Treatment for giardiasis may vary from patient to patient, but typically consists of medication, maintaining hydration, and sometimes treating people who have been in close contact with the infected individual. Medication cures the infection in about 80 percent of patients. For those whose symptoms do not improve with treatment for giardiasis, a doctor may recommend a different medication.
Treatment for Giardiasis: An Overview
Treatment for
giardiasis involves medicine, staying well hydrated, and possibly treating those in close contact with the infected person.
Treatment for Giardiasis: Medications
Several prescription medicines are available for the treatment of giardiasis
(see Giardia Medication). These medicines cure
Giardia infection in about 80 percent of people. If a person's
Giardia symptoms do not improve with proper treatment, the doctor may recommend treatment with another medication or the same medicine for a longer period of time.
For someone with chronic giardiasis, treatment may kill the parasite (
Giardia lamblia), but the person may have delayed improvement of
giardiasis symptoms. If a person does not get better after treatment with several different medicines, potential causes of reinfection (such as environmental sources) should be explored.
Treatment for Giardiasis: Hydration
Keeping well hydrated is important during treatment for giardiasis. Drinking plenty of fluids is especially important for young children and pregnant women, who may be more susceptible to dehydration resulting from
diarrhea.
Treatment for Giardiasis in Children
Treatment for giardiasis is not usually necessary when a child has no symptoms. However, there are a few exceptions:
- If your child does not have diarrhea but is experiencing nausea, fatigue, weight loss, or a poor appetite, you and your healthcare provider may wish to consider treatment for giardiasis.
- If your child attends a daycare center where an outbreak is continuing despite efforts to control it, screening and treating children who have no obvious symptoms may be a good idea.
- The same is true if several family members are ill, or if a family member is pregnant and therefore not able to take the most effective anti-Giardia medications.
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