Giardiasis is a parasitic infection that affects the small intestine, sometimes the liver. The causative agent is the simplest unicellular giardia, which, having penetrated the human intestines, begin active reproduction. Giardia in adults can significantly interfere with digestive processes and the absorption of nutrients.
Infection
Being in the environment, lamblia are inactive, but viable for up to three months. Ingestion through dirty hands, unboiled water, unwashed fruits and vegetables. Giardia can also be transmitted by insects living next to a person: mosquitoes or flies.
The risk group includes schools, kindergartens. But lamblia in adults are four times less common than in children, although such a statement cannot be considered accurate. Just adults are less likely to see a doctor and do not undergo regular examinations, unlike children. Giardia in adults is less common due to a stronger immunity and less susceptibility of the digestive system to parasites, even if the adult is a carrier.
What happens when infected
In the human digestive system, lamblia is activated. Symptoms of the disease usually appear two weeks or earlier after infection. At this point, there are already a lot of parasites in the body. Giardia normally leave with feces, but the body does not have time to completely clear them because of the high reproduction rate.
In case of impaired functioning of the gallbladder or the chronic course of the disease, lamblia in adults can enter the bile ducts, then into the bladder and liver. Such a course of giardiasis is especially dangerous in the presence of hepatitis or other liver diseases. Infection can provoke their exacerbation or rapid development.
Giardia in adults - treatment
The main picture of the disease is drawn in the gastrointestinal tract:
- pain in the abdomen;
- wrong stool;
Bloating
- mucous discharge during bowel movements.
With giardiasis, young children lag behind in growth from their peers due to a lack of nutrients that are not absorbed by the body. As a rule, the appetite in the presence of infection is very poor, as a result, body weight is significantly reduced. In adults, the same picture can be observed with chronic giardiasis.
Danger of infection
These small microorganisms literally steal nutrients from the carrier , absorbing digested food in the small intestine. With a small accumulation of parasites, their harm is not so noticeable, but as soon as the disease becomes chronic, Giardia interferes with the normal functioning of the intestine and can destroy the intestinal membrane.
Like all life on earth, these parasites secrete metabolic products that are toxic to humans. An intoxication of the body occurs, which is expressed in weakness, poor sleep, irritability. With hepatitis and the penetration of parasites into the gallbladder, abscesses can form.
We treat giardia in adults with folk remedies
The main thing is to follow a strict diet. This parasite adores a sweet environment and does not tolerate acidic. A decoction of dandelion roots is good for controlling parasites. One tablespoon of finely chopped root is poured into a glass of boiled water and heated in a water bath for 15 minutes, then the broth is cooled, filtered and taken 1/3 cup up to 4 times a day, in the form of heat, before eating. You can store such a medicine for no more than a day.