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Giardiasis: Know Symptoms, Causes And Treatment For This Intestinal ...
Intestinal infections have become quite common nowadays because of growing adulteration in food, microscopic parasites and other problems. Infections caused in the intestine are mostly identified after a certain time gap till the infection has already spread. Therefore it is very important to beware of intestinal infections and different causes of it. Today we will have a look at similar intestinal infection which is caused by a parasite and could cause various health problems in your body. We will be discussing about symptoms, causes and conditions for giradiasis parasite infection.
What is Giardiasis?We spoke to Dr. Indra Kumar Rastogi, Consultant Of Gastroenterology in Vozart Healthcare Hospital, Kanpur. He told that this is a parasite infection which occurs in the small intestine because of parasite called Giardia Lamblia. It has the ability to spread rapidly between people by contact. It can spread because of eating contaminated food, drinking contaminated water and through your pets.
Once you get infected with giardiasis then it becomes hard to determine the cause behind it. It affects a number of people but is less treated because not many people know about this parasite infection. Most of the people that get infected with giardiasis is because of poor sanitary conditions around them.
Symptoms of GiardiasisExposure to this parasite is the reason behind having this intestinal infection. Symptoms of this parasitic infection generally take up 10 days to weeks to show up. Some symptoms may vary from every individual but here are some common symptoms which you might experience if you have this disease
The parasite which infects the person in this disease is basically found in animal and human feces. Giardiasis could be very well caused if you are surrounded by an environment which contains feces, and then there are highly chances of this infection. Another important factor is the period and lifecycle of this parasite.
It can survive outside the host body for several days, which increases the tendency to get infection. Giardiasis could spread through three modes of transmission- food, water and soil. Infection through soil is seen less but if you have pets, then those pets can carry the infection. So when you pat or play with your pet it goes on the surface of your body and then inside when you touch other parts of your body. Hence it could be particularly dangerous in that way.
Contaminated water is one of the popular reasons, majority of people assume that contaminated water can only infect you when you drink it. Reality is that contaminated water in any form could infect you with giardiasis whether you are inside pool, lakes, river or any kind of water body. Hence you need to take special care of your sanitization.
One of the reasons that it is not that popular likes other bacterial or viral infection because it gets killed in the heat. This also gives us the clue that to prevent parasitic infection from infecting your small intestine causing problems. For this you need to dry clothes in sunlight, boil the water before drinking, heat the food well and bath with warm water to reduce chances of infection.
Also Read- What Is Indoor Pollution? Know Useful Tips To Manage
Treatment for GiardiasisGiardiasis can remain in the host body for several weeks and cause problems in bowel movements, stomach aches, cramps and many other problems. However it does go by its own in most cases when the parasite is dead. Therefore there aren't many treatments for this intestinal infection.
Anti-parasitic drugs- In most cases doctors recommend you to take anti-parasitic drugs to clear up the infection in the intestine. This is a much better method than leaving it to heal on its own because it can reduce the inflammation caused by parasite in the small intestine.
Antibiotic drug- Another drug which is used to treat this condition is metronidazole. This is an antibiotic which is given for 4-5 days initially to reduce inflammation and affect of giardiasis in the body. It could lead a metallic taste in your mouth and also causes nausea for a few days as a result.
Also Read- Ovarian Cysts Vs. PCOS: Gynaecologist Lists Out Key Differences
Paromomycin- This is another drug which is given, this is especially for pregnant women who have this parasitic infection. This is because this drug has lower chances of affecting birth of the child. However this should also be avoided until birth, to prevent any complications.
Other drug treatments include Tinidazole, which is an advanced form of metronidazole. This is given to patients who have high rate of infection in the intestine. It is a high dose drug which needs to be given only by doctor's advice. For children, Nitazoxanide is a popular choice because it is given in syrup form and needs to be taken for 3 days only to treat Giardiasis.
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Giardiasis: The Signs Of The Stomach Bug You Need To Know
Two children attending a special needs school in Liverpool battling an outbreak of giardiasis, a disease caused by a parasite, have died.
The names of the deceased, as well as their exact cause of death, have not been revealed.
However, health officials have said the deaths are 'unlikely to be due to Giardia' despite the ongoing outbreak.
A UK Health Security Agency spokesperson said: 'UK Health Security Agency are aware of the sad deaths of two children who attend Millstead Primary School and our thoughts are with the family, friends and school community.
'The deaths are unlikely to be due to Giardia. Giardia usually causes a self-limiting gastrointestinal illness which can spread easily in households and school settings.'
Emma Savage, Consultant in Health Protection for our Cheshire and Merseyside Health Protection Team, added 'Investigations are ongoing, and we have provided information and advice to the school and parents. Public health measures have been put in place to help prevent further cases.'
