Giardia Infection
Giardia Infection Causes
Giardia parasites can take on two forms: an active form that lives in the intestine of an infected animal or human and an inactive cyst form that can survive for months in the environment. When these cysts are ingested, their hard shells break down in the stomach, releasing the parasites. The parasites then attach to the wall of the small intestine, eventually reproducing themselves millions of times and damaging the intestinal wall.
Giardia Infection Definition
Giardia infection is an intestinal infection characterized by stomach cramps, bloating, nausea and bouts of watery diarrhea.
Giardia Infection Diagnosis
To help diagnose giardiasis, the doctor is likely to test a sample of stool. For accuracy, the patient may be asked to submit several samples collected over a period of days.
Giardia Infection Symptoms and Signs
Some people with giardia infection ? especially children ? never develop symptoms but still carry the parasite and can spread it to others. For those who do get sick, signs and symptoms typically appear a week to 10 days after exposure and may include: watery, sometimes malodorous diarrhea that may alternate with soft, greasy stools; abdominal cramps and bloating; nausea; fatigue; and weight loss of as much as 10 to 15 pounds.
Giardia Infection Treatment
Children and adults who have giardia infection but no symptoms generally don't need treatment unless they're likely to spread the parasites. Many people who do have problems usually get better on their own in a few weeks.