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Are there any natural remedies for treating Giardiasis?
Introduction to Giardia
Giardia is a type of parasitic protozoa that is the most common cause of diarrheal illness among humans in the United States. The organism is found in the intestine of infected humans and animals and is spread via feces-contaminated food and water, animal feces, and human-to-human contact. Giardia infection is also known as giardiasis.
What Are The Causes Of Giardia ?
- Ingestion of food or water contaminated with Giardia cysts.
- Infected animals
- Infected humans
- Poor sanitation and hygiene
What Are The Symptoms Of Giardia ?
The symptoms of giardiasis are:
- Watery or greasy diarrhea
- Floating and foul-smelling stools
- Excessive gas
- Abdominal bloating, cramps, and pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weight loss
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Fatigue
Complete Guide To Giardia: Causes, Symptoms, Treatments, and Health
Giardia is a type of parasitic protozoa that can cause severe diarrhea in humans and animals. It is easy to spread through contaminated water, food, and from animal feces. If you think you may have been exposed to Giardia, then it is essential to understand the causes, symptoms, treatments, and general health of Giardia.
What Are The Causes of Giardia ?
Giardia is spread by ingestion of food and water contaminated with Giardia cysts, as well as infected animals, humans, poor sanitation and hygiene. Ingested cysts release parasites that attach to the wall of the intestine, allowing them to multiply and cause illness.
Symptoms of Giardia Infection
Giardia symptoms usually begins with watery or greasy diarrhea, floating and foul-smelling stools, excessive gas, abdominal bloating and cramps, nausea, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever and fatigue.
Diagnosing Giardia
Your doctor will likely conduct a physical examination and ask you and/or your child about symptoms. He or she may also order a variety of laboratory tests, such as a stool sample for Giardia cysts or microscopic examination and culture of a sample, or a serologic test for Giardia antibodies in the blood.
Treatment of Giardia
Your doctor will likely prescribe an anti-parasitic medication such as metronidazole, Tinidazole or a nitroimidazole derivative. Treatment usually lasts 7 to 10 days and is highly effective at clearing up the infection. It is important that you take the full course of antibiotics and avoid reinfection by practicing good hygiene and following your doctor’s instructions.
General Health
General health improvement is an important part of managing Giardia infection. You should drink plenty of fluids and eat a balanced diet to restore nutrient loss due to diarrhea and vomiting. Eating yogurt with live and active cultures may help replace the body’s natural bacteria and help prevent reinfection. It is also important to practice good hygiene and wash your hands often.
