Giardiasis

What is giardiasis?

Giardiasis is an infection of the upper small intestine caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia.

How does it occur?

A child may become infected:

• when he or she eats food or drinks water that has been contaminated by human waste that contains Giardia lamblia
• through person-to-person contact among household members who have the infection
• if he or she stays in a day care center with children who are not toilet-trained.

What are the symptoms?

Often giardiasis does not have symptoms. Symptoms may not develop until a few weeks after your child is exposed to the parasite. Symptoms may include:

• mild to severe diarrhea
• bowel movements that are bulky, greasy, frothy, and foul smelling
• cramps in the upper abdomen
• loss of appetite
• nausea or vomiting.

How is it diagnosed?

Your child's health care provider will review your child's symptoms, examine him, and order a lab test of a sample of bowel movement.

How is it treated?

Your child's health care provider will prescribe an antibiotic medicine. Unless your child is having side effects from the medicine, your child should take all of the medicine as prescribed. If your child stops taking the medicine when the symptoms are gone but before the parasite is gone from the body, the infection may return.

How long will it last?

Symptoms of giardiasis may last for days or weeks.

How can I take care of myself?

For diarrhea, let your child's bowel rest by giving him only clear liquids such as oral rehydrating or electrolyte solutions, water, juice, tea, and bouillon. It is important that your child drink fluids often so that he does not become dehydrated. Smaller, but frequent amounts of fluid are best if your child is nauseated. Solid foods may cause cramps.

When symptoms get better, give your child small frequent meals or snacks. Light soups, gelatin, crackers, toast, rice, eggs, and applesauce are good at this time.

Return to a normal diet gradually but avoid fresh fruit and vegetables and highly seasoned or spicy foods for several days. Milk and dairy products should be avoided for a few days.

If your child has cramps or abdominal pain, it may help to put a hot water bottle or electric heating pad (set on low) on his abdomen.

If symptoms persist or get worse, or if your child gets new symptoms, tell your child's health care provider.

What can be done to prevent giardiasis?

• Wash hands with soap and very warm water after going to the bathroom and before eating or preparing food.
• Wash your hands often, especially after you change diapers or help children use the toilet.
• Avoid unsanitary water supplies.
• Avoid food and water that may be contaminated.
• Wash linens, towels, and diapers separately.
• Tell others who may have been exposed to the parasites (such as household members, and day care contacts). They should be tested for the parasites. If an adult starts to get symptoms, their sexual partner should also be notified and tested.
• Avoid foods that can't be cooked or peeled, and protect food from exposure to bowel movements, flies, and contaminated water.
• When camping, drink water only after it has been purified with boiling, proper filtration, or disinfectant tablets.