Giardiasis is a parasitic infection that affects your small intestine, causing stomach cramps and diarrhea. This tiny, microscopic parasite called Giardia is found in every part of the world, and especially thrives in places with poor sanitation. It enters your body through contaminated food or water and finds its place in your small intestine, where it multiplies and affects your nutrient absorption.
With proper treatment of giardiasis in Navi Mumbai, it’s possible to recover fully from this parasitic infection. What’s more important is staying aware of the causes, symptoms, and treatment options so you can take preventive steps and quick action if you or someone close to you gets infected.
Causes
Giardia lives in the small intestines and eventually passes through poop. Before it exits your body, it turns into a protective shell, which is hard enough to survive in lakes, pools, spas, grounds, soil, and other unclean surfaces.
When someone swallows these cysts through water or food, these shells get into their intestines and break open. The germs living inside come out. The cycle continues. Here’s what increases the risk of infection:
- Eating food washed with contaminated water
- Drinking contaminated water
- Living in areas with poor sanitation
- Not washing hands after using the toilet
- Person-to-person contact (changing children’s diapers)
- Traveling to places with poor hygiene practices
Symptoms
Not everyone who gets infected with Giardiasis develops obvious symptoms. However, the parasite living in their small intestines can still infect others once it’s released. For people who do experience symptoms, here’s what happens:
- Loose watery stools
- Foul-smelling stools
- Bloating
- Gas
- Stomach cramps or abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Nausea or vomiting
Children are more vulnerable to infection, especially those who wear diapers or are in the potty-training phase. Those attending day care are also at an increased risk. Symptoms start 1-3 weeks after infection.
The cyst opens soon after being swallowed and releases germs inside your intestine, but the symptoms might appear later. The parasitic infection might take between 2 and 6 weeks to clear completely, sometimes longer.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Giardiasis is diagnosed with a stool test. A general physician in Navi Mumbai might order it if you have the above-listed symptoms. Sometimes, more than one stool test may be conducted, as the parasite doesn’t always appear in every stool sample.
Fortunately, the treatment for giardiasis is often quite effective. Once the test results confirm the infection, the doctor might recommend anti-parasitic medication to clear it. Make sure you complete the full course even if the symptoms disappear.
Giardiasis in children requires prompt treatment, as frequent watery stools can lead to dehydration. It’s important to follow a light diet plan for your children during the recovery. Make sure they are hydrated. Doctors may prescribe oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration.
Conclusion
Giardiasis might sound alarming, but it is usually a manageable infection, especially when diagnosed and treated properly. Simple steps, such as following proper hygiene, eating well-cooked and properly washed foods, and drinking safe water, can help prevent the infection.