Giardiasis is a common infectious disease caused by the single-celled intestinal parasite Giardia. It occurs in adults and children around the world. Giardia are single-celled microscopic parasites that can multiply in the small intestine. When infected with this parasite and in the presence of severe symptoms, well-chosen treatment is required.
The disease can be mild or severe. Sometimes carriers of Giardia do not get sick themselves, but they can infect others.
What is giardia
Before you decide how to get rid of Giardia forever, you need to know what these parasites are and how they threaten a person. In the body, they can exist in a vegetative and spore form.
Vegetating individuals are an active parasite species. They have a drop-shaped form and a suction disk, with which they are firmly attached to the intestinal mucosa. The presence of flagella allows parasites to make circular or oscillatory movements.movement. They feed osmotically, absorbing all the required substances by the surface of their body. They reproduce by division and double their number every 12 hours.
Parasites are small oval-shaped capsules covered with a strong shell. This allows them to exist for a long time in the external environment, and then penetrate into the human body. The size of Giardia is very small, so it is very difficult to see them.
The parasites live in the upper small intestine, but many scientists believe that they also feel good in other parts of the gastrointestinal tract and the gallbladder. In the body, they can exist for 28-30 days, and then die. They leave the body naturally, with feces. Giardia cysts can live indefinitely, but leave the intestines in the same way as adults.
Why are they dangerous
It is very important to know how to get rid of Giardia forever, as their presence poses a great threat to human he alth, disrupts the normal functioning of all organs and systems, worsens their interaction. The longer parasites stay in the body, the more serious complications can be.
Giardia, attaching to the walls of the intestine, irritate and injure tissues, contribute to the penetration of infection. In places of their large accumulation, there may be necrosis of the mucous membrane, constant irritation of nerve endings and bleeding.
Prolonged presence of Giardia overloads and depletes the immune system. Parasites absorb substances required for the normal functioning of the body. They take microelements, vitamins and glucose. Exactlytherefore, infected people experience very strong sugar cravings.
Being in the lumen of the small intestine, parasites disrupt intestinal motility, causing spasms, pain and constipation. By excreting waste products, Giardia poison the entire body. They are able to produce special substances that paralyze the smooth muscles of the intestine.
Main classification
According to the classification, these types of diseases are distinguished:
- giardia carrier – there are no signs of the disease, but at the same time a person releases parasites into the environment;
- intestinal form - bowel dysfunction;
- hepatobiliary - problems with the work of the biliary tract and liver.
In addition, there may be giardiasis as a concomitant disease. It develops when an underlying chronic disease, such as celiac disease or dermatitis, causes a decrease in immunity, as well as other infections.
Routes of infection
Doctors call these ways of infection:
- consumption of inadequately purified water;
- non-compliance with sanitary and hygienic standards;
- eating contaminated fruits, berries and vegetables;
- contact with contaminated soil;
- contact with an infected person;
- bathing in open fresh water;
- contamination with mother's milk.
Outside the human body, Giardia cysts can normally exist for up to 3 months. Once in a favorable environment, they begin to multiply by dividing cells into two independentindividuals. For the development of giardiasis, penetration into the body of up to 10 individuals is sufficient.
Main symptoms
How to get rid of Giardia forever, only the doctor should decide after the diagnosis. That is why when the first signs of infection appear, you should consult a doctor. The symptoms of damage to the body by Giardia are quite extensive, so all the signs must be considered both in combination and separately. There are 3 main forms of giardiasis, namely:
- asymptomatic;
- spicy;
- chronic.
With an asymptomatic course of the disease, a person infected with Giardia does not feel any discomfort at all or the symptoms are blurred. More pronounced signs of parasitic damage occur due to the mass reproduction of parasites and intoxication with their metabolic products.
The acute form of giardiasis is mainly observed in infants and children of primary school age, as well as in adults with various forms of immunodeficiency. The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:
- severe diarrhea;
- temperature increase;
- nausea and vomiting;
- appearance of a rash on the skin;
- severe abdominal pain;
- weight loss.
The manifestation of signs of the disease increases with a change in diet, as well as against the background of infectious and colds, stress, that is, with a strong decrease in immunity. The lack of timely and competent treatment leads to the transition of the pathology to the chronic stage.
The chronic form is characterized by a whole complex of syndromes, in particular such as:
- disturbance of normal bowel function;
- hypovitaminosis;
- nausea, belching, heartburn, bloating.
You may also see these signs:
- headache;
- pallor of the skin;
- mood swings;
- loss of appetite;
- dry or bitter mouth;
- skin peeling.
Often, the course of the chronic form of the disease in its symptoms is similar to many other disorders of the functioning of organs and systems, which greatly complicates the diagnosis. Therefore, it is very important to understand which organ is affected the most.
Which doctor to contact
If symptoms similar to infection with cysts appear, you should immediately seek advice from an infectious disease doctor. If there is no such specialist in your hospital, it is recommended to be examined by a general practitioner. He will prescribe treatment or refer you for further research. If signs of illness are observed in a child, then you need to visit a pediatrician.
