Giardiasis Treatment - 3 Stages Of Effective Treatment

2024 Author: Josephine Shorter | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-07 17:49

Giardiasis treatment

Each person contains a huge number of different microorganisms. Giardia is a dangerous protozoan parasite that negatively affects health and well-being. Infection with giardiasis almost always occurs by ingestion of Giardia cysts through the mouth. At the same time, a person who is sick with this ailment excretes millions of such microscopic parasites with his feces.

Cysts, after returning back to the environment, persist perfectly for quite a long time. A person becomes ill with giardiasis if he eats unwashed vegetables and fruits, bathes in untested open reservoirs, drinks fresh, dirty water and does not observe basic rules of personal hygiene. Animals can also carry this disease.

Giardia live in the human small intestine. They often live in the duodenum or bile ducts of the liver. Parasites have special suction cups with which they attach to the mucous membranes.

Any signs of the presence of giardiasis in the body (cysts in the patient's feces, antigens to them in the blood, vegetative forms) are indications for starting therapy for this disease. It begins even in the absence of negative symptoms. Treatment of giardiasis is carried out only by a specialist, since the drugs used have high toxicity and a large number of side effects.

The reasons for the lack of a single treatment regimen for giardiasis:

• Vague criteria for recovery and symptoms of re-infection;
• Lack of uniform treatment standards;
• A large number of side effects of the drugs used;
• Frequent occurrence of reinvasion in patients with unstable immunity;
• The emergence of varieties of lamblia that are resistant to the action of common drugs (Furazolidone, Metronidazole);
• Accession of concomitant bacterial and fungal infections (Helicobacter pylori, fungi of the genus Candida), the need for additional treatment.

The combination of giardiasis with diseases of the digestive tract does not allow the destruction of parasites without preliminary preparation. Massive eradication will inevitably lead to an exacerbation of the disease and increased intoxication.

3 stages of giardiasis treatment:

1. The preparatory stage is carried out in order to normalize the work of the digestive system and reduce the number of lamblia.
2. The stage of destruction of parasites is carried out by two courses of different drugs with a break between them of one week.
3. The final stage is carried out with the aim of normalizing immunity, restoring the activity of the digestive system, and eliminating dysbiosis.

The absence of complications from the gastrointestinal tract allows you to skip the preparatory stage and immediately proceed to the second - the stage of the destruction of parasites.

Content:

• Stage 1 - preparation
• Stage number 2 - destruction
• Stage 3 - restoration
• Which drug to choose?
• Treatment of giardiasis with folk remedies
• Prevention of giardiasis
• Video about the ways of infection and treatment of giardiasis

Stage number 1 of treatment of giardiasis - preparation

The duration of this period directly depends on the degree of intoxication and the severity of the pathologies of the digestive tract - it lasts from several days to 3-4 weeks.

Diet

Treatment of giardiasis begins with adjusting the diet, reducing the amount of carbohydrates and increasing the proportion of proteins.

Diet for giardiasis:

• Limiting carbohydrates, as they are a breeding ground for parasites. The limitation is imposed on the lactose contained in dairy products.
• Introduction to the menu of a large amount of protein that inhibits the growth of lamblia.
• Creation of an acidic environment to inhibit the growth of parasites, the use of fermented milk products, berries and juices.
• Frequent fractional meals (up to 6 times a day) without large intervals between meals, such a system contributes to increased bile secretion, which negatively affects lamblia.
• The introduction of a large amount of dietary fiber in the diet (consume up to 20-30 g of bran per day).

The best variant of the diet is diet No. 5 according to Pevzner. It is intended for patients with liver and gallbladder pathologies. For patients with giardiasis, the diet is slightly changed, reducing the amount of foods with lactose and carbohydrates.

Recommended products for consumption:

• Fruits and vegetables, fresh herbs;
• Whole grain bread, bran bread;
• Fermented milk products (fermented baked milk, kefir, sour cream, yogurt, acidophilic drink, ayran);
• Porridge on water from buckwheat, rice, oatmeal;
• Low-fat soups, low-fat meat and fish dishes;
• The use of marmalade, honey and marshmallow is allowed.

Prohibited products:

• Fatty meat and fish;
• Strong meat broths;
• Animal fats, lard, margarine;
• Bean dishes;
• Eggs (no more than 1 pc. In various dishes);
• Seasonings and smoked meats;
• Confectionery, ice cream, carbonated drinks;
• Mushrooms.

