Giardiasis: Causes, Symptoms, and Diagnosis
- 4 Dec, 2025
- Written by Team Dr Lal PathLabs
Medically Approved by Dr. Seema
Table of Contents
Giardiasis, sometimes known as beaver fever, is a parasitic infection that targets the small intestine. It is caused by a common parasite that thrives in contaminated water and poor sanitation. While Giardia Lambliasis is found worldwide, it is more prevalent in overcrowded areas lacking sanitation and water quality control.
Common Giardiasis symptoms include bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, and diarrhoea. This water-borne infection clears up within a few weeks with the use of antibiotics or antiparasitic drugs. However, intestinal problems may persist even after recovery.
What is Giardiasis Disease?
Giardiasis is caused by a microscopic parasite named Giardia Lamblia. If swallowed through contaminated water, it enters the small intestine to feed on nutrients and multiplies, leading to varied intestinal symptoms and discomfort.
Giardiasis symptoms, in most cases, are mild but may lead to complications if left unchecked. However, there are some cases showing zero symptoms. Giardiasis symptoms may clear up on their own, but for those with weakened immune systems, seeking Giardiasis treatments becomes crucial.
What Causes Giardiasis?
Giardia Lambliasis thrives in the intestines of both humans and animals. The parasites form hard shells called cysts before getting expelled from the body. These cysts, when ingested by another organism, reach their small intestine, dissolve, and cause the giardia infection. In a nutshell, the primary cause of giardia lambliasis is contact with faecal matter.
That said, there are still some common ways Giardiasis gets transmitted. Let’s break them down:
1.Through Contaminated Water
This is the most common way Giardiasis spreads: by swallowing contaminated water, whether from a river, lake, groundwater source, or even a swimming pool. Animal or human faecal matter introduces the parasite to open water sources, increasing the risk of contracting Giardiasis.
2.Ingesting Contaminated Food
It is less likely to contract Giardia Lambliasis through food as cooking involves heat, which kills the parasite. However, unhygienic conditions while handling food or consuming produce washed with contaminated water can also lead to transmission of the infection.
3.Person-to-Person
Caregivers for infants are at a relatively higher risk as Giardia Lambliasis can spread through faecal matter and diapers of babies. Consistently washing hands and following hygienic practices reduces the risk in areas with increasing outbreaks.
What are Common Giardiasis Symptoms?
Most people carrying Giardia Lambliasis do not show any signs or symptoms. But for those who develop Giardiasis symptoms, common signs include:
In rare cases, Giardiasis disease symptoms may also include:
- Lactose intolerance
- Itchy skin
- Swelling around eyes and joints
Giardiasis symptoms typically persist for 2-6 weeks before full recovery but may worsen in individuals with weakened immune systems, requiring immediate medical attention and diagnosis.
What are the Risk Factors of Giardiasis?
Anyone can be affected by Giardia Lambliasis, yet people of a certain age and lifestyle are more susceptible to contracting it. Some common risk factors include:
- Poor sanitation and hygiene
- Contact with fecal matter
- Ingesting contaminated water from pools or rivers
- Living with/around animals
- Weakened immune system
How to Diagnose Giardiasis?
To confirm the presence of Giardia Lambliasis, stool samples are taken and tested in a laboratory. In some cases, multiple stool samples may be required to monitor the progress and effectiveness of treatment during recovery.
How to Prevent and Recover from Giardiasis?
Since Giardiasis spreads widely, prevention is better than cure. Here are some tips to reduce the risk of infection:
- Wash the hands with soap and water regularly and thoroughly
- Avoid swallowing water while swimming
- Keep personal surroundings clean and disinfected
- Dispose of diapers securely to eliminate the risk of contamination
- Monitor pets’ bowel movements and maintain hygiene accordingly
- Wash and clean raw produce (fruits and vegetables) before consumption
- Ensure access to purified drinking water or carry a personal water bottle when outside
The recovery primarily relies on rest and adequate hygiene. However, there are still some tips to be kept in mind:
- Drink sufficient water to avoid dehydration caused by diarrhoea.
- Medication like Metronidazole, Tinidazole, Nitazoxanide, or Paromomycin may be prescribed by a healthcare practitioner to alleviate symptoms and provide relief.
Note: Get tested and visit a doctor before starting Giardiasis treatments to assess the recovery plan and medication options.
Giardiasis infection typically clears up within a couple of weeks. However, with no vaccine available in the market yet, prevention becomes the best defence against it. Most Giardia Lambliasis cases do not exhibit irregular symptoms, and the infection often resolves on its own. However, if someone experiences any symptoms, they must immediately get tested and seek appropriate Giardiasis treatments.
Consult a healthcare provider and download the Dr. Lal PathLabs app to book at-home lab tests with speedy, accurate reports.
FAQs
1.Is Giardia Lamblia killed by boiling?
Yes, boiling water for 1 minute potently kills any Giardia Lamblia cysts present in it.
2.What are the complications of Giardiasis?
Some common complications of Giardiasis include dehydration, temporary lactose intolerance, weight loss, and, in some cases, persistent gastrointestinal issues.
3.Can Giardiasis damage the small intestine?
Yes, giardiasis can damage the small intestine’s lining if it is left untreated for a long period.
