Medical History and Physical Exam for Giardiasis
Medical History and Physical Exam for GiardiasisSkip to the navigationExam OverviewA standard physical exam is usually done when
giardiasis is suspected. Some doctors include a rectal
exam. A stool analysis often is done to look for signs of the parasite. The
stool sample can often be collected at home and then returned to the doctor for
evaluation. The medical history will include questions about recent possible
exposure, including: - When the symptoms started, what they are, and
how long they have lasted.
- For children, about any noticeable weight
loss, lack of appetite, or failure to gain weight or grow
normally.
- Whether you have swallowed any untreated water from
rivers, lakes, or streams-especially during travel to a region where
G. lamblia is common. Even eating fruit that has been
washed in untreated water or brushing teeth with untreated water can be enough
to cause infection.
- Whether you have been swimming in untreated water, such as a lake or river.
- Whether you live or work in a nursing home or other
custodial care facility, or are a family member of an
employee.
- Whether you or a family member works in (or your child
regularly attends) a day care center, especially if many of the children are
not yet toilet trained.
- Whether you have had oral-anal or
oral-genital contact with an infected person.
Why It Is DoneThe medical history and physical exam are done to evaluate possible
symptoms of giardiasis, especially persistent diarrhea. ResultsExcept for diarrhea and other gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms,
results of the physical exam are generally normal for people who have giardiasis.
But some weight loss [up to
10 lb (4.5 kg) or more] is
common.
Lab test results are usually normal. Blood levels of carotene (a
form of vitamin A) and folic acid (a B vitamin) may be low. But these can be
reversed quickly with treatment. Symptoms that are not typical of giardiasis may be caused by
other intestinal infections or conditions. Depending
on the specific symptoms and medical history, additional tests may be done to
evaluate other possible causes of diarrhea. What To Think AboutSymptoms can start to occur long after exposure, so be sure to tell
your doctor if you may have swallowed untreated water. Even very small amounts
of untreated water can contain enough Giardia lamblia to
cause infection. Exposure to Giardia lamblia through day care
or nursing home employees may be more difficult to remember or link to the
start of symptoms. Complete the medical test information form (PDF)(What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this test. CreditsByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerE. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical ReviewerW. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease Current as ofMarch 3, 2017 Current as of:
March 3, 2017 Last modified on: 8 September 2017
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