Preparations used at the preparatory stage

Most often, drugs from the group of enterosorbents are used:

• Smecta is a preparation of natural origin, consisting of magnesium and aluminum salts. It is designed to bind and remove gases and toxins from the digestive tract, excess bile and hydrochloric acids. It is a cytoprotector, as it effectively protects the mucous membrane of the digestive tract from the negative effects of various factors. Smecta promotes the growth and development of lactobacilli, is used to prevent dysbiosis. The drug does not act on pathogens of parasitic infection, but reduces their concentration in the intestine. This drug has no contraindications, it is used to treat newborns, as well as pregnant and lactating women.
• Enterosgel is a drug that is a molecular sponge for absorbing toxins: alcohol, heavy metal salts, allergens and antigens. The tool is used to improve the condition of the digestive tract and its regeneration, renewal of the mucous membrane, and increase local immunity. Enterosgel is safe, has no side effects, and may somewhat reduce the effectiveness of drugs taken simultaneously. The form of the drug with added sugar is not recommended for infants, pregnant and lactating women.

For constipation, a safe laxative such as Lactulose (Duphalac, Normase) is prescribed, which has no contraindications for pregnant and lactating women.

With disorders of bile secretion, the gastroenterologist clarifies the nature of the pathology. For this, an ultrasound of the gallbladder is performed.

Doctor's recommendations for the treatment of giardiasis against the background of gastrointestinal dysfunctions

Treatment of gallbladder dysfunction, characterized by pain in the right hypochondrium:

• Inclusion of vegetable fats in the diet (up to 80 mg / day);
• Treatment with prokinetics: Domperidone as an antiemetic agent, 5-10 mg half an hour before meals;
• Reception of cholecystokinetics: solutions of xylitol, sorbitol or magnesium sulfate, 2-3 tbsp. l. 2-3 rubles / day.

Treatment of sphincter dysfunction, which regulates the flow of bile and pancreatic juice into the small intestine:

• Restriction in the diet of vegetable fats (up to 40 mg);
• A ban on the use of choleretic agents;
• Reception of antispasmodics: Gimecromon (Odeston) or Duspatalin (Mebeverin), Trimedat (Trimebutin), No-shpa (drotaverine hydrochloride).

A symptom of sphincter dysfunction is attacks of pain in the epigastric region or in the right hypochondrium, lasting over 20 minutes for 3 months or more.

Additionally prescribed drugs:

• Enzymes - Pancreatin, Festal, Creon, Mezim-forte;
• Hepatoprotectors - Karsil, LIV-52, Gepabene, Legalon.

Enzymes are prescribed by a gastroenterologist according to the results of coprography, and hepatoprotectors - in case of prolonged liver damage to Giardia toxins. In this case, a biochemical blood test shows an excess of the level of the enzymes ALT and ASAT.

Stage number 2 in the treatment of giardiasis - destruction

Diagnosing giardiasis in a child means that almost all family members have this disease.

Groups of drugs for the treatment of giardiasis:

1. Nitroimidazole group: Tinidazole, Ornidazole. To one of the drugs in this group - Metronidazole - lamblia has a high resistance, it is not recommended for treatment.
2. Nitrofuran group - Macmiror, Nifuratel. The drug Furazolidone, previously actively used for the treatment of giardiasis, is now not used due to the large number of side effects and the resistance of parasites to it.
3. The benzimedazole group is Albendazole.

Probiotic Enterol, which contains active microorganisms - bouvardia saccharomycetes - is used in any treatment regimen for giardiasis. It enhances and complements the action of specific drugs, has a detrimental effect on parasites.

Ornidazole

It is offered to consumers under the trade names: Gayro, Tiberal, Ornisid, Dazolik, Ornidazol-vero. Available in the form of tablets, infusion solution and vaginal suppositories. For the treatment of giardiasis, oral administration is used (tablets of 0.5 g). The effectiveness of the drug is close to 90%.

Treatment regimens:

• According to the first scheme, the treatment of giardiasis is carried out in one step. Children weighing up to 35 kg receive a dosage of 0.03-0.04 g / kg of body weight. The tablets are crushed for them. Children weighing over 35 kg and adults take 3 pcs. (1.5 g) in one dose at night.
• The second scheme is intended for the treatment of adult patients, it provides for taking the medicine for 36 hours, 1 pc. every 12 hours.

Contraindications to the use of Ornidazole:

• First trimester of pregnancy;
• Lactation (alternatively, temporary cessation of breastfeeding);
• Children under 12 years of age;
• Individual intolerance to the components of the drug.

It is recommended to take the drug with caution in case of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, hepatitis, alcoholism, in the second and third trimester of pregnancy.

Side effects of the drug:

• Convulsions and tremors of the limbs;
• Short-term loss of consciousness;
• Tiredness, drowsiness;
• Disorders of the digestive system;
• Allergic reaction.

Tinidazole

The broad-spectrum drug is intended for antimicrobial and antiprotozoal therapy. Tinidazole is manufactured in India and is offered to consumers in the form of tablets weighing 0.5 g (contains 4 pieces per pack). The drug has an efficiency