Diagnostics
To determine how to get rid of Giardia forever, you need to conduct a comprehensive diagnosis. It is very difficult for doctors to make a correct diagnosis ("giardiasis"), since the symptoms of the disease are rather non-specific and extremely diverse. This is due to the ability of parasites to attach themselves to various organs and systems, affecting them and provoking intoxication of the body. To make a diagnosis, one needsresearch:
- blood chemistry and hemogram;
- duodenal sounding;
- fecal analysis for changes in intestinal microflora and dysbacteriosis;
- Ultrasound diagnostics.
Confirm the presence of Giardia by parasitological examination, which helps to identify cysts and protozoan antigens in feces.
Features of treatment
Many are interested in how to get rid of Giardia in adults quickly and effectively. In adults, therapy is carried out by a gastroenterologist or an infectious disease specialist. It is strictly forbidden to self-medicate, as this can lead to complications. The therapy scheme is carried out in 3 stages, namely:
- normalization of intestinal function, increased immunity, elimination of toxicosis;
- antiparasitic treatment;
- strengthening the body's defenses, as well as creating conditions that prevent the reproduction of lamblia.
The preparatory stage is aimed at preparing the body for the powerful effects of medications. Before deciding how to get rid of Giardia worms, you need to provide the following activities:
- elimination of endotoxicosis;
- parasite reduction;
- normalization of the enzymatic function of the intestine;
- immunity boost.
The duration of the preparatory phase is 16-25 days. At this stage, diet and ensuring an optimal diet is important. The menu includes products that act as sorbents.
Before withdrawingparasites from the body, it is very important to normalize the functioning of the gallbladder and eliminate bile stasis. For this, cholespasmolytics or cholekinetics are used.
Increase the effectiveness of antiparasitic drugs will help symptomatic treatment. Preliminary therapy is carried out in such areas as elimination of liver problems, constipation, intake of enterosorbents, enzymes and antihistamines.
The question of how to get rid of Giardia in adults is decided at the second stage of therapy. At this stage, the doctor prescribes strong antiparasitic drugs. The intake of sorbents, enzymes and antihistamines also continues.
With proper therapy, you can get rid of Giardia within 4-15 days, depending on the course of the disease and the degree of its neglect. If it is not possible to immediately remove the parasites from the body, then a second course is prescribed in 8-12 days.
The final stage takes 16-25 days. It involves dieting, vitamin therapy, taking enzymes, probiotics. In addition, alternative methods of treatment can be used. Carrot, birch and beetroot juices, as well as walnut shell tinctures, are especially helpful. However, only a doctor can accurately answer the question of how to get rid of Giardia forever with folk remedies. And he is unlikely to recommend treatment only in this way - the best option is complex therapy.
Drug therapy
Answering the question of how to get rid of Giardia in adults with medication, I must say thatthe most effective are antiparasitic agents. Therapy is usually carried out on an outpatient basis, and if necessary, hospitalization is indicated. The following drugs will help to quickly cure giardiasis:
- Albendazole;
- "Metronidazole";
- McMiror;
- Fazizhin.
All drugs and their dosage should be selected by the attending physician, since only a specialist can determine how to get rid of Giardia in adults forever.
The drug "Furanidozol" is not very effective against parasites, and can also provoke side effects, in particular, such as nausea and swelling. The drug "Metronidazole" is effective against giardiasis, but over time it is addictive and requires replacement. When taking it, allergic manifestations, neurological diseases, and nausea may appear.
Tinidazole is highly effective. It only needs to be taken once as it can cause many complications such as rashes, itchy skin, nausea and vomiting.
The drug "Ornidazole" is prescribed for two days. Side effects are observed much less frequently than when using other means. These include indigestion, nausea, headache.
If helminthic invasion is additionally observed, then you need not only to know how to get rid of Giardia in the liver, but also to cleanse the intestines of other parasites. For this, Albendazole or Mebendazole is prescribed. Both of these remedies have an extended action against worms, but their useaccompanied by many side effects, in particular, such as weakness, nausea, abdominal pain, digestive problems. These drugs are not prescribed during pregnancy.
Many, after they got rid of Giardia, leave good reviews about the drug "Makrimor". This is a combined remedy that is active against protozoa. In addition, the drug "Optisal" has earned good reviews. It has not only a powerful antiparasitic effect, but also helps to restore the balance of trace elements.
Folk remedies
Many people are interested in how to get rid of Giardia forever with folk remedies, as they believe that they are safe, but effective. However, it is worth noting that they must be combined with drug therapy. The most common are infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs, the consumption of anthelmintic products and cleansing enemas. The attending doctor should decide how to get rid of Giardia forever with folk remedies, as improper treatment can lead to a deterioration in well-being.
Treatment with wormwood has proven itself quite well. The recipe is simple. You need to take 2 tbsp. l. wormwood herbs, pour 0.5 liters of alcohol or vodka. Leave to infuse in a dark, cool place for 2 weeks. Drink 1 tbsp. l. in the morning and in the evening. The therapeutic course is 1 month.