Here MailOnline explains the signs of the infection, how long it lasts, what to do if you or your child are infected and how to best avoid it in the first place.
The school is currently dealing with an outbreak of the stomach bug giardia, which is caused by the parasite giardia lamblia. Pictured: A photomicrograph image of a giardia lamblia parasite
What is giardiasis?
Giardiasis is the name given to a gastrointestinal illness caused by a tiny parasite called giardia lamblia.
Giardia lamblia infects people through the digestive tract where it goes on the infect the small intestine in the body, where it causes the disease giardiasis.
There are some 4,000 recorded cases of giardiasis in the UK each year.
However, the true figure may be higher as people experiencing the illness may not seek medical help and thus cases can go unrecorded.
What are the symptoms and when do they strike?
The main symptoms of giardiasis are smelly diarrhoea which strikes two to five times per day, with sufferers feeling increasingly fatigued.
Other common symptoms are stomach pain or cramps, burps that smell like eggs, bloating, nausea, smelly, greasy or floating stools and weight loss.
Diarrhoea can also lead to dehydration, which can cause other symptoms or exacerbate existing ones.
Less commonly reported symptoms include a fever, itchy skin or rashes, swollen eyes and swollen joints.
Symptoms typically start one to two weeks after a person has ingested giardia lamblia during which the parasite beings to reproduce until it reaches high enough numbers to trigger giardiasis.
However, experts estimate that about 5 to 15 per cent of people infected with giardia lamblia will not experience giardiasis symptoms.
While this may seem like a positive for these individuals such people are capable of unknowingly spreading the infection to others risking further cases.
How long are people ill for?
Once symptoms strike giardiasis typically lasts for two to six weeks without treatment.
People with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing cancer treatment, can be ill for longer, however.
Treatment can usually cut the time people are ill with giardiasis to about a week.
The two children had been attending Millstead Primary School in Everton, Merseyside, before their deaths
Michelle Beard, the headteacher at Millstead Primary School, said the community was 'devastated' by the deaths of the children
What are the main ways people can be infected with giardia lamblia?
Giardia lamblia is spread through contact with infected faeces of people and animals hosting the parasite.
This commonly occurs through contaminated food or water supplies.
Such contamination can occur through drinking or swimming in water supplies tainted by human or animal sewage.
London-based consultant gastroenterologist, Dr Aathavan Loganayagam, said: 'Once inside their host, the microscopic cysts rapidly multiply. An infected person can shed millions of cysts a day in their faeces.'
Infection can also occur from food contamination, for example though vegetables being washed with tainted water or by person with giardiasis preparing meals.
The parasite can also be spread by direct contact with an infected person, such as a parent caring for a sick child.
Dr Loganayagam also said people can get infected through indirect contact, for example by 'touching contaminated surfaces such as bathroom taps or door handles'.
While some Brits get the disease while overseas, and only fall ill upon returning to the UK, domestic cases and onward transmission does occur.
Lastly, giardia lamblia can also be transmitted by sexually contact, especially unprotected anal and oral sex.
How is it diagnosed and treated?
GPs who suspect a patient has giardiasis will have patients submit a stool sample which is then sent to a specialised lab to test from traces of giardia lamblia.
If infection is confirmed patients are usually prescribed antibiotics to help their body fight off the infection.
Patients are also told to ensure they are getting enough fluids as the diarrhoea it causes can lead to dehydration.
Sometimes medics also advise people living with a confirmed giardiasis patient to also be tested and take medication even if they aren't experiencing symptoms.
Can it be fatal or cause complications?
Yes, thought this is very rare in countries like the UK.
An estimated 200million cases of giardiasis are estimated to occur globally each year, of which only a fraction 500,000 are thought to be fatal.
Giardiasis is considered to be more broadly more dangerous for children and people with weakened immune systems, as is standard with most illnesses.
Some people infected with giardiasis experience long-term symptoms which include arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, recurring diarrhoea, weight loss and problems absorbing nutrients like fat or vitamin B12.
In children specifically a serious giardiasis infection can delay physical or mental development and even lead to malnutrition as they struggle to absorb nutrients in their food.
The main symptoms of giardiasis are smelly diarrhoea which strikes two to five times per day, with sufferers feeling increasingly fatigued
What should I do if I think I'm infected?
Brits are also asked to contact their GP or NHS 111 if they or their children have and symptoms of giardiasis.
Patients in the UK are also advised to call NHS 111 if they have had diarrhoea for over a week or have any episode of bloody diarrhoea.
People with giardiasis are also asked to wash their hands frequently with soap and water, was their clothing and bedding separately from other people and clean surfaces like toilets and door handles regularly to reduce the risk of spreading the infection to others.
They are asked to not prepare food for other people, if possible, not share towels or utensils, and not go swimming for at least two weeks after their last symptom for the same reason.
