Difference between revisions of "Recognize the Symptoms of Giardiasis"
(importing article from wikihow) |
m (Update ref tag) |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
| − | {{fa}}Giardiasis, one of the most common intestinal parasites that affect humans, is caused by a microscopic parasite (''Giardia lamblia'') which lives in the intestines of people and animals. It is found on food, surfaces, soil, or water that has been contaminated with the feces of infected animals or humans, producing eggs that can survive in the environment for a long time. People become infected after swallowing the parasite and it is commonly passed on through contaminated drinking water, early childhood centers, and through family contact. The parasite affects nearly 2% of all adults and 6–8% of children in developed countries like the United States. However, in developing countries with poor sanitation systems and water supplies, nearly 33% of people develop giardiasis.<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/infection-sources.html</ref> Fortunately, the infection typically clears up in a few weeks, although the side effects can linger long after the parasites are gone. | + | {{fa}}Giardiasis, one of the most common intestinal parasites that affect humans, is caused by a microscopic parasite (''Giardia lamblia'') which lives in the intestines of people and animals. It is found on food, surfaces, soil, or water that has been contaminated with the feces of infected animals or humans, producing eggs that can survive in the environment for a long time. People become infected after swallowing the parasite and it is commonly passed on through contaminated drinking water, early childhood centers, and through family contact. The parasite affects nearly 2% of all adults and 6–8% of children in developed countries like the United States. However, in developing countries with poor sanitation systems and water supplies, nearly 33% of people develop giardiasis.<ref name="rf1">http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/infection-sources.html</ref> Fortunately, the infection typically clears up in a few weeks, although the side effects can linger long after the parasites are gone. |
[[Category:Intestinal and Digestive Health]] | [[Category:Intestinal and Digestive Health]] | ||
| Line 15: | Line 15: | ||
#*You have or have contact with children who use diapers and/or with children spending time in a daycare setting. | #*You have or have contact with children who use diapers and/or with children spending time in a daycare setting. | ||
#*You have gone hiking and been exposed to untreated sources of water. | #*You have gone hiking and been exposed to untreated sources of water. | ||
| − | #Look for physical symptoms of giardiasis. The symptoms of a ''Giardia'' infection can be non-specific. In other words, they can also mimic the symptoms of other intestinal disorders or infections. Symptoms of the infection will usually appear between one and two weeks after exposure. This is called the incubation period, or the time it takes for the parasite to cause symptoms to occur. The most obvious signs of infection are a number of gastrointestinal symptoms, including:<ref>http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/giardiasis.pdf</ref><ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giardia-infection/basics/symptoms/con-20024686</ref> | + | #Look for physical symptoms of giardiasis. The symptoms of a ''Giardia'' infection can be non-specific. In other words, they can also mimic the symptoms of other intestinal disorders or infections. Symptoms of the infection will usually appear between one and two weeks after exposure. This is called the incubation period, or the time it takes for the parasite to cause symptoms to occur. The most obvious signs of infection are a number of gastrointestinal symptoms, including:<ref name="rf2">http://www.cfsph.iastate.edu/Factsheets/pdfs/giardiasis.pdf</ref><ref name="rf3">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giardia-infection/basics/symptoms/con-20024686</ref> |
#* Acute or chronic diarrhea with foul-smelling stool. With a ''Giardia'' infection, the stool can have a greasy appearance and blood is very rarely seen. You may find that the diarrhea alternates between watery stool and greasy, foul-smelling stool that floats in the toilet water. | #* Acute or chronic diarrhea with foul-smelling stool. With a ''Giardia'' infection, the stool can have a greasy appearance and blood is very rarely seen. You may find that the diarrhea alternates between watery stool and greasy, foul-smelling stool that floats in the toilet water. | ||
#* Abdominal cramps or pain | #* Abdominal cramps or pain | ||
| Line 23: | Line 23: | ||
#* Loss of appetite | #* Loss of appetite | ||
#* Belching gas with a very bad taste | #* Belching gas with a very bad taste | ||
| − | #Check for secondary symptoms related to the primary symptoms. The result of the diarrhea and other abdominal symptoms can trigger the following additional symptoms of a ''Giardia'' infection:<ref | + | #Check for secondary symptoms related to the primary symptoms. The result of the diarrhea and other abdominal symptoms can trigger the following additional symptoms of a ''Giardia'' infection:<ref name="rf2" /> |
#* Weight loss | #* Weight loss | ||
#* Dehydration | #* Dehydration | ||
| Line 30: | Line 30: | ||
#* Individuals over the age of 60 often display symptoms that include anemia, weight loss and loss of appetite | #* Individuals over the age of 60 often display symptoms that include anemia, weight loss and loss of appetite | ||
#*The very elderly and the very young can both be at particular risk for complications stemming from these secondary symptoms | #*The very elderly and the very young can both be at particular risk for complications stemming from these secondary symptoms | ||
