In this Article

• What is giardiasis?
• Who is at risk for giardiasis?
• What signs and symptoms does giardiasis cause?
• How is giardiasis diagnosed?
• How is giardiasis treated?
• How can giardiasis be prevented?
• Patient Discussions: Giardia Lamblia - Describe Your Experience
• Giardia Lamblia Glossary
• Giardia Lamblia Index
• Find a local Gastroenterologist in your town

Who is at risk for giardiasis?

Giardiasis occurs where there is inadequate sanitation or inadequate treatment of drinking water. Giardiasis is one of the causes of "travelers diarrhea" that occurs during travel to less-developed countries , for example the Soviet Union, Mexico, Southeast Asia, and western South America. Giardiasis is a common cause of outbreaks of diarrhea in day-care centers because of the high probability of fecal-oral contamination from children; the children, their families, and day care center workers, all are at risk for infection. In fact, children are three times more likely to develop giardiasis than adults. Hikers exploring back-country areas who drink from contaminated fresh water lakes also are at risk for developing giardiasis. Individuals who practice anal/oral sex also may become infected.

What signs and symptoms does giardiasis cause?

The most common manifestations of giardiasis are diarrhea and abdominal pain, particularly cramping; however, diarrhea is not invariable and occurs in 60 to 90% of patients. Other common manifestations include bloating, nausea with or without vomiting, malaise, and fatigue. Fever is unusual. The severity of the symptoms may vary greatly from mild or no symptoms to severe symptoms. Stools may be foul smelling when the Giardia interferes with the absorption of fat from the intestine (malabsorption). The illness or the malabsorption may cause loss of weight.

Symptoms and signs of giardiasis do not begin for at least seven days following infection, but can occur as long as three or more weeks later. In most patients the illness is self-limiting and lasts 2-4 weeks. In many patients who are not treated, however, infection can last for several months to years with continuing symptoms. Children with chronic infection may fail to thrive. Some patients recover from their giardiasis, with or without treatment, but symptoms continue, perhaps because there has been bacterial overgrowth within the small intestine

Giardia Lamblia - Describe Your Experience

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Please describe your experience with giardia lamblia.

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