Giardiasis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Giardiasis is a disease that attacks the digestive tract in the form of infection of the small intestine. This disease usually goes away within a few weeks and does not cause serious health conditions. However, sufferers may experience weight loss due to diarrhea and decreased absorption of food.
This disease is experienced by many people who live in polluted areas and have low sanitation. The spread can be through food that has been infected with the parasite that causes giardiasis or contact with infected people.
Symptoms
About 90% of people with giardiasis experience diarrhea . This is the most easily recognized sign or symptom. This disease is also characterized by complaints of stomach feeling bloated or a lot of gas, stomach cramps, and nausea and vomiting. In addition, sufferers also generally lose their appetite and experience dehydration.
These signs usually appear within 1-3 weeks after the patient is exposed to the parasite that causes it. In some cases, symptoms may not appear even though there are parasites in the sufferer’s body. While in some other cases, the symptoms that appear may recur after they have subsided.
Reason
Giardiasis is caused by the Giardia parasite , also known as Giardiasis intestinalis, Giardia lamblia, or Giardia duodenalis . Generally, contamination occurs through water containing giardia or food contaminated with faeces from infected humans or animals.
Several risk factors that make a person susceptible to giardiasis infection include:
- Children. Parasite exposure in children is more likely to occur through feces, especially in children who still use diapers or spend a lot of time in daycare.
- Parents with children who still use diapers or spend a lot of time in daycare.
- People living in or visiting polluted areas or places with low levels of sanitation.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of giardiasis is determined through a detailed history or medical interview and physical examination. Examination of the mouth and skin may be needed to see the possibility of dehydration in sufferers.
Confirmation of the diagnosis can be made by examining a stool sample to find a giardia cyst . Often the examination of stool samples is carried out up to three times.
Treatment
Generally, people with giardiasis will be given antibiotics (such as metronidazole ) to kill parasites that cause disease. As is generally the case with diarrhea, it is important to maintain adequate fluids and electrolytes so that the patient’s fluid needs are met and the patient avoids dehydration.
Other treatments will be adjusted to the symptoms experienced and the sufferer. For example, the use of paromomycin which is commonly used by patients who are pregnant. This drug has a lower risk of birth defects compared to other types of antibiotic drugs.
Prevention
Giardiasis cannot be prevented by administering vaccines or drugs. However, some actions can help reduce the risk of developing this disease, such as:
- Wash hands properly. Some important moments where hand washing should not be forgotten are after using the toilet, changing a child’s diaper, when preparing food, and before eating.
- Boil the water to be consumed until it is cooked, especially if the source of the water comes from a well, river or other water source. If necessary, you can consume bottled water.
- Avoid consumption of drinks and food whose cleanliness and safety are not known for certain.
- Avoid swimming in ponds, rivers, or lakes in areas that are polluted or have low levels of sanitation. If you still want to swim, try not to swallow pool, river or lake water.
- Avoid free sex and try to have safe sex.