| − | #Be aware that symptoms can change or even be absent. You may experience symptoms and then get better or you may experience a course of the illness in which you have symptoms, get better, and then feel badly again over several weeks or months.<ref | + | #Be aware that symptoms can change or even be absent. You may experience symptoms and then get better or you may experience a course of the illness in which you have symptoms, get better, and then feel badly again over several weeks or months.<ref name="rf3" /><ref name="rf2" /> |
#* Some people who are infected with ''Giardia'' never develop symptoms but are still carrying the parasite and are able to spread it to others through their stool. | #* Some people who are infected with ''Giardia'' never develop symptoms but are still carrying the parasite and are able to spread it to others through their stool. | ||
#* People who are asymptomatic, or don’t have symptoms, often clear the infection spontaneously. | #* People who are asymptomatic, or don’t have symptoms, often clear the infection spontaneously. | ||
#See a physician. In order to prevent the spread of giardiasis, get a diagnosis from your [[Find a Local Doctor or Physician|doctor]] as soon as you can. Although the infection can be self-limiting and typically clears up, you can reduce your potential for experiencing a chronic infection through early diagnosis and treatment. | #See a physician. In order to prevent the spread of giardiasis, get a diagnosis from your [[Find a Local Doctor or Physician|doctor]] as soon as you can. Although the infection can be self-limiting and typically clears up, you can reduce your potential for experiencing a chronic infection through early diagnosis and treatment. | ||
#* Diagnosis is usually made via a fecal specimen, so be prepared to give a stool sample. Once you have a clear diagnosis of giardiasis, you can discuss treatment options with your physician. | #* Diagnosis is usually made via a fecal specimen, so be prepared to give a stool sample. Once you have a clear diagnosis of giardiasis, you can discuss treatment options with your physician. | ||
| − | #Get treatment. There are several prescription drugs that can be used to treat giardiasis, including metronidazole, tinidazole, and nitazoxanide. Different factors may affect how effective a drug regimen will be, including medical history, nutritional status, and the condition of your immune system.<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/treatment.html </ref><ref>http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88965/</ref> | + | #Get treatment. There are several prescription drugs that can be used to treat giardiasis, including metronidazole, tinidazole, and nitazoxanide. Different factors may affect how effective a drug regimen will be, including medical history, nutritional status, and the condition of your immune system.<ref name="rf4">http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/treatment.html </ref><ref name="rf5">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88965/</ref> |
#* Infants and pregnant women may be more likely to experience dehydration from the diarrhea caused by giardiasis. To prevent dehydration, these at-risk populations should drink a lot of fluids while ill. Children should utilize an age appropriate electrolyte replacement fluid, such as Pedialyte. | #* Infants and pregnant women may be more likely to experience dehydration from the diarrhea caused by giardiasis. To prevent dehydration, these at-risk populations should drink a lot of fluids while ill. Children should utilize an age appropriate electrolyte replacement fluid, such as Pedialyte. | ||
#*If you work with children or handle food, do not return to work until you're symptom-free for two days. The same goes for children in early childhood centers. Otherwise, you can go back to work as soon as you're symptom-free. | #*If you work with children or handle food, do not return to work until you're symptom-free for two days. The same goes for children in early childhood centers. Otherwise, you can go back to work as soon as you're symptom-free. | ||
=== Understanding Giardiasis === | === Understanding Giardiasis === | ||
| − | #Understand how giardiasis occurs. ''Giardia'' is a microscopic parasite found on food, soil or in water that has been contaminated with feces from an infected human or animal. They are protected by an outer shell (called a cyst) that allows them to survive outside a host body for long periods and makes them tolerant of chlorine disinfectant. People are infected when they ingest the ''Giardia'' cyst. These cysts are infectious and swallowing as few as 10 can cause someone to become ill. An infected host may shed as many as one to 10 billion cysts daily in their stool for up to several months, particularly when untreated.<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/</ref><ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giardia-infection/basics/definition/con-20024686</ref> | + | #Understand how giardiasis occurs. ''Giardia'' is a microscopic parasite found on food, soil or in water that has been contaminated with feces from an infected human or animal. They are protected by an outer shell (called a cyst) that allows them to survive outside a host body for long periods and makes them tolerant of chlorine disinfectant. People are infected when they ingest the ''Giardia'' cyst. These cysts are infectious and swallowing as few as 10 can cause someone to become ill. An infected host may shed as many as one to 10 billion cysts daily in their stool for up to several months, particularly when untreated.<ref name="rf6">http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/</ref><ref name="rf7">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giardia-infection/basics/definition/con-20024686</ref> |
