Giardiasis

The American Medical Association (AMA) says that in the U.S., Giardia lamblia is the most common culprit when diarrhea is caused by a parasite. (Read about "Diarrhea") The infection is often passed from child to child in day-care centers. It is also spread through contaminated water supplies, which is one reason why even though outdoor water flowing from a stream may look good enough to drink, it may be contaminated and is therefore best avoided. (Read about "Microorganisms")

Giardiasis is the term for the infection of the small intestine caused by giardia lamblia. Giardiasis causes gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. (Read about "Gastroenteritis") The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says giardiasis may involve diarrhea starting a week after infection. Normally, the illness lasts for 1 to 2 weeks, but there are cases of chronic infections lasting months to years. The National Primary Immunodeficiency Resource Center (NPI) says that people afflicted with common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) are particularly prone to giardiasis. (Read about CVID in "Primary Immunodeficiency")

As with any illness involving diarrhea, a big concern with Giardiasis, especially for children and seniors, is dehydration. (Read about "Dehydration") This happens if the body loses more fluids and salts (electrolytes) than it takes in. Signs of dehydration include a decrease in urine production (Read about "The Urinary System"), extreme thirst, dry mouth and unusual drowsiness. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and requires immediate care. CDC says special oral rehydration fluids can be purchased at drugstores, and can be used according to the package directions. You should ask your pediatrician what's best in your child's case. If you have any concerns about dehydration, contact your doctor at once. It's also important to call your doctor if there is fever or prolonged vomiting.

It's also a good idea to develop (and help children develop) habits that can reduce the risk of infections like Giardiasis. The following are suggestions from CDC and the International Food Information Council:

• Wash hands carefully and often. Adults should wash their hands after using the toilet, helping a child use the toilet, diapering a child and before preparing, serving or eating food. Children should wash their hands after using the toilet, after having their diapers changed (an adult should wash infant's or small child's hands) and before eating snacks or meals.
• Disinfect toys, bathrooms and food preparation surfaces frequently, especially if a sick child has been in the home.
• Use diapers with waterproof outer covers that can contain liquid stool or urine or use plastic pants and make sure that children wear clothes over diapers.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly before eating. Cook meats, fish and poultry thoroughly (Read about "Food Safety")
• If you're unsure of the quality of the water, drink only bottled fluids, and avoid ice cubes.
• Never swim in waters that might be contaminated.

While camping, take care to treat any water you gather from lakes or streams. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests that water be boiled before it is consumed.

Although you can't guarantee you or your family will never get an infection such as Giardiasis, you can at least help reduce your risk.

Related Information:

    Digestive System

    Travel and Health