$Unique_ID{BRK01550}
$Pretitle{Ill Defined Symptoms and Rare Diseases, Infections or Parasites}
$Title{What is "Giardiasis"?}
$Subject{diarrhea infection giardiasis}
$Volume{N-12, A-12}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


What is "Giardiasis"?


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QUESTION:  Although my spelling may be faulty, I would like to have some
information about an infection called "giardiasis".  A close member of our
family has been diagnosed with this ailment.

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ANSWER:  You get an "A" for spelling.  Giardia lamblia is frequently the cause
of intestinal upsets people get during, or following, foreign travel or
wilderness camping trips.
     Giardia usually is contracted by drinking impure water.  Mountain lakes
and streams often are sources of Giardia, so do not drink water from lakes or
rivers; boiling water for three minutes eliminates Giardia but treating water
with chlorine or iodine is not reliable.  In foreign countries with
questionable water supplies, drink only from bottles that you have opened
yourself.  Found all over the world, Giardia can be spread easily by fecal
matter entering the body.  It frequently occurs in day-care centers, homes for
retarded, family members who change an infant's diapers and those whose sexual
activities bring some contact with feces.
     Its symptoms--which may last from two weeks to two months (much longer in
chronic cases)--range from mild, self-limiting to chronic, debilitating
diarrhea.  Frequent loose, foul-smelling stools occur, as do abdominal cramps,
general unwell feelings, abdominal bloating, nausea, gas, vomiting, belching
and loss of weight.
     While there are treatments available from your own doctor, the best
prevention is to avoid unsafe water and to wash your hands frequently.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
