Giardiasis is a digestive disorder caused by a parasitic infection of the small intestine. This parasite is called Giardia lamblia. Giardiasis is commonly found in densely populated areas with poor sanitation and unclean water quality.
Giardiasis is transmitted through water or food contaminated with the parasite, as well as direct contact with sufferers. To overcome this, sometimes a prescription medication is needed from a doctor.
Symptoms of Giardiasis
In general, the symptoms of giardiasis appear 1-3 weeks after infection. Symptoms can last for 2-6 weeks, or even longer. These symptoms include:
- Diarrhea with oily stools
- Frequent passing gas or farting
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloated
- stomach cramps
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Weak
- Headache
Some people with giardiasis do not experience any symptoms, but they can still pass it on to others.
Immediately consult a doctor if you experience the above symptoms, especially if accompanied by dehydration.
Causes of Giardiasis
Giardiasis is caused by a parasitic infection Giardia lamblia. This parasite lives in the feces of humans and animals and can contaminate water, soil, and food. Water pollution due to this parasite then enters a person's body. Contaminated water can come from any water source, especially well water that is located close to the toilet.
Giardiasis can also be transmitted through food. However, this method is less common because the parasites will die if the food is thoroughly cooked. However, not washing hands before eating or washing cutlery with contaminated water can also be a means of spreading parasites.
Apart from water and food, a person can also get giardiasis through contact with other people. For example, when changing the diaper of a child who is experiencing giardiasis, or having unprotected anal sex (sex through the anus) with a person with giardiasis.
Giardiasis Risk Factors
Giardiasis can be experienced by everyone, but it is more risky for children who are placed in child care (TPA), especially children who still defecate in diapers. In addition, TPA officers are also more at risk of contracting this disease.
Giardiasis often occurs in people who live in areas with poor sanitation, with unsanitary water sources. If not careful, people who visit the area can also be infected.
Giardiasis Diagnosis
Doctors can suspect a patient has giardiasis, if there are a number of symptoms described above. However, to be sure, the doctor will examine the patient's stool sample.
In addition to stool examination, a gastroenterologist can also perform observations with an endoscope, to see the condition of the patient's digestive tract. Through endoscopy, the doctor can take a sample of tissue from the digestive tract for further examination, if there is a suspicion that there are other causes besides giardiasis.
Giardiasis Treatment
In most cases, people with giardiasis get better on their own within a few weeks. If it does not improve, the doctor will prescribe antiparasitic drugs. Drugs are also given to patients who have severe and prolonged infections. Some of the drugs used are:
- Metronidazole. Metronidazole is the drug most commonly used to treat giardiasis. This medicine will be used for 5-7 days. This drug can cause some side effects, such as nausea, and a metallic taste in the mouth.
- Paromomycin. Paromomycin is used for 3-10 days and divided into 3 doses.
Giardiasis Complications
If not handled properly, giardiasis has the risk of causing complications, especially in infants and children. Complications that can occur are:
- Dehydration, namely a condition when the body lacks fluids, so that body functions are disrupted. This condition is triggered by frequent and profuse diarrhea.
- lactose intolerance, namely the failure of the body to digest the sugar in milk. This condition can persist even after the infection has cleared.
- Impaired growth and development. Chronic diarrhea due to giardiasis infection can interfere with nutritional intake, resulting in disturbances in the growth and development of children.
Giardiasis Prevention
Giardiasis cannot be prevented with vaccines or drugs. However, the risk of developing giardiasis can be reduced by the following steps:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and changing diapers, as well as before preparing food and before eating. Use sanitizer or alcohol-based hand sanitizer, if soap and water are not available.
- Boil PAM water before drinking, to kill bacteria and germs that may be present in the water. It is recommended to boil the PAM water for 10 minutes.
- Use bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth, if you are traveling to a place with inadequate water quality. Do not eat raw fruits and vegetables, as well as ice cubes in these places.
- Don't have risky anal sex, such as having multiple partners or having unprotected sex.