What do we know about the outbreak at Millstead Primary School?
The school, a special needs education provider in Liverpool, had been dealing with an outbreak of giardiasis since last month.
Two children who attended, believed to be just five and six years old, have died though health officials say this is 'unlikely' to be linked to the outbreak.
In a statement Michelle Beard, the headteacher, said the children would be 'forever in our hearts'.
She said: 'The entire Millstead School community is devastated to have learned of the sad recent passing of two of our younger children.
'We have sent our sincerest condolences to both of their families. Both children filled their classes with joy during their time with us, and they will forever be in our hearts.
'We are working closely with our families, staff and pupils to support them as we come to terms with this terribly sad news.'
Health officials have put preventative measures in place to stop the outbreak at the school including closing the school entirely for one week in a bid to curb the spread of the infection.
What Is Giardiasis? Symptoms Of The Stomach Bug ... - Evening Standard
The children attended Millstead Primary School in Everton, which teaches children aged two to 11 with special educational needs.
The agency has not confirmed the sex or ages of the children who have died. They were reportedly aged five and six.
So what is giardiasis and its symptoms, how long does it last, is it life-threatening, and how is it treated?
Here is everything you need to know.
What is giardiasis?
Giardiasis is an intestinal infection caused by a microscopic parasite called Giardia lamblia (also called Giardia intestinalis or Giardia duodenalis). This parasite is found worldwide, and giardiasis is one of the most common causes of waterborne disease in humans.
Giardiasis is typically transmitted through ingesting contaminated food or water that contains Giardia cysts. It can also be spread through person-to-person contact in settings where hygiene practices are poor.
Health experts say it affects more than 300 million people a year.
What are the symptoms of giardiasis?
The symptoms of giardiasis can vary from person to person, and some people may be asymptomatic (show no symptoms). However, when symptoms do occur, they typically appear one to three weeks after exposure to the parasite and can include the following:
Children are more commonly affected by giardiasis than adults. This increased susceptibility is largely due to their tendency to engage in activities that increase the risk of exposure to the parasite, such as playing in contaminated water or putting objects in their mouths.
Additionally, young children are more likely to have close contact with other children, which can facilitate the spread of the infection in settings such as daycare centres and schools.
Giardiasis can cause persistent stomach pain and cramping
Getty Images
How long does giardiasis normally last?
The duration of a giardiasis infection can vary depending on several factors, including the individual's immune response and whether they receive treatment. Generally, the infection course is as follows:
Incubation period: Symptoms typically begin one to three weeks after exposure to the Giardia parasite.
Duration of symptoms: Without treatment, symptoms of giardiasis can persist for several weeks to months. In some cases, symptoms may be intermittent, with periods of improvement followed by recurrence.
With treatment: When treated with appropriate medications, symptoms usually improve within a few days. The infection is typically cleared within one to two weeks of starting treatment.
Chronic cases: In rare cases, giardiasis can become chronic, especially if left untreated. Chronic giardiasis can lead to prolonged symptoms such as malabsorption, weight loss, and fatigue.
Is giardiasis life-threatening?
Giardiasis is rarely fatal, say experts, with approximately 500,000 people dying per year around the world from the condition. Outbreaks can be addressed with the appropriate measures, which the UKHSA has introduced in Millstead Primary School.
However, there are certain populations and situations where giardiasis can pose more serious risks:
Dehydration: Severe diarrhoea, especially in infants, young children, the elderly, and individuals with weakened immune systems, can lead to dehydration. In extreme cases, dehydration can become life-threatening if not properly managed.
Malnutrition: Prolonged giardiasis can lead to malabsorption of nutrients, causing weight loss and malnutrition. This can be particularly serious in children, as it may affect their growth and development.
Immunocompromised individuals: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, undergoing chemotherapy, or taking immunosuppressive drugs, are at a higher risk of severe complications from giardiasis. The infection can be more difficult to treat and may persist longer in these individuals.
Chronic infection: In some cases, giardiasis can become chronic, leading to ongoing gastrointestinal issues and malabsorption problems. This can significantly impact quality of life and overall health.
What should I do if I have giardiasis?
The NHS advises that people should seek advice from non-emergency 111 consultants if they have a weakened immune system, diarrhoea lasts longer than a week, or blood is seen in stools.
Cases are usually easily treatable at home, but those struggling may need antibiotics to get better.
Here are the commonly used treatments:
Antibiotics: Several antibiotics are effective in treating giardiasis. The most commonly prescribed include:
Supportive care: In addition to antibiotics, supportive care is important to manage symptoms and prevent complications:
Follow-up care: In some cases, symptoms may persist even after treatment, requiring follow-up with a healthcare provider. A stool test may be repeated to ensure the infection has been cleared.
Preventive measures: To avoid reinfection and prevent the spread of giardiasis:
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