The Essential Guide to Giardiasis: Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, and Natural Approaches

The waterborne Giardia parasite is the most common of its kind in the United States and causes a diarrheal infection called giardiasis. The Epoch Times

Approximately 7.15 million waterborne illnesses occur in the United States each year. The Giardia intestinal parasite is the most common of its kind found in humans in the United States. Found worldwide, this waterborne parasite causes diarrheal infections called giardiasis. In 2018, there were 15,579 cases of giardiasis in the United States, of which nearly 97 percent were confirmed.

Giardia can enter a person’s gastrointestinal (GI) system through water, soil, or feces. It is an enteroparasite, meaning it grows in the small intestine of humans and other vertebrates, such as beavers and birds. A Giardia infection, giardiasis, can wreak havoc on the human digestive system, causing diarrhea, malabsorption, and possible long-term effects.

What Are the Symptoms and Early Signs of Giardiasis?

The symptoms of giardiasis are varied. This illness is most often acute, developing over three weeks. Symptoms may depend on the state of the person’s immune system, age, nutritional status, or the existence of other GI infections. Common symptoms of giardiasis include:

• Diarrhea
• Malabsorption
• Bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

Giardiasis may also be asymptomatic. The condition may be chronic or acute, and it may be persistent.

What Causes Giardiasis?

Giardiasis is acquired through a fecal-oral route. The parasite Giardia creates cysts that are excreted in feces. Cysts are infectious as soon as they are excreted. They can survive on surfaces, fruits, vegetables, and water for weeks to months. Ingestion of Giardia cysts results in giardiasis.