PREVENTION OF GIARDIASIS
Prevention of giardiasis. This is a small intestine infection. Giardia lamblia is the microscopic parasite that causes it. Giardiasis is contracted by coming into contact with an infected person. Additionally, consuming tainted food or water can expose you to giardiasis.
PREVENTION OF GIARDIASIS
Giardia is also commonly contracted by pets, such as cats and dogs. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention state that this condition is present worldwide. It is more prevalent, nevertheless, in crowded developing nations with poor water quality and sanitation.
Treatments
Most of the time, giardiasis goes away on its own. If your infection is severe or persistent, your doctor may recommend medication. Instead of letting it go away on its own, the majority of doctors will advise antiparasitic medication treatment. Giardiasis is frequently treated with the following Antibiotics:
1. The antibiotic metronidazole must be taken for five to seven days. Both nausea and a metallic aftertaste may result from it.
2. Tinidazole frequently cures giardiasis with a single dose and is just as effective as metronidazole.
3. Since nitazoxanide is a liquid and only needs to be taken for three days, it is a common choice for kids.
4. Compared to other antibiotics, paromomycin has a lower risk of causing birth defects; however, pregnant women should not take any giardiasis medication until after delivery.
Prevention
1. Although giardiasis cannot be prevented, you can reduce your risk of contracting it by regularly washing your hands, particularly if you work in environments like daycare centers where germs can spread easily.
2. Giardia can be found in rivers, streams, ponds, and other bodies of water. If you go swimming in one of these, don’t swallow water. If surface water hasn’t been boiled, iodine-treated, or filtered, don’t drink it. When you go camping or hiking, bring bottled water.
3. Avoid drinking tap water when visiting an area where giardiasis is prevalent. Additionally, you should refrain from using tap water to brush your teeth. Remember that ice and other drinks may also contain tap water. Steer clear of raw local produce.
4. Exercise caution when engaging in sexual activities like anal intercourse, which are linked to the transmission of this infection. To lower your risk of getting giardiasis, use a condom.
Complications
Dehydration
The main short-term risk of giardiasis is dehydration, which can also develop gradually over time. When someone has vomiting and/or diarrhea, they lose a lot of fluids. Replacing the fluids as quickly as you’re losing them can be challenging.
Gastrointestinal disorders
Giardiasis can harm the lining of your small intestine if it persists for a long time. irritable bowel syndrome and chronic gastrointestinal symptoms may result from this. Additionally, it may harm your intestines’ capacity to absorb nutrients from food.
Summary
You and other people can greatly reduce the risk of contracting giardiasis by taking preventive steps like hand washing and water filtration. However, Giardia is ubiquitous and cannot always be prevented. You may not even require treatment because the infection is usually mild and transient. However, if you do require treatment, don’t be afraid to get it. If the treatment isn’t working as planned, follow up with your doctor.