Question 1

how dangerous is giardiasis?

Accepted Answer

Anoying > dangerous: As a cause of an acute diarrhea this is more of an anoyance than a threat. Infants have a risk of dehydration but in 3 decades as a pediatrician i don't recall admitting anyone with giardia. Most respond to conservative measures & may not be tested until the symptoms persist past 2 wks. Long term nutritional deficiency from poor nutrient absorbtion can cause wt loss or failure to thrive.

Question 2

what are signs of giardiasis?

Accepted Answer

GI symptoms: Diarrhea, gas, bloating, nausea.

Question 3

how common is giardiasis in the us?

Accepted Answer

Pretty common: Estimates for symptomatic or asymptomatic carriage range from a few % to 1/20 in the US. Carriage is higher in various populations like infants and those in institutions.

Question 4

how does the body fight giardiasis?

Accepted Answer

Please see below: Children and adults who have giardia infection without symptoms usually don't need treatment unless they're likely to spread the parasites. 
Many people who do have problems often get better on their own in a few weeks.
If you have to treat:metronidazole (flagyl).
Tinidazole (tindamax).
Nitazoxanide (alinia).

Question 5

what is giardiasis and how is it treated?

Accepted Answer

GI parasite: It's a protozoan parasite that affects the upper GI tract. You get it from ingesting infected stool (through contaminated food, water, or sex). It causes diarrhea, nausea, and bloating. It's treated with Metronidazole or tinidazole.

Question 6

what will happen if giardiasis is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Poor growth: Some individuals will shed the parasite in 2-3 wks without rx & do well but half develop recurrent diarrhea. The effect on the intestine often leads to poor absorbtion of nutrients and subsequent weight loss. It can cause failure to thrive in infants.

Question 7

what is the definition or description of: giardiasis?

Accepted Answer

The infestation of: The intestinal tract with the protozoan giardia lamblia.

Question 8

can surviving giardiasis lessens or eliminates the possibility of getting it again?

Accepted Answer

Yes and no: Host immunity plays a role in elimination of giardia and provides some protection against infection on re-challenge.  Partial protective immunity can develop.  This is supported by epidemiologic studies of human giardiasis.  Reinfection is common  especially in children in endemic settings.  Reinfection can be due to infectiion with different genotypes of the organism.

Question 9

am i more susceptible to giardiasis when camping?

Accepted Answer

Depends on exposure: Animal contamination of lakes and ponds may make camping a riskier event than sitting at home. Access to purified water and proper boiling of your utensils can lower your risk if you use lake or well water for cleaning. Boiling your water for 10 minutes will illiminate the threat if you are unsure of the water.

Question 10

is my child at higher risk for giardiasis at day care?

Accepted Answer

Somewhat: At a given time one or more infants can have minimal symptoms of giardia & be in a day care center. Poor technique may lead to contamination of a variety of surfaces including a changing table & hands tainted with the microscopic cysts may bring them to the mouth where the cyst enters the body to begin the infestation.

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Doctor answers about:

Giardiasis

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How dangerous is giardiasis?

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What are signs of giardiasis?

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How common is giardiasis in the us?

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How does the body fight giardiasis?

A member asked:

What is giardiasis and how is it treated?

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What will happen if giardiasis is left untreated?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: giardiasis?

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Can surviving giardiasis lessens or eliminates the possibility of getting it again?

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Am i more susceptible to giardiasis when camping?

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Is my child at higher risk for giardiasis at day care?

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