Answering the question of how to get rid of Giardia folk remedies, it must be said that an infusion of corn stigmas helps well. Take 2 tbsp. l. dry grass, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Put on 2 hours to infuse and drink 1 tbsp. l. the finished product 4 times a day. It helps to eliminate Giardia, promoting their excretion from the body along with feces.
Anthelminthic herbs help well. They include plants such as chamomile, tansy, milk thistle. The tincture of these herbs helps to quickly get rid of Giardia folk remedies and cleanse the body. It is also suitable for preparing a cleansing enema. The procedure will save a person from parasites, as they are afraid of the bitterness of medicinal plants and are quickly excreted from the intestines.
To remove Giardia from the body, you can prepare a folk remedy based on pumpkin seeds. Take 1 tbsp. shelled seeds and grind them to a powder. Pour the powder with 100 ml of warm water and add 2 tbsp. l. honey. Mix the mixture thoroughly. Take the resulting remedy in the morning on an empty stomach, eating within an hour. Then drink a laxative medicine and wait for the urge to cleanse the intestines. Giardia is usually excreted quickly in a natural way.
The use of bergamot oil is considered quite effective. Take 1 tsp. honey and drip 2-3 drops of oil. Drink the medicine 2 times daily before meals for 7 days. Such a medicine has a characteristic smell and taste that helps to destroy parasites.
Dieting
How to quickly get rid of Giardia, many people are interested, as these parasites can provoke many different complications. During the course of the disease, it is very important to follow a therapeutic diet and eat right. Only certain products are allowed. It is important to eat well and regularly. Preferably eat the following foods:
- cereal porridge;
- honey;
- sour berries.
It is strictly forbidden to eat during treatment:
- pasta and vermicelli;
- fresh pastries and sweets;
- milk and dairy products;
- sunflower seeds, nuts.
Meals should be frequent and fractional, contain plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables. From drinks it is better to choose choleretic teas and sour fruit drinks.
Giardiasis in children
In young children in the acute stage of giardiasis, the intestinal form predominates with impaired motor skills, problems of digestion and excretion of food. Vomiting, fever, dermatitis, food refusal are also possible. In schoolchildren, parasites affect not only the intestines, but also the pancreas and liver.
It is very important to know how to get rid of Giardia in children, as many remedies are contraindicated in childhood. Treatment of babies under 3 years old is not carried out with folk remedies. At an older age, they can be used, but only in combination with medications.
The treatment regimen for a child is more gentle than for an adult, and consists of taking antiparasitic drugs, probiotics and vitamins. The dosage of the medicine is determined by the attending doctor. Timely detection and treatment will help prevent negative consequences for the life and he alth of the baby.
It is very important to understand exactly howget rid of lamblia in children forever, since relapse impedes the physical development of the child. Special hygiene control is required. For this you need:
- handle pets;
- get rid of soft toys and wash the rest thoroughly;
- change bed and underwear, towels daily, ironing everything carefully.
Sweets, fried foods, carbonated drinks, pastries should be excluded from the diet a few weeks before taking medications. To alleviate the symptoms, the use of antihistamines is indicated, which will avoid the occurrence of allergies. It is important to know exactly how to get rid of Giardia in children, as well as to consult a doctor on every occasion, since the child's body is very vulnerable.
Chronic giardiasis
The advanced form of the disease is found mainly in adults and school-age children. It is characterized by a relapsing course. Among the main signs of chronic giardiasis, the following should be distinguished:
- deterioration of general well-being;
- disturbance of gastrointestinal function;
- headache, malnutrition, malaise;
- colitis and cholecystitis;
- failure;
- allergy;
- asthma.
Treatment of the chronic form is quite long. It may take several courses of antiparasitic drugs to completely eradicate all Giardia. It is also important to normalize the intestinal microflora.
Possible Complications
It's not only important to know if you can get rid oflamblia, but also to understand what effect they have on the body, if not treated. It must be remembered that parasites affect the intestines and liver, provoking the development of lactose intolerance and the excretion of a small amount of fat along with feces.
In the process of active life and reproduction, Giardia emit many toxic substances directly into the human body. This can cause a whole bunch of diseases:
- allergy;
- chronic fatigue;
- skin problems;
- decreased immunity;
- obstruction of the intestines and bronchi.
Intestinal Giardia is a powerful allergen. The protozoa not only parasitize in the human body, but also poison it, provoking a very strong response of the body. As a result, blepharitis, dermatosis, and urticaria may occur. The consequences of neglected giardiasis are very serious, and long-term treatment may be required.
Prophylaxis
It is very important to prevent Giardia infection. It is necessary to determine the presence of carriers of the parasite among babies and personnel working with children in a timely manner. Key preventive measures include:
- boiling drinking water;
- wash hands before eating;
- regular cleaning and linen change;
- eating clean fruits and vegetables;
- use only personal hygiene items;
- avoiding polluted waters.
People working in largeestablishments or in constant contact with a large number of clients should be regularly checked for the presence of giardia. Preventive measures include limiting contact with an infected person until they are fully recovered.
