Giardiasis – symptoms and treatment 

Giardiasis, also known as giardiasis, is an infectious parasitic disease of the gastrointestinal tract. It is caused by the microscopic protozoan Giardia lamblia, also known as the intestinal tail worm.

Yes. In most cases, the infection is asymptomatic and resolves spontaneously. If symptoms do occur, their severity depends on factors such as the individual characteristics of the patient and the number of cysts ingested.

Giardiasis most often affects children, but adults can also be affected. In adults, symptoms can be confused with other gastrointestinal problems, so the cause isn't always immediately clear.

Infection most often occurs through the oral route, primarily through contaminated hands or water. Sources of infection include drinking water and recreational water, such as swimming pools, rivers, and lakes. Less commonly, infection is transmitted through food contaminated with protozoan cysts.

The incubation period for giardiasis is usually an average of 7 days from the moment of infection, but can last from 3 to 20 days. During this time, the infected person may be infectious to those with whom they come into contact.

The risk of infection is increased by poor sanitation, drinking water from rivers, streams, and lakes, travel to tropical countries, anal-oral sexual intercourse, malnutrition, and physical exhaustion. Working with young children, for example in a nursery or preschool, is also a risk factor.

Symptoms of giardiasis may include watery, foul-smelling diarrhea, crampy upper abdominal pain, most often after eating, bloating, nausea, weakness, loss of appetite, and weight loss. Less commonly, vomiting and fever may occur.

Following or independent of the acute infection, chronic giardiasis, also known as steatorrhea, may develop. Its symptoms are similar to the acute phase of the disease but are milder and may recur periodically.

Chronic giardiasis can cause loose stools or diarrhea, colicky abdominal pain, bloating, weight loss, and weakness. Symptoms may be less severe than in the acute phase, but they tend to recur periodically.

In children, infection can quickly lead to serious complications, such as dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. In the long term, it can contribute to malnutrition and stunted growth.

Atypical symptoms of giardiasis may include hives, secondary lactose intolerance, cholangitis and gallbladder inflammation, and reactive arthritis.

It's important to see a doctor if diarrhea, abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, weakness, or weight loss persist or recur. Your doctor can assess your symptoms, order appropriate tests, and choose the right treatment.

If giardiasis is suspected, a complete blood count (CBC) with a smear and a stool test for cysts are performed. Tests to detect Giardia antigen in stool, such as ELISA or immunofluorescence testing, as well as a stool PCR test, may also be helpful.

The basis of prevention is observing sanitary and hygiene rules, especially hand hygiene and safe food handling. High temperatures kill parasites, so proper food preparation is crucial.

It's best to avoid eating foods from unknown sources and drinking water of unknown origin, as well as water from streams, rivers, and lakes. People with giardiasis should avoid swimming during the illness and for two weeks after symptoms subside.