What are the signs and symptoms of giardiasis?
A symptom is something the patient feels or reports, while a sign is something other people, including a doctor, may detect. For example, a headache may be a symptom, while a rash may be a sign. Some people with giardia infection never develop signs or symptoms. However, they still carry the parasite and can spread it to others through their stool. This is known as asymptomatic giardiasis. Signs and symptoms usually appear one to two weeks after exposure. They may include: • A low-grade fever (for example a temperature of 37-38ºC (98.6-100.4ºF)) • Abdominal bloating • Abdominal cramps • Abdominal pain • Burping • Fatigue • Indigestion • Loss of appetite • Nausea • Upset stomach • Watery, sometimes foul-smelling diarrhea • Weight loss (as much as 10 percent of your body weight) • Malaise • Heartburn • In some cases Lactose intolerance may occur • In acute or severe cases, signs of dehydration or malnutrition Those symptoms usually resolve within two weeks, although in a few cases diarrh
