It may seem a bit outlandish to hear that parasites, such as the ones commonly habituating your gastrointestinal tract, can lead to leathery and sluggishness. But that’s what happens in reality. Researchers have come up with many pieces of evidence that point to common Giardia parasites being the cause of extreme fatigue, energy loss, and diarrhea too!
Here, we help you take a closer look at Giardia, which is a type of intestinal parasite that has been attributed to uncomplicated infections that cause fatigue and diarrhea.
Reason Behind your Sluggishness – Giardia?
Have you been trying to find the answer to why you are feeling sluggish these days? It can be possible that a Giardia parasite infection (contacted in the past) is the reason behind your loss of energy and fatigue. Giardia often leads to chronic fatigue syndrome that’s capable of persisting in your system for as long as 5-6 years after contracting the infection.
What is Parasite Giardia?
Giardiasis refers to a kind of small bowel infection. It is caused by ingesting the cysts of Giardia parasite, a commonly found intestinal parasite found across the globe. The chronic signs of giardia infection are usually triggered off within a few weeks of swimming in contaminated water, consuming contaminated water, or ingesting food items prepared by someone who’s infected by the parasite. It has been found that traveling to certain places in Eastern Europe, specifically Russia, West and East Africa, some parts of the Middle East Asia, and India, may make people contact giardiasis.
Campers people recreating in open water bodies, and backpackers happen to be at increased risk of carrying this parasite. The same applies to people suffering from the concerns of low levels of acid in their stomach.
Common Parasitic Symptoms
It is common to find 75 to 80 percent of those infected with giardia showcasing parasitic symptoms. While the remaining carriers of the parasite do not show any symptoms, they are still capable of passing on the infection to others. The main symptom of parasite infection by giardia is the occurrence of profuse, watery diarrhea in its acute condition. The other commonly found signs and symptoms of parasite infection include abdominal pain, gas, and bloating. In about 30 percent of infected people, the parasite causes short-term lactose intolerance and irritable bowel syndrome.
Treating Giardia Parasite Symptoms
According to experts treating parasite infection, the condition is usually acute in nature and disappears on its own after a few days. No treatment is required in such a state of infection. A stool sample is collected for the diagnosis of the giardia parasite infection. Once found, it can be treated with the help of effective antimicrobial medicines like metronidazole. In certain patients; especially those diagnosed for compromised immune systems, the parasite infection can turn out to be chronic and very difficult to treat.
Know your Sluggishness – It can be a Parasite Attack
Your extreme fatigue and sluggish behavior can be caused due to a past giardia parasite infection. If there’s a link, it’s best to get it treated without any delay. Start working on the health of your gastrointestinal tract and get introduced to a more energetic you!