A giardiasis is a form of gastroenteritis, which is also known as gastro. This condition begins because of a parasite known as Giardia duodenalis. While Giardia is found everywhere in the world, it is more prevalent in counties with poor sanitation.
Although giardiasis can affect people of any age group, it is more prevalent in infants, children, and adults aging between 20 and 40 years. Places from where this condition spreads to other areas are the health centers where there are children who are not toilet trained properly.
Symptoms of giardiasis
This condition usually takes up to a couple of weeks to develop in the GI tract. It can even take three weeks in some cases. Its symptoms may include:
- Chronic diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Cramps in the abdomen
- Presence of large amounts of fats in feces
While most people who are infected by this condition do not show any symptoms, they may still transfer this disease to other people.
Causes of giardiasis
People who have Giardia parasites can transfer this condition to other people by not practicing good hygiene. Foods get these parasites from contaminated hands and pass them to other people. Changing the diaper of an infected child may also result in the contamination of the hand.
Drinking contaminated water is another reason for giardiasis. Fecal contamination of water supplies or recreational swimming areas can result in the transfer of Giardia parasites to a lot of people. Individuals having giardiasis need to stay away from pools and other swimming areas until after one week of having their symptoms eased.
Diagnosis
If you notice any symptoms in your body or that of your child, you may want to contact your doctor. The doctor will ask you to bring a stool sample to lab tests. Once the doctor discovers that you or your child has giardiasis, he will provide treatment.
Preventing giardiasis from spreading
You can prevent this condition from spreading by adhering to the following instructions.
- Go for a checkup and get appropriate treatment. It should help reduce the spread of the infection.
- If your children have this condition, keep them home and take a few days off from school. Allow them to go back to school once they recover.
- If you have been diagnosed with this condition, take a few days off from your workplace. It will be even more crucial to take off if your job requires you to handle foods or if you are a healthcare worker.
- Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly after visiting the toilet or changing the diaper of your baby.
- Make sure to clean your toilet and taps thoroughly.
- Avoid drinking water if it is untreated.
- Avoid visiting the swimming area until after one week of having your symptoms reduced.
- Make sure not to prepare food if it is meant to be eaten by other people.
- Do not share your towel or face washer with a person who has giardiasis.
Every person responds to this condition differently. Some may be able to get rid of it without any medical intervention, while some might start going through worse by leaving the problem untreated. The best way is to contact your doctor and follow their instructions.
Gastrointestinal Health 