What will happen if giardiasis is left untreated?

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.

Giardia: If left untreated my reading reveals that symptoms may last one or two months before gradually improving,but some patients have repeated episodes of diarrhea for up to two years.