, lakes, pools, spas and even the water supply.It's best to see a doctor if you suspect you have giardiasis, because research suggests that medication may shorten your recovery time.
Step 1: If you have been exposed to Giardia parasites, think about it.
If you combine your knowledge of your past behavior with your current symptoms, you can determine if you have giardiasis.If you or a family member have traveled overseas or come into contact with international travelers, your risk of developing giardiasis increases.You've had contaminated water, such as drinking water or ice made from contaminated sources.It was contaminated by people or animals.You've had water that wasn'tboiled.It can be caused by someone handling food who hasn't washed their hands after changing a diaper or going to the toilet.You've been in contact with people who are sick.You have been exposed to feces.You don't wash your hands after touching animals or people.You have contact with children who use diapers and children spending time in a daycare setting.You have been exposed to water that is not treated.
Step 2: Look for symptoms of giardiasis.
Giardia infections can have non-specific symptoms.They can mimic the symptoms of other diseases.Between one and two weeks after exposure, the symptoms of the infection will appear.The time it takes for the parasites to cause symptoms is called the incubation period.Acute or chronic diarrhea with foul-smelling stool is one of the most obvious signs of infections.The stool can have a greasy appearance with a Giardia infection.There is a difference between watery stool and greasy, foul-smelling stool that floats in the toilet water.The abdomen may be swollen from the gas in the intestines.There are many things that will occur together.Gas with a bad taste and nausea.
Step 3: The primary symptoms can be checked for secondary symptoms.
There are additional symptoms of a Giardia infection that can be triggered by the result of the diarrhea and other abdominal symptoms.
Step 4: Symptoms can change or be absent.
If you experience a course of illness in which you have symptoms, get better, and then feel badly again over a period of weeks or months, you may be able to take a break.Some people with Giardia are able to spread the disease through their stool because they never develop symptoms.People who don't have symptoms often clear the infection on their own.
Step 5: You can see a physician.
If you want to prevent the spread of giardiasis, you should get a diagnosis from your doctor as soon as possible.You can reduce your potential for a chronic infection through early diagnosis and treatment, even if the infection is self-limiting.The fecal specimen is usually used to make a diagnosis.If you have a clear diagnosis of giardiasis, you can discuss treatment options with your doctor.
Step 6: Get the treatment you need.
There are prescription drugs that can be used to treat giardiasis.Different factors can affect how effective a drug regimen is.Babies and pregnant women are more likely to experience dehydration from giardiasis.People at risk for dehydration should drink a lot of fluids.If you handle food or work with children, don't return to work until you're symptom-free for two days.The same applies to children in early childhood centers.You can return to work as soon as you're symptom-free.
Step 7: Giardiasis can be understood.
Giardia can be found on food, soil or water that has been contaminated with feces from an animal.They are protected by a cyst that keeps them out of a host body and makes them tolerant of chlorine.People are exposed to the Giardia cyst.A person can become ill if they swallow less than 10 cysts a day.
Step 8: Know how giardiasis is transmitted.
The parasites can be passed on through food or water.It can be passed from person to person through oral-anal contact.Giardia can be waterborne.The parasites are transported in water.Municipal water supplies can include swimming pools, whirlpool spas, wells, streams and lakes.Water that is used to wash food, make ice or cook is suspect.Travelers to countries where giardiasis is common, people in close contact with someone who has the disease, backpackers or campers who drink water from lakes or rivers are some of the people at greatest risk.
Step 9: There are long-term effects of a Giardia Infection.
Giardiasis is almost never fatal in the United States.It can cause some serious problems.Dehydration, failure to thrive, and lactose intolerance are some of the consequences.Severe diarrhea can cause dehydration.Some significant problems can occur when the body doesn't have enough water.Complications of dehydration can include swelling of the brain, loss of consciousness, and even death.Severe dehydration can be fatal if not treated immediately.Children and the elderly are more likely to suffer from failure to thrive.Poor absorption of vitamins and minerals can harm the development of a child.It is a state of decline in the adults.Some people can't properly digest milk sugar after giardiasis.Digestion of this milk sugar uses a type ofamylase.Milk sugar may be affected by the absence of these enzymes after the infection has been cleared.Severe weight loss is one of the problems that may include malabsorption.
Step 10: Take precautions.
To avoid becoming ill with giardiasis, take the following precautions.In countries where the water supply might be contaminated, do not drink or use ice made from water that has not been treated.All vegetables and fruits should be washed and peeled before eating.Travelers should avoid eating raw foods in areas with unsafe water.Have your water tested if it comes from a well.If the well is located in an area where animals are present, testing should be done frequently.Exposure to fecal matter can spread infections.During oral or anal sex, use a condom or dental dam.After using the toilet, changing a diaper, or coming into contact with fecal matter, wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.If you have diarrhea, do not swim in hot tub, swimming pools, lakes, rivers, streams, or oceans.It is a good idea to stay out of the water for at least two weeks.