add to fAvorites

September 2009
M	T	W	T	F	S	S
« May		Jun »
	1	2	3	4	5	6
7	8	9	10	11	12	13
14	15	16	17	18	19	20
21	22	23	24	25	26	27
28	29	30

Pharmacy Links

YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH CARE/BOWEL DISORDERS: GLARDIA

10/09/09

Giardia is a parasitic infection which can cause chronic diarrhea in children, as well as problems with the absorption of food.

Cause

The small intestine is infested with a tiny parasite called Giardia lamblia. It is picked up mainly from contaminated food or water.

Clinical features

Giardia infections tend to occur more commonly in toddlers and older children. The onset of symptoms may be sudden or gradual, and usually begin with flatulence, diarrhoea and a bloated belly. The child may complain of stomach aches and may even vomit. A poor appetite due to nausea is soon followed by significant weight loss and general listlessness. Sometimes the only symptom will be chronic diarrhoea and some children may have no symptoms at all.

Investigations

Giardia infections can sometimes be confirmed on examination of the stools. If the parasites are not seen in a specimen, it does not necessarily indicate that Giardia is not present. The sample needs to be fresh and even a delay of a few hours can of the bowel and is no longer visible under rhe microscope once it has stopped moving. Several specimens may need to be examined before the diagnosis can be made. In children with diarrhoea or weight loss a duodenal biopsy may be performed to make the diagnosis.

Treatment

There are effective medications which can be used to treat Giardia infection. Strict attention should be paid to hygiene in all members of the family to prevent cross-infection.

When to see your doctor

See your doctor if your child has any of the symptoms above or if in addition to any of these symptoms he has a fever or is generally unwell.