| − | #Know how giardiasis is transmitted. The parasites may be passed through contact with an infected object, food, or water. It can also be passed from animal to person and through oral-anal contact during sex.<ref | + | #Know how giardiasis is transmitted. The parasites may be passed through contact with an infected object, food, or water. It can also be passed from animal to person and through oral-anal contact during sex.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#* ''Giardia'' infection is most often waterborne. In other words, the parasite travels and is transported in water. These water supplies can be swimming pools, whirlpool spas, wells, streams and lakes, or municipal water supplies. Water infected by the parasite which is used to wash food, make ice or cook is also suspect. | #* ''Giardia'' infection is most often waterborne. In other words, the parasite travels and is transported in water. These water supplies can be swimming pools, whirlpool spas, wells, streams and lakes, or municipal water supplies. Water infected by the parasite which is used to wash food, make ice or cook is also suspect. | ||
#* People at greatest risk of developing giardiasis include travelers to countries where it is common (namely, developing countries), people in childcare settings, people in close contact with someone who has the disease, backpackers or campers who drink water from lakes or rivers, and people who have contact with animals with the disease. | #* People at greatest risk of developing giardiasis include travelers to countries where it is common (namely, developing countries), people in childcare settings, people in close contact with someone who has the disease, backpackers or campers who drink water from lakes or rivers, and people who have contact with animals with the disease. | ||
| − | #Learn about the long-term effects of a ''Giardia'' infection. In industrialized countries like the United States, giardiasis is almost never fatal. It can, however, cause lingering symptoms and some serious complications. Complications can include dehydration, failure to thrive, and lactose intolerance, among others.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giardia-infection/basics/complications/con-20024686</ref> | + | #Learn about the long-term effects of a ''Giardia'' infection. In industrialized countries like the United States, giardiasis is almost never fatal. It can, however, cause lingering symptoms and some serious complications. Complications can include dehydration, failure to thrive, and lactose intolerance, among others.<ref name="rf8">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/giardia-infection/basics/complications/con-20024686</ref> |
| − | #* Dehydration can be a result of severe diarrhea. When the body doesn’t have enough water to carry out normal functions you can experience some significant problems. Complications of dehydration can include cerebral edema, or swelling of the brain, loss of consciousness, and kidney failure. If not treated immediately, severe dehydration can be fatal.<ref>http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/complications/con-20030056 </ref> | + | #* Dehydration can be a result of severe diarrhea. When the body doesn’t have enough water to carry out normal functions you can experience some significant problems. Complications of dehydration can include cerebral edema, or swelling of the brain, loss of consciousness, and kidney failure. If not treated immediately, severe dehydration can be fatal.<ref name="rf9">http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dehydration/basics/complications/con-20030056 </ref> |
| − | #* Failure to thrive is a condition which occurs in children and the elderly or immunocompromised people. Malnutrition, as a result of poor absorption of nutrients and minerals due to the ''Giardia'' infection, can harm the development of a child’s physical and mental development.<ref | + | #* Failure to thrive is a condition which occurs in children and the elderly or immunocompromised people. Malnutrition, as a result of poor absorption of nutrients and minerals due to the ''Giardia'' infection, can harm the development of a child’s physical and mental development.<ref name="rf8" /> In the adults, it manifests as a state of decline, such as impaired physical or cognitive function. |
| − | #* After giardiasis, some people suffer from lactose intolerance, the inability to appropriately digest milk sugar. Digestion of this milk sugar uses enzymes normally found in the intestinal tract. After this infection these enzymes may not be present and cause an intolerance to milk sugar after the infection has cleared.<ref | + | #* After giardiasis, some people suffer from lactose intolerance, the inability to appropriately digest milk sugar. Digestion of this milk sugar uses enzymes normally found in the intestinal tract. After this infection these enzymes may not be present and cause an intolerance to milk sugar after the infection has cleared.<ref name="rf8" /> |
#* Other problems may include malabsorption, including vitamin deficiencies, severe weight loss, and debilitation. | #* Other problems may include malabsorption, including vitamin deficiencies, severe weight loss, and debilitation. | ||
| − | #Take preventive measures. Take the following measures to avoid becoming ill with giardiasis and also to avoid spreading the infection.<ref>http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/prevention-control-general-public.html</ref> | + | #Take preventive measures. Take the following measures to avoid becoming ill with giardiasis and also to avoid spreading the infection.<ref name="rf10">http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/prevention-control-general-public.html</ref> |
#* Prevent infection: | #* Prevent infection: | ||
#**Do not drink untreated water or use ice made from untreated drinking water, especially in countries where the water supply might be contaminated. | #**Do not drink untreated water or use ice made from untreated drinking water, especially in countries where the water supply might be contaminated. | ||
