How to Diagnose Giardia

Giardiasis, or giardia, is caused by the presence of a parasite in the intestines, usually a result of poor sanitation or treatment of drinking water. It can also cause travelers diarrhea and is passed through feces. It can take several days for symptoms to show up and usually lasts for 2 to 6 weeks. But it's not impossible for symptoms to reoccur or lay dormant for months, or even years, if left untreated. Protect yourself by drinking clean water, washing your hands thoroughly and staying hydrated.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You’ll Need:

Stool sample
Stool sample

Step 1

Look for symptoms of giardia including watery and explosive diarrhea, fever, abdominal cramps, and fatigue. When the giardia mingles with the fat absorption from the intestines, you may experience foul smelling stools and flatulence.

Step 2

Stay alert to an increase of constipation, acid indigestion, nausea and bloating in combination with soft stools.

Step 3

Keep track of your weight and monitor any sudden decreases in combination with a poor appetite. It's not unusual to lose about 10 pounds and experience a gradual onset of chronic pain.

Step 4

Monitor your stools for a greasy or yellow appearance. Although these signs don't always point to giardia, they are classic symptoms.

Step 5

Seek medical attention to have a stool sample microscopically evaluated for giardia.

Tips & Warnings

Exercise extreme caution when handling unclean water, diapers, pet droppings and avoid unsanitary conditions. If are certain you don't have giardia, but are experiencing diarrhea, fatigue, or loss of appetite, seek medical attention. Diarrhea of any kind can cause dehydration and a rapid decline in health.

Exercise extreme caution when handling unclean water, diapers, pet droppings and avoid unsanitary conditions.

If are certain you don't have giardia, but are experiencing diarrhea, fatigue, or loss of appetite, seek medical attention. Diarrhea of any kind can cause dehydration and a rapid decline in health.

Giardia trophozoites can lead to cysts and become infectious. Get immediate medical attention for children, elderly persons and pets if you suspect they are suffering from giardia. Children are three times more likely than adults to get giardia. Giardia is highly contagious. Keep others safe, as well as yourself, by seeking medical attention.

Giardia trophozoites can lead to cysts and become infectious.

Get immediate medical attention for children, elderly persons and pets if you suspect they are suffering from giardia.

Children are three times more likely than adults to get giardia.

Giardia is highly contagious. Keep others safe, as well as yourself, by seeking medical attention.

Article Written By Contributing Writer

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