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Giardia infection (giardiasis) Appointment

Symptoms & causes Diagnosis & treatment

Diagnosis Print Advertisement

To help diagnose giardiasis, your doctor is likely to test a sample of your Mayo Clinic Marketplace
stool. For accuracy, you may be asked to submit several stool samples Check out these best-sellers and special
collected over a period of days. The samples are then examined in a offers on books and newsletters from May
Clinic.
laboratory for the presence of parasites. Stool tests may also be used to
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Treatment
Children and adults who have giardia infection without symptoms usually
don't need treatment unless they're likely to spread the parasites. Many
people who do have problems often get better on their own in a few weeks.

When signs and symptoms are severe or the infection persists, doctors
usually treat giardiasis with medications such as:

Metronidazole (Flagyl). Metronidazole is the most commonly used

antibiotic for giardia infection. Side effects may include nausea and a
metallic taste in the mouth. Don't drink alcohol while taking this
medication.

Tinidazole (Tindamax). Tinidazole works as well as metronidazole and

has many of the same side effects, but it can be given in a single dose.

Nitazoxanide (Alinia). Because it comes in a liquid form, nitazoxanide

may be easier for children to swallow. Side effects may include nausea,
flatulence, yellow eyes and brightly colored yellow urine.

There are no consistently recommended medications for giardiasis in

pregnancy because of the potential for adverse drug effects to the baby. If
your symptoms are mild, your doctor may recommend delaying treatment
until after the first trimester. If treatment is necessary, discuss the best
available treatment option with your doctor.

Preparing for your appointment

While you may initially bring your symptoms to the attention of your family
doctor, he or she may refer you to a gastroenterologist — a doctor who
specializes in disorders of the digestive system.

What you can do

Before your appointment, you may want to write a list of answers to the
following questions:

When did your signs and symptoms begin?

Does anything make them better or worse?

Do you work or live with small children?

What types of medications and dietary supplements do you take?

What to expect from your doctor

During the physical exam, your doctor may ask you to lie down so that he or
she can gently press on various parts of your abdomen to check for tender
areas. He or she may also check your mouth and skin for signs of
dehydration. You also may be given instructions about how to bring in a
sample of your stool.

By Mayo Clinic Staff

Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic

Symptoms & causes

Oct. 23, 2018

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Giardia infection (giardiasis)

Symptoms & causes

Diagnosis & treatment

Patient Care & Health Information Diseases & Conditions Giardia infection (giardiasis) CON-20372769

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