Giardia Infection – Symptoms and Causes
Overview
Giardia infection treatments include several effective medications that can eliminate the parasites from the body.
Common prescription drugs include:
- Metronidazole (Flagyl) – Often prescribed as a first-line treatment.
- Tinidazole (Tindamax) – Usually requires only a single dose.
- Nitazoxanide (Alinia) – Available in liquid form for children.
Some patients may need to try different medications if the first treatment doesn’t work. For those with recurring infections, longer treatment courses might be necessary.
Home care products that help manage symptoms include:
| Product Type | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Oral rehydration solutions | Prevent dehydration from diarrhea |
| Probiotics | May help restore gut flora after treatment |
| Electrolyte drinks | Replace lost minerals and fluids |
Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting any treatment for giardia infection.
Symptoms
People with giardia may not always show symptoms, but they can still pass the infection to others.
When symptoms occur, they typically appear 1-3 weeks after infection and may include:
- Watery diarrhea (sometimes with a bad smell)
- Greasy stools that may alternate with diarrhea
- Extreme tiredness
- Stomach pain and bloating
- Excess gas
- Feeling sick to the stomach
- Loss of weight
Most people experience these symptoms for 2–6 weeks. However, some individuals may have symptoms that last longer or come back after seeming to go away.
When to See a Doctor
Contact your healthcare provider if you experience these symptoms for more than a week:
- Loose stools
- Stomach cramping and bloating
- Nausea
Seek medical attention if you notice signs of dehydration.
Tell your doctor if you fall into any high-risk groups for giardia infection:
- You have a child in daycare
- You recently traveled to areas where this infection is common
- You drank water from lakes or streams
Early medical intervention can help prevent complications and start appropriate treatment.
What Causes Giardia Infections
Contaminated Water Sources
Drinking unsafe water is the main way people get Giardia infections. The parasites live in many water sources like lakes, rivers, streams, and sometimes even public water systems.
These tiny organisms form protective shells called cysts that let them survive outside the body for months. The parasites can enter water from farm runoff, sewage spills, or animal waste.
Children wearing diapers and people with diarrhea may accidentally contaminate swimming pools and spas. Hikers and campers who drink untreated water from natural sources face a higher risk of infection.
Unsafe Food Consumption
Eating contaminated food can also spread Giardia, though less commonly than water. This typically happens in two ways:
- Food handlers who have Giardia and don’t wash their hands properly
- Fruits and vegetables washed or grown with contaminated water
Cooking kills Giardia parasites, so properly cooked food is generally safe. Raw foods pose a higher risk, especially in places with poor sanitation standards.
Direct Contact Between People
Giardia spreads easily through person-to-person contact, particularly in situations involving:
| High-Risk Groups | How Transmission Occurs |
|---|---|
| Parents and caregivers | Changing diapers without proper handwashing |
| Childcare workers | Contact with infected children |
| Children in daycare | Sharing toys and surfaces with infected peers |
| Sexual partners | Through certain intimate contact |
The infection cycle continues when someone touches their mouth after contact with infected feces. This makes thorough handwashing crucial for prevention, especially after bathroom use or before handling food.
Risk Factors
Several groups face higher chances of getting infected with giardia parasites:
Children have a much greater risk of giardia infection compared to adults. This happens because:
- They often have contact with feces during diaper changes or toilet training
- They may spend time in childcare centers where germs spread easily
- Adults who work with or care for young children also face increased risk
People in areas with poor water quality frequently encounter giardia. The risk is particularly high:
- In places lacking proper sanitation systems
- When traveling to regions where giardia is common, especially rural or wilderness areas
- If you don’t carefully monitor what you eat and drink while traveling
Certain sexual practices can increase infection risk:
- People who engage in anal sex or oral-anal contact
- Those who don’t use protective barriers like condoms during these activities
- These individuals also face higher risk of other sexually transmitted infections
Complications
Giardia infection rarely causes death in developed nations, but it can lead to ongoing health issues, particularly for young children and babies. The infection may result in several serious problems:
- Dehydration: Severe diarrhea from Giardia can drain the body of necessary fluids, preventing normal bodily functions.
- Growth and Development Problems: Children with persistent diarrhea caused by Giardia may experience malnutrition, which can harm both physical growth and mental development.
- Difficulty Digesting Dairy: Many people develop lactose intolerance during and after Giardia infection. This means they cannot properly digest milk sugar, a condition that might continue long after the infection is gone.
Prevention
Stopping giardia infection requires careful habits. No vaccines or medications can prevent it.
Basic precautions can significantly reduce your risk of getting infected or spreading it to others.
Hand washing is your best defense. Wash with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after using the bathroom, changing diapers, and before handling food.
While hand sanitizers can help when soap isn’t available, they don’t kill giardia cysts effectively.
When in wilderness areas, treat water properly:
- Boil water for at least 10 minutes at 158°F (70°C)
- Use appropriate water filters
- Avoid drinking untreated water from lakes, streams, or shallow wells
Always wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly with clean water. Peeling fruit provides extra protection.
When traveling internationally, avoid raw produce if you’re unsure about water safety.
Water safety tips:
- Keep your mouth closed while swimming in pools, lakes, or streams
- Use bottled water (opened by you) when traveling in areas with questionable water supplies
- Avoid ice in regions with unsafe water
- Brush teeth with bottled water when traveling
Sexual activity requires caution too. Always use condoms during anal sex, and avoid oral-anal contact without proper protection.
