Giardiasis is a common infectious disease provoked by a unicellular intestinal parasite Giardia. It occurs in adults and children around the world. Giardia is a unicellular microscopic parasite 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 occur in mild and severe stages. Sometimes Giardia carriers themselves do not get sick, but can infect others.
What is lamblia
Before deciding 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.
Vegetative individuals are an active type of parasite. They have a teardrop shape 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. They feed osmotically, absorbing all the required substances by the surface of their body. Propagated by division and double their number every 12 hours.
Parasites are small oval capsules, covered with a durable shell. This allows them to exist for a long time in the external environment, and then penetrate the human body. The size of the lamblia is very small, so it is very difficult to see them.
Parasites live in the upper part of the small intestine, however, many scientists believe that they feel good in other parts of the digestive tract and gall bladder. In the body, they can exist for 28-30 days, and then die. They leave the body in a natural way, with feces. Giardia cysts can live as long as they like, but leave the intestine in the same way as adults.
Why are they dangerous?
It is very important to know how to get rid of giardia forever, since their presence poses a great threat to human health, disrupts the normal functioning of all organs and systems, and worsens their interaction. The longer the parasites are in the body, the more serious complications can be.
Giardia, attached to the walls of the intestine, irritate and injure tissues, contribute to the penetration of infection. In places of their large congestion, there may be necrosis of the mucosa, constant irritation of nerve endings and bleeding.
The prolonged presence of Giardia overloads and depletes immunity. Parasites absorb substances required for the normal functioning of the body. They take trace elements, vitamins and glucose. That is why infected people have a very strong craving for sweets.
Being in the lumen of the small intestine, parasites disrupt intestinal motility, causing cramping, pain and constipation. Allocating waste products, lamblia poison the entire body. They are able to produce special substances that paralyze the smooth muscles of the intestines.
Main classification
According to the classification, the following types of disease are distinguished:
- Giardiasis - there are no signs of the disease, but at the same time a person releases parasites into the environment;
- intestinal form - impaired bowel function;
- 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, and other infections also join.
Infection pathways
Doctors call these infection paths:
- consumption of insufficiently purified water;
- non-compliance with sanitary standards;
- eating contaminated fruits, berries and vegetables;
- contacting with contaminated soil;
- contact with an infected person;
- swimming in open fresh water;
- infection 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 independent individuals. 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, should be decided only by the doctor after the diagnosis. That is why, when the first signs of infection appear, you need to see a doctor. The symptomatology of the defeat of the body by giardia is quite extensive, therefore, all the signs should be considered both in combination and separately. There are 3 main forms of giardiasis, namely:
- asymptomatic;
- spicy;
- chronic
In the asymptomatic course of the disease, a person infected with giardia does not feel absolutely any discomfort or the symptoms are blurry. More pronounced signs of parasitic damage arise due to the mass reproduction of parasites and intoxication with the products of their vital activity.
The acute form of giardiasis is mainly observed in infants and primary school children, as well as in adults with various forms of immunodeficiency. The disease is characterized by the following symptoms:
- severe diarrhea;
- temperature rise;
- nausea and vomiting;
- the appearance of an 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 pathology to the chronic stage.
The chronic form is characterized by a whole complex of syndromes, in particular such as:
- violation of the normal functioning of the intestine;
- hypovitaminosis;
- nausea, belching, heartburn, bloating.
Symptoms may also be observed:
- headache;
- pallor of the skin;
- mood swings;
- decreased appetite;
- dryness or bitterness in the mouth;
- peeling skin.
Often the course of the chronic form of the disease in its symptoms is similar to many other disorders in the functioning of organs and systems, which greatly complicates the diagnosis. Therefore, it is very important to understand which organ is most affected.
Which doctor to contact
If symptoms similar to cyst infection appear, you should immediately consult an infectious disease doctor. If there is no such specialist in your hospital, then it is recommended to be examined by a general practitioner. He will prescribe treatment or direct him for further research. If signs of the disease are observed in the 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 the correct diagnosis ("giardiasis"), since the symptoms of the disease are quite non-specific and extremely diverse. This is due to the ability of parasites to be fixed on various organs and systems, affecting them and provoking intoxication of the body. To make a diagnosis, such studies are required:
- biochemical blood test and hemogram;
- duodenal sounding;
- analysis of feces for changes in intestinal microflora and dysbiosis;
- Ultrasound diagnostics.
Confirm the presence of lamblia helps parasitological examination, which helps to identify cysts and antigens of protozoa in the feces.
Treatment features
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 infectious disease specialist. It is strictly forbidden to engage in self-medication, as this can lead to complications. The treatment regimen is carried out in 3 stages, namely:
- normalization of bowel function, increased immunity, elimination of toxicosis;
- antiparasitic treatment;
- strengthening the body's defenses, as well as creating conditions that impede the propagation of Giardia.
The preparatory phase is aimed at preparing the body for the powerful effects of medications. Before deciding on how to get rid of giardia worms, it is necessary to ensure the following activities:
- elimination of endotoxemia;
- reduction in the number of parasites;
- normalization of the enzymatic function of the intestine;
- increase immunity.
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 acting as sorbents.
Before removing parasites from the body, it is very important to normalize the functioning of the gallbladder and eliminate stagnation of bile. For this, cholespasmolytics or cholekinetics are used.
Symptomatic treatment will help increase the effectiveness of antiparasitic drugs. Preliminary therapy is carried out in such areas as eliminating liver problems, constipation, taking 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. Also, the intake of sorbents, enzymes and antihistamines continues.
