This parasite could be the cause of your stomach ache: All about Giardiasis

Do you often have an upset stomach, a feeling of fullness, or severe bloating? Sometimes, even if we think it's something we eat or drink, it could actually be a tiny parasite that we can't see. Today, we're talking about a condition called 'gaiadiasis', which causes stomach upsets and is common in Sri Lanka.

Simply put, what is Giardiasis?

This is actually an infection that occurs in our intestines. The cause of this is a tiny parasite called `Giardia` , which is invisible to the naked eye. This parasite lives anywhere in the world, especially in places where there is dirty water (like lakes, rivers, springs). However, if we ingest it, that is, if we drink it unknowingly, this parasite goes straight to our small intestine. There, it starts to multiply, and it also eats the same nutrition that we eat.

This is why we experience things like bad-smelling flatulence, bloating, gas, stomach pain, nausea, and feeling lethargic. These symptoms can be mild for some people and severe for others. The surprising thing is that some people can have this infection without any symptoms. It usually clears up on its own in a few weeks, but it can be a little more difficult for someone with a weak immune system to get rid of it. But don't worry, doctors can treat it if necessary.

How common is this condition?

This is a very common condition all over the world. In fact, in a country like America, it affects more than a million people every year. It is said that it affects about 10% of the population in developed countries. However, in developing countries like ours, this situation is even more severe. It is estimated that it affects about a third of the population.

The main reason for this is the lack of public sanitation, especially dirty water sources and poorly cleaned public water supplies. Children are more likely to contract the disease than adults, especially children under the age of 4. In our country, it is also more likely to spread in places like daycare centers where young children are present.

What are the symptoms of this?

As mentioned earlier, the most surprising thing is that about half of the people who get this infection do not show any symptoms. But for those who do, these are the things that can happen. Let's look at this table to understand this clearly.

Most people have these symptoms for a short time. But for some, they can be persistent or recurring. The constant bloating and nausea can lead to dehydration and weight loss . Sometimes, it can even lead to lactose intolerance.

How does this enter our bodies? How is it transmitted?

Imagine that this `Giardia` parasite is in a protective shell like an egg. We call this `cyst` stage. This `cyst` can survive in the environment, especially in water, soil, or dirty places, for a long time. It is when we unknowingly ingest this `cyst` that the disease begins.

These `cysts` are found in the feces of animals and humans. They are released into the environment along with small pieces of feces that are too small to be seen by the naked eye. These can enter our bodies when we go to the toilet without washing our hands properly, or when we drink dirty water.

Here are some of the main ways this disease can be transmitted:

• By drinking dirty, unfiltered water or bathing in places with such water (springs, waterfalls, lakes).
• When traveling abroad, especially in countries with poor hygiene.
• When interacting with small babies, especially babies in diapers (in places like daycare centers).
• By drinking contaminated food or water.
• If you touch a surface (such as a doorknob, table) that an infected person has touched and then eat food without washing your hands.
• Having unprotected sexual intercourse (especially anal) with an infected person.

How long does it take for symptoms to appear? How long do they last?

Symptoms usually begin to appear within one to two weeks of being infected with this parasite. This is when the parasite has taken root and our immune system has begun to recognize and fight it. Symptoms usually last from two to six weeks . However, in some people, they can last longer.

What complications can occur if left untreated?

Although this is not a serious condition in most cases, some complications can occur if it persists for a long time or if it occurs in someone with a weakened immune system.

• Dehydration: This is the main short-term risk. When you continue to have diarrhea and vomiting, you lose a lot of fluid from your body. If you can't drink water at the same rate, you will become dehydrated. This is especially dangerous for young children and the elderly.
• Gastrointestinal disease: If the infection continues, it can damage the walls of our small intestine. This can lead to chronic conditions like irritable bowel syndrome and reduce the ability to absorb nutrients from food. This can directly affect the growth of children.
• Autoimmune disease: Sometimes, this persistent infection causes our body's immune system to become overactive. Like soldiers who keep firing even after a battle is over. This can lead to autoimmune diseases that damage the body even after the infection has gone away. For example, reactive arthritis, chronic fatigue syndrome, or new food allergies can develop.

How is this diagnosed and treated?

If you have these symptoms, your doctor will diagnose it by testing a sample of your stool. This is to check for the presence of Giardia parasite cysts. However, sometimes the test may not be able to detect them all at once. This may require several days of testing. However, most of the time, doctors will start treatment based on your symptoms.

Treatment methods

Not everyone needs medication for this. But if you have symptoms, your doctor will prescribe anti-parasitic medications to help clear up the infection quickly. Most people get better within a week of taking the medication. The most common medications are:

• `Metronidazole (Flagyl®)`
• `Tinidazole (Tindamax®)`
• `Nitazoxanide (Alinia®)`
• `Paromomycin (Humatin®)`

These medications are prescribed by your doctor. Never use them without the advice of a doctor. Sometimes, other people in the household may also be asked to take the medication to prevent infection. For pregnant women, the doctor may decide to postpone treatment because these medications can be harmful to the baby.

Is it possible to get better without medication?

Yes, most of the time this infection will clear up on its own. If your symptoms are not too severe, your doctor may tell you not to take any medication. This is because when you use antibiotics for everything, the bacteria can get used to them and the medicine may not work (antibiotic resistance). However, if your symptoms last for more than 6 weeks, you should definitely see a doctor and get treatment.

What should we do to protect ourselves from this?

It's hard to stay safe from something you can't see, but we can take a few steps to prevent this parasite from entering our bodies.

• Personal hygiene: Always wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. Be sure to wash your hands especially after using the toilet, before eating, after touching animals, and after working with soil.
• Household cleanliness: Clean bathrooms and toilets regularly. If someone in the household has this disease, thoroughly wash the bedding, towels, etc. that they used, and clean the surfaces they touched with disinfectant.
• Food Safety: Wash vegetables and fruits thoroughly with clean water before eating. If traveling abroad, avoid eating raw salads and drinking unbottled water.
• Safe Water Use: Be very careful when swimming in natural water sources (lakes, ponds, waterfalls). Even swimming pools without proper filtration systems can be dangerous. Be careful not to swallow the water. Remember, adding chlorine to the water does not always kill the Giardia parasite.

When should we see a doctor?

Be sure to see your doctor in the following cases:

• If your symptoms do not improve and you feel you need treatment.
• If you or someone you care for (especially a young child or elderly person) shows signs of dehydration (dry mouth and lips, sunken eyes, decreased urine output, excessive sleepiness).
• If the medication prescribed by the doctor causes unbearable side effects.
• If the symptoms do not subside even after taking the medicine completely.

The best way to avoid these types of infections is to stay clean. However, since Giardia is a parasite that can be found everywhere, it can sometimes be difficult to avoid it. Most of the time, it is not serious and will resolve on its own. However, if you have symptoms, don't hesitate to seek treatment.

Giardiasis, stomach ache, diarrhea, parasite, Giardia, stomach ache