Giardiasis |
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DESCRIPTION
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Giardiasis (jee-are-DIE-uh-sis) is an infection of the bowel (intestines). Without medicine, it may take as long as 1 month to get better.
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CAUSES
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The infection is caused by a parasite called Giardia (jee-ARE-dee-uh) lamblia (LAM-blee-uh) found in dirty water. You can get the infection from drinking the water itself or eating uncooked food that has been rinsed in it. The disease spreads easily from one person to another.
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SYMPTOMS
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Symptoms usually start about 1 to 3 weeks after the parasite gets into your body. They include sudden diarrhea and stomach cramps; loose, bulky, and bad smelling stools; an upset stomach that comes and goes; fever (not common); and weight loss. There are often no signs or symptoms at all.
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CARE
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Your doctor will need one or more stool samples in order to pinpoint the cause of the problem. You will need medicine to kill the parasite. You also will need to drink plenty of liquids. If you lose too much body water with your diarrhea, you may need a stay in the hospital to get IV fluids.
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COMPLICATIONS
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s Without treatment, persistent diarrhea can rob the body of the vitamins and minerals you need to stay healthy. You may lose too much weight. There is also a danger of losing too much body water and salts. If this dehydration becomes too severe, it can lead to dangerous complications.
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