Giardiasis is a fairly common parasitic disease, which affects almost all categories of the population. But if in an adult a similar infection can be almost asymptomatic, then in children the disease is accompanied by very severe signs. So what are the main symptoms of giardia in a child? These questions interest many parents.
Giardia in children: causes and methods of transmission
As already mentioned, giardiasis is a disease caused by the entry into the body of the simplest parasites - giardia. And, despite the widespread belief that infection can be caught by contact with an animal, the sick person is the only source of pathogenic organisms. Together with feces, lamblia cysts also stand out - in this form, the parasite can exist for more than three weeks without a carrier organism. Infection can occur both through direct contact and through the household route - through toys, bedding, towels, etc. When they enter the digestive system, cysts turn into an active adult form of the parasite, which lives in the small intestine, but does not damage the mucous membrane. After 40 days, the adult individual dies, leaving behind itself cysts, which again stand out with feces, after which, as a rule, repeated self-infection occurs.
Symptoms of Giardia in a child
In fact, signs of the disease appear in those cases if quite a few of these simplest organisms have accumulated in the small intestine. Here are the most common symptoms of giardia in a child:
- To begin with, it is worth noting the problems in the digestive system. Children suffer from frequent diarrhea, which are suddenly replaced by constipation and vice versa. In addition, bloating, cramping abdominal pains can also be attributed to signs.
- As the disease develops, the baby loses its appetite and eats poorly. Along with this, one can notice a sharp weight loss. The child lags behind in physical development compared to his healthy peers. Often there are problems with the immune system - such children are more susceptible to colds.
- Dehydration and dry skin are also symptoms of lamblia in a child. That is why it is necessary to consult with a specialist.
How to determine lamblia in a child? Diagnostic Methods
First, the doctor must confirm the diagnosis. For this purpose, a laboratory study of feces is carried out, in which it is possible to detect cysts of the pathogen. In addition, due to a violation of the normal functioning of the intestine, a large amount of undigested fat is often released along with feces. Children with suspected giardiasis should also undergo a full examination of the body. The fact is that the symptoms of giardia in a child often mask more dangerous diseases - it can be chronic gastritis, peptic ulcer, enterocolitis, pancreatitis, etc. Only then can the optimal treatment regimen be selected.
Treatment of giardiasis in children
If the child is just a carrier of parasites (the main symptoms are absent), then no specific treatment is required here. It is only necessary to observe the rules of hygiene - wash hands before each meal, change underwear as often as possible, etc. Medication is necessary for children with severe symptoms of giardiasis - in such cases, doctors prescribe antiparasitic drugs, as well as vitamin complexes and drugs with probiotics.