GIARDIA LAMBLIA

FAQS

What is giardiasis?

Giardiasis is a diarrheal disease caused by the microscopic parasite Giardia. A parasite is an organism that feeds off of another to survive. Once a person or animal (for example, cats, dogs, cattle, deer, and beavers) has been infected with Giardia, the parasite lives in the intestines and is passed in feces . Once outside the body, Giardia can sometimes survive for weeks or months. Giardia can be found within every region of the U.S. and around the world.

How do you get giardiasis and how is it spread?

Giardiasis can be spread by:

Swallowing Giardia picked up from surfaces (such as bathroom handles, changing tables, diaper pails, or toys) that contain stool from an infected person or animal

Drinking water or using ice made from water sources where Giardia may live (for example, untreated or improperly treated water from lakes, streams, or wells)

Swallowing water while swimming or playing in water where Giardia may live, especially in lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, and streams

Eating uncooked food that contains Giardia organisms

Having contact with someone who is ill with giardiasis

Traveling to countries where giardiasis is common

Anything that comes into contact with feces from infected humans or animals can become contaminated with the Giardia parasite. People become infected when they swallow the parasite. It is not possible to become infected through contact with blood.

What are the symptoms of giardiasis?

infection can cause a variety of intestinal symptoms, which include:

Diarrhea

Gas or flatulence

Greasy stool that can float

Stomach or abdominal cramps

Upset stomach or nausea

Dehydration

These symptoms may also lead to weight loss. Some people with Giardia infection have no symptoms at all.

How long after infection do symptoms appear?

Symptoms of giardiasis normally begin 1 to 3 weeks after becoming infected.

How long will symptoms last?

In otherwise healthy people, symptoms of giardiasis may last 2 to 6 weeks. Occasionally, symptoms last longer. Medications can help decrease the amount of time symptoms last.

Who is most at risk of getting giardiasis?

Though giardiasis is commonly thought of as a camping or backpacking-related disease and is sometimes called "Beaver Fever," anyone can get giardiasis. People more likely to become infected include:

Children in child care settings, especially diaper-aged children

Close contacts (for example, people living in the same household) or people who care for those sick with giardiasis

People who drink water or use ice made from places where Giardia may live (for example, untreated or improperly treated water from lakes, streams, or wells)

Backpackers, hikers, and campers who drink unsafe water or who do not practice good hygiene (for example, proper handwashing)

People who swallow water while swimming and playing in recreational water where Giardia may live, especially in lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, and streams

International travelers

People exposed to human feces through sexual contact

What should I do if I think I may have giardiasis?

Contact your health care provider.

How is a giardiasis diagnosed?

Your health care provider will ask you to submit stool samples to see if you are infected. Because testing for giardiasis can be difficult, you may be asked to submit several stool specimens collected over several days.

What is the treatment for giardiasis?

Many prescription drugs are available to treat giardiasis. Although the Giardia parasite can infect all people, infants and pregnant women may be more likely to experience dehydration from the diarrhea caused by giardiasis. To prevent dehydration, infants and pregnant women should drink a lot of fluids while ill. Dehydration can be life threatening for infants, so it is especially important that parents talk to their health care providers about treatment options for their infants.

My child does not have diarrhea, but was recently diagnosed as having Giardia infection. My health care provider says treatment is not necessary. Is this correct?

Your child does not usually need treatment if he or she has no symptoms. However, there are a few exceptions. If your child does not have diarrhea, but does have other symptoms such as nausea or upset stomach, tiredness, weight loss, or a lack of hunger, you and your health care provider may need to think about treatment. The same is true if many family members are ill, or if a family member is pregnant and unable to take the most effective medications to treat Giardia. Contact your health care provider for specific treatment recommendations.

If my water comes from a well, should I have my well water tested?

Giardia and Well Water Testing

What can I do to Prevent and Control giardiasis?

To prevent and control infection with the parasite, it is important to:

Practice good hygiene

Avoid water (drinking or recreational) that may be contaminated

Avoid eating food that may be contaminated

Prevent contact and contamination with feces during sex

For more information view the source:Center for Disease Control

Recommended Test:Full GI Panel

Recommended Product:Freedom Cleanse Restore Parasite Cleanse

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