With well-conducted therapy, you can get rid of lamblia within 4-15 days, depending on the particular course of the disease and its degree of neglect. If it is not possible to immediately remove parasites from the body, then a second course is prescribed after 8-12 days.
The final stage takes 16-25 days. It implies diet, vitamin therapy, taking enzymes, probiotics. In addition, you can apply traditional methods of treatment. Carrot, birch and beetroot juices, as well as tinctures of walnut shells, are especially good. 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 in this way only - the best option is complex therapy.
Drug therapy
Answering the question of how to get rid of giardia in adults with medication, it must be said that antiparasitic drugs are the most effective. Therapy is usually performed on an outpatient basis, and hospitalization is indicated if necessary. Such drugs can quickly cure giardiasis:
- Albendazole
- Metronidazole
- Macmirror
- "Fazizhin."
All medications and their dosage should be selected by the attending physician, since only a specialist can determine how to get rid of lamblia in adults forever.
The drug "Furanidozole" is not very effective against parasites, and can also provoke side effects, in particular such as nausea and swelling. The medicine "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.
The drug "Tinidazole" is highly effective. You need to take it only once, since it can provoke many complications, such as rashes, skin itching, nausea and vomiting.
The drug "Ornidazole" is prescribed for two days. Side effects are observed much less often than when using other drugs. These include indigestion, nausea, headache.
If helminthic invasion is additionally observed, then you need to not only know how to get rid of giardia in the liver, but also cleanse the intestines from other parasites. For this, "Albendazole" or "Mebendazole" is prescribed. Both of these drugs have an extended effect against worms, but their administration is accompanied by many side effects, in particular, such as weakness, nausea, abdominal pain, and digestive problems. These funds are not prescribed during pregnancy.
Many, after getting rid of lamblia, leave good reviews about the drug "Makrimor". This is a combined remedy that is active against protozoa. In addition, the drug Optisal deserved good reviews. It has not only a powerful antiparasitic effect, but also helps to restore the balance of trace elements.
Folk remedies
Many are interested in how to get rid of giardia forever with folk remedies, since 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 herbs, consumption of anthelmintic products and cleansing enemas. The deciding doctor should decide how to get rid of giardia forever with folk remedies, since improper treatment can lead to poor health.
Wormwood treatment has proved to be quite good. The recipe is simple. Need to take 2 tbsp. l herbs wormwood, pour 0.5 liters of alcohol or vodka. Put infused in a darkened 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 with folk remedies, it must be said that the infusion of corn stigmas helps well. Take 2 tbsp. l dry herbs, pour 0.5 liters of boiling water. Put for 2 hours, insist and drink 1 tbsp. l finished product 4 times a day. It helps eliminate giardia, contributing to their excretion from the body along with feces.
The anthelmintic fees of medicinal herbs help well. They include plants such as chamomile, tansy, and milk thistle. 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, since they are afraid of the bitterness of medicinal plants and are quickly removed from the intestines.
To remove lamblia from the body, you can prepare a folk remedy based on pumpkin seeds. Take 1 tbsp. peeled seeds and grind them to a powder state. Pour the powder with 100 ml of warm water and add 2 tbsp. l honey. Mix the mixture thoroughly. Take the product in the morning on an empty stomach, eating for an hour. Then drink a laxative medicine and wait for the urge to cleanse the intestines. Giardia is usually excreted quickly naturally.
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, which help to destroy parasites.
Dieting
Many people are interested in how to quickly get rid of giardia, since these parasites can provoke many different complications. With 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 quality and regularly. It is preferable to eat such foods:
- cereal cereals;
- honey;
- sour berries.
During the treatment, it is strictly forbidden to eat:
- pasta and vermicelli;
- fresh pastries and sweets;
- milk and dairy dishes;
- sunflower seeds, nuts.
Food should be frequent and fractional, contain a lot of fresh fruits and vegetables. Of the 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 motility, problems of assimilation and excretion of food. Vomiting, fever, the appearance of dermatitis, and refusal of food 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 lamblia in children, since many drugs are contraindicated in childhood. Treatment of babies up to 3 years 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 identification and treatment will help prevent negative consequences for the baby's life and health.
It is very important to understand exactly how to get rid of giardia in children forever, since relapse complicates the physical development of the child. Special hygiene controls are required. To do this, you need:
- treat pets;
- get rid of soft toys, and wash the rest thoroughly;
- daily change bed and underwear, towels, ironing everything carefully.
A few weeks before taking medications, sweets, fried foods, sodas, and rich pastries should be excluded from the diet. To alleviate the symptoms, antihistamines are indicated, which will avoid the occurrence of allergies. , , , .
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Possible complications
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In the process of active life and reproduction, Giardia secrete many toxic substances directly into the human body. This can cause a whole bunch of diseases:
- allergy;
- chronic fatigue;
- skin problems;
- decreased immunity;
- bowel obstruction and bronchi.
Intestinal giardia is a powerful allergen. Protozoa not only parasitize in the human body, but also poisoning it, provoking a very strong response of the body. As a result of this, blepharitis, dermatosis, urticaria can occur. The consequences of advanced giardiasis are very serious, prolonged treatment may be required.
Prophylaxis
It is very important to prevent infection with giardia. It is necessary to timely determine the presence of carriers of the parasite among toddlers and personnel working with children. The main preventive measures include the following:
- boiling drinking water;
- washing hands before eating;
- regular cleaning and replacement of bed linen;
- eating clean fruits and vegetables;
- use only personal hygiene items;
- avoidance of polluted water bodies.
People working in large institutions or constantly in contact with a large number of customers should be regularly checked for lamblia. Preventive measures include limiting communication with an infected person until he is fully recovered.