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Giardiasis: An intestinal infection

About

Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a microscopic parasite, Giardia Lamblia.

There has been a 4% decrease in the cases of Giardiasis from 2007 to 2017.[1]

Giardiasis:
- Is treatable by a medical professional
- Often requires a medical diagnosis
- Requires lab tests and imaging
- Is communicable
- Resolves within days to weeks

The most common source of spreading this disease is through contaminated food or water and through person-to-person contact. People living around places with poor sanitation are at high risk.

Symptoms

The very common symptoms of Giardiasis are:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Vomiting
- Bloating and abdominal cramps
- Weight loss
- Excessive gas
- Headaches

Diagnosis can be done by checking stool sample for the presence of the parasite. Or the doctor may perform enteroscopy that involves running a flexible tube down the throat into the small intestine in order to examine the digestive tract and take a tissue sample.

Treatment

Self-care: Preventing this disease is very much possible. It can simply be done by washing hands after toilet, changing diapers, and before eating or while preparing food. Avoiding drinking water from shallow wells, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, and streams can definitely prevent from getting this disease. Also, practicing safer sex is another preventive measure.
Medication: In case the disease gets severe, then doctors may prescribe antiparasitic drugs.
Specialists: For other severe kinds, consult a physician at the earliest. We at mfine can help you with various fields of health issues. You can get in touch with us onboard for a holistic treatment program.