Giardiasis
What is Giardiasis ?
Giardia infection is an intestinal infection marked by stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and bouts of watery diarrhea. Giardia infection is caused by a microscopic parasite that is found worldwide, especially in areas with poor sanitation and unsafe water.
Giardia infection (giardiasis) is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in the United States. The parasites are found in backcountry streams and lakes but also in public water supplies, swimming pools, whirlpool spas and wells. Giardia infection can be spread through food and person-to-person contact. Giardia infections usually clear up within a few weeks. But you may have intestinal problems long after the parasites are gone. Several drugs are generally effective against giardia parasites, but not everyone responds to them. Prevention is your best defense.
Symptoms
- Watery diarrhea
- Fatty or greasy poop that floats
- Stomach pain and cramping
- Intestinal gas
- Nausea and loss of appetite
- Increasing fatigue
- Itchy skin
- Hives
- Swelling around your eyes
- Swollen joints
- Weight loss
- Bloating
Cause
Giardia infection happens when you accidentally ingest the microscopic parasite during the cyst stage of its life cycle. The Giardia cyst is sort of like an egg that can survive in the wild until it finds a body (host) to hatch in. After you swallow it, the cyst settles and “hatches” in your small intestine. The parasite feeds off your nutrients and multiplies. After this, it changes back into a cyst and passes out in your poop.
Risk Factors
The giardia parasite is a very common intestinal parasite. Although anyone can pick up giardia parasites, some people are especially at risk. Children. Giardia infection is far more common in children than it is in adults. Children are more likely to come in contact with feces, especially if they wear diapers, are toilet training or spend time in a child care center. People who live or work with small children also are at higher risk of developing giardia infection. People without access to safe drinking water. Giardia infection is rampant wherever sanitation is inadequate or water isn’t safe to drink. You’re at risk if you travel to places where giardia infection is common, especially if you aren’t careful about what you eat and drink. The risk is greatest in rural or wilderness areas. People who have anal sex. People who have anal sex or oral-anal sex without using a condom or other protection are at increased risk of giardia infection, as well as sexually transmitted infections.
When to see a Doctor
Call your doctor if you have loose stools, stomach cramping and bloating, and nausea lasting more than a week, or if you become dehydrated. Be sure to tell your doctor if you’re at risk of giardia infection — that is, you have a child in child care, you’ve recently traveled to an area where the infection is common, or you’ve swallowed water from a lake or stream.