Causes, Risk Factors, And Complications Of Giardiasis

Giardiasis is an acute illness that impacts the gastrointestinal system. It is caused by a parasite known as the Giardia lamblia, which is found all over the world. Giardiasis is spread through fecal matter and sewage, and the illness can affect individuals of any age, including infants. The most common symptom of the disease is diarrhea; the condition often also leads to nausea, bloating, weight loss, cramping, fatigue, and dehydration. In the United States, giardiasis is the primary cause of diarrhea. Generally, the infection lasts between two to six weeks, although some patients may have giardiasis for a longer length of time or have more than one episode of the disease. Some individuals infected by the giardia parasite never develop symptoms, but they are still carriers and can transmit the infection to others. Diagnosis can be confirmed with a stool sample. Giardiasis is unpleasant; however, it is not normally considered dangerous for those who are otherwise in good health. Despite this, it is especially important to be vigilant when infants and children have the illness, as symptoms can be more severe with this age group.