Overview
Giardiasis (say "jee-ar-DYE-uh-sus") is an infection of the intestines caused by the parasite Giardia lamblia. The illness is also called giardia (say "jee-AR-dee-uh").
Giardia can cause diarrhea, stomach cramps, gas, and nausea. You may feel sick once and then get better. Or your symptoms may come and go for some time. Some children with giardia do not grow or gain weight normally. Sometimes giardia does not cause any symptoms.
You may become infected with giardia if you eat food or drink water that is tainted with human or animal waste. In the United States and Canada, you can get giardia by drinking untreated water from wells, streams, rivers, and lakes. You also can get giardia from close contact with someone who is infected, such as from working in a day care center or nursing home.
Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.
How can you care for yourself at home?
- If your doctor prescribes medicine, take it as directed. Call your doctor if you think you are having a problem with your medicine.
- Talk to your doctor if you are having problems with milk and milk products. Some people with giardia have trouble digesting milk products.
- If you have diarrhea, try eating small amounts of food when you feel like eating. But you need to take frequent sips of clear fluids like rehydration drinks to avoid dehydration.
To help prevent giardiasis
- Do not drink untreated or unpurified water. If you are camping or hiking, boil or purify water from lakes and streams before you drink it.
- When you travel in high-risk areas, drink bottled water and avoid raw fruits and vegetables. Do not drink beverages containing ice cubes.
- Wash your hands often to prevent getting giardia from an infected person. This is very important not only after you change diapers, use the toilet, or help someone else use the toilet, but also before you prepare food.
When should you call for help?
Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:
- You passed out (lost consciousness).
- You vomited blood.
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
- You have new or worse belly pain.
- You have a new or higher fever.
- You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
- You have symptoms of dehydration, such as:
- Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
- Passing only a little urine.
- Feeling thirstier than normal.
- You cannot keep down medicine or fluids.
- You have new or more blood in stools.
- You have new or worse vomiting or diarrhea.
Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
- You do not get better as expected.
Where can you learn more?
Go to http://www.healthwise.net/patientEd
Enter I539 in the search box to learn more about "Giardiasis: Care Instructions".
Current as of: April 30, 2024
Author: Ignite Healthwise, LLC Staff
Clinical Review Board
All Healthwise education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.