Giardiasis Symptoms And Treatment

Giardiasis is an intestinal illness that affects the digestive tract, is caused by a microscopic flagellated protozoan parasite called Giardia lamblia( also called as Giardia duodenalis and Giardia intestinalis) that affects the gastrointestinal tract.It is a fairly general cause of diarrheal illness, belching, gas and cramps. Although these symptoms are very unpleasant, the illness isn't generally dangerous.The parasite is connected itself to the lining of the tiny intestines in humans, where it weaken the body's absorption of carbohydrates & fats from digested meals. Once an animal or person has been contaminated with Giardia intestinalis , the parasite exists in the intestine and is moved in the stool. It can able to live outside the body and in the environment for longer times because the parasite is protected by an outer shell.

Giardia is a protozoan parasite that lives in the intestine of infected humans and animals (in particular, beavers and domestics animals like cats and dogs). It is found in the environment on surfaces (where it can survive for long periods of time), water and food that has been contaminated with the feces from an infected person or animal.Children are more commonly infected than adults.

Giardisis is an undetectable disease, commonly found in the canine community. The determination of the infected percentage considers the above given symptoms and is not specific because of two major reasons:

•    This disease varies largely depending on the region and its hygienic conditions.
•    Usually, until the final detection, Giardia symptoms in dogs go unnoticed.

Giardiasis spreads very easily through infection and hence, pet owners need to follow certain hygienic patterns such as washing their hands after handling the dog waste. Diarrhea being one of the common Giardia symptoms in dogs, babies have to be kept away from canines having diarrhea.

Treatments

Giardiasis is generally cured with a medicine called Flagyl an antibiotics. It's usually taken three times a day for 5 to 10 days. Side effects may include a nausea.It is recommended not to drink any kind of alcohol ,if Flagyl is using. This medicine is not prescribed in the early stages of pregnancy,because some of the drugs used to cure the infection can be dangerous to the fetus.
Albenzazole, metronidazole or furizolidone are generally recommended as a antibiotic to treat giardiasis.But side by side some prevention should be taken such as carefully wash hands thoroughly after toilet visits,carefully dispose of sewage wastes so they don't contaminate surface water or groundwater,avoid consuming untreated water from springs, streams or lakes.

A child with diarrhea from giardiasis may lose excess fluid in the stool and become dehydrated. It is recommended to drinks plenty of fluids - but no caffeinated beverages, they dehydrated the body faster.

Avoid food that might be contaminated.

1. Use safe, uncontaminated water to wash all food that is to be eaten raw.
2. Wash and/or peel all raw vegetables and fruits before eating.
3. Avoid eating uncooked foods when traveling in countries with minimal water treatment and sanitation systems.