Giardiasis: drugs, causes, symptoms. etc. & bull; hello healthy

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Definition

What is giardiasis?

Giardiasis is a digestive disease in the form of a parasitic infection Giardia intestinalis in the intestines. This parasite can be found in rivers, lakes, swimming pools, and wells.

This disease will usually heal within a few weeks and does not cause serious injury. However, sometimes you can experience intestinal disorders, drastic weight loss, and decreased food absorption which can lead to malnutrition.

How common is giardiasis?

Anyone can get giardiasis, both young and old. However, people who live in polluted areas and consume water that is either polluted or that has been contaminated by parasites Giardia more susceptible to contracting this disease.

Giardiasis can also be spread through sharing food or coming into contact with infected people.

Giardiasis is a disease that can be controlled by reducing risk factors. Please consult your doctor for more information.

Signs and symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of giardiasis?

The symptoms of giardiasis usually appear 7-14 days after you become infected. You may experience symptoms for two to six weeks. Often the symptoms are digestive problems.

The severity can vary from person to person, some may even have no symptoms. The symptoms of giardiasis include:

• diarrhea,
• burp,
• bloated,
• no appetite,
• low-grade fever,
• nausea,
• intense fatigue, as well
• weight loss drastically, due to dehydration that plagued when diarrhea.

There are a number of signs and symptoms not listed above. If you are concerned about a symptom, please consult your doctor.

When to see a doctor?

You should call your doctor if diarrhea, dehydration, stomach cramps, and bloating last more than a week. Also make sure you get checked out if you recently went to an area prone to infection.

Causes and risk factors

What causes giardiasis?

Parasite Giardia initially encased in a hard shell called a cyst.

This shell serves to help the parasites survive outside the intestines for months. Once inside the host or intestine, the cyst dissolves. Parasites will also be released and stay there, then later they can move into feces.

Entry of parasites Giardia into the body can occur in a number of ways. Generally, you will become infected if you drink water or eat uncooked food that has been contaminated with parasites.

You can also pass the infection on to other people. For example, if you clean baby poop and don't wash your hands thoroughly, then you have contact with other people.

Additionally, parasites can be spread through unhealthy anal sex.

Please note, not everyone will get the disease after being infected with parasites. Again, it appears depending on the condition of your body.

What increases the risk of developing giardiasis?

Here are some factors that increase your risk of developing giardiasis.

• Age. Children have a higher risk than adults.
• Sex. Not using a condom while having anal sex can increase the risk of giardiasis.
• Residence. You live in a neighborhood that is infected with Giardiasis.
• Sanitation and water systems. You are using unqualified water that is contaminated with giardiasis.

Diagnosis and treatment

How is the test done for this disease?

In addition to conducting a physical examination by asking about your symptoms and complaints, the doctor will observe the stool sample that has been taken to identify the presence of parasites. In addition, this test will monitor whether your treatment is effective.

If you experience severe symptoms, your doctor may perform an endoscopic procedure which is done using a thin tube which will be inserted into the intestine to see the condition.

Doctors may also take a small amount of intestinal tissue or fluid in it as part of the diagnosis procedure for this disease.

What are the treatment options for giardiasis?

Usually, the disease will subside after a few weeks. Most patients who experience mild symptoms do not need special treatment. You get enough rest and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.

However, if the symptoms are severe or the infection persists, the doctor will prescribe antibiotics such as:

• metronidazole, most commonly given for giardiasis, side effects may include nausea or a metallic taste in the mouth,
• tinidazole, similar to metronidazole, only can be given in a single dose, and
• nitazoxanide, in the form of a liquid and usually given to patients with children. Side effects can include nausea, bloating, or bright yellow urine.

In some patients who experience prolonged, recurrent infections, or have a weak immune system, the doctor will combine the use of antibiotics.

Prevention

Until now, there is no vaccine that is specifically designed to prevent you from infection Giardia. Even so, you can still take various preventive steps.

Washing hands

One of the easiest steps is to regularly wash your hands after using the toilet, changing diapers, and before or after eating.

Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds using soap. After that, you can use an alcohol-based cleansing gel.

Drink boiled water

As is well known, parasites Giardia widely scattered in the water. Therefore, make sure you only consume water that is cooked.

If you are in a situation where you have to drink water from a nearby source such as a river or lake, you should boil the water before drinking it.

Prepare food properly

Pay attention to the cleanliness of every tool and materials used. Wash all fruits and vegetables with clean water, and cook the meat until it is completely cooked.

Practice safe sex

In addition to preventing you from sexually transmitted diseases, using a condom during sex will also prevent you from infectious diseases, especially if you have anal sex.

Always shower and wash your hands after sex.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.