How to treat signs and symptoms of Giardiasis?

Question

Hi doctor,

I drank water from a mountain stream while traveling, and two days later, I developed vomiting and severe diarrhea. I thought I was fine, but I experienced the worst bloating or gas the next day. I had constant watery diarrhea at night and the following day. I was fine the next day and had a heavy meal. But, again, I had persistent watery diarrhea and bloating the next day at night. The diarrhea is reduced now; however, I have fatigue and bloating. Initially, I thought I had food poisoning, but it does not make sense for the symptoms to come back after the initial infection. I read about Giardia by accident, and it sounds exactly like my symptoms. I did not take any medications, but I am eating garlic and coconut oil because some research suggests it can treat these symptoms. So, I think I got Giardiasis. Should I go to the doctor, or will it go away?

Please give me your opinion.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have reviewed your case history in detail.

What you are experiencing is known as traveler's diarrhea. It can be bacterial, or it can be due to giardiasis or other parasitic infections. It is not possible clinically to differentiate one etiology of acute diarrhea from another based on history. For a definitive diagnosis, we usually go for some laboratory tests like blood tests and stool sample tests to find the exact cause. Mild infections can go away on their own in healthy individuals considering their strong immune systems. Now coming to your condition, I suggest you to follow the instructions mentioned below,

1. Take commercially available probiotics or yogurt. This can rebalance the good bacterial load in your gut.

2. Indications of antibiotics in acute diarrhea are high-grade fever, blood or mucus in your stools or severe abdominal pain, or non-resolving persistent symptoms after two to three days.

3. Try to eat a soft diet and especially hygienic food. And drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Mix ORS (oral rehydration solution) sachet in one liter of water in case of multiple episodes of watery diarrhea and drink it.

4. Avoid commercially available fruit juices or drinks for a few days.

5. In case of body aches, you can take tablet Paracetamol (anti-inflammatory and anti-pyretic) 500 mg, two tablets as needed.

6. If there is no improvement in the next 24 to 48 hours, try to get tested for a complete blood picture and a stool sample before starting antibiotics.

7. If you have reduced appetite or nausea, you can have two tablespoons of antacid syrup like Gaviscon or Mucaine Gel.

Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them and take the medications with their consent.

I hope this has helped you.

Take care.

Answer 2

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have a few suggestions.

1. You can start taking probiotics or yogurt daily for a few days.

2. Take a soft and healthy diet and follow the instructions mentioned earlier.

3. You can wait for the next 24 to 48 hours on probiotics and diet modifications. However, as you are already improving, I feel you will recover.

4. If the symptoms persist after probiotics or yogurt, get yourself tested. You will need to take oral antibiotics for a persistent mild infection. And you can visit a specialist for further management.

I hope this has helped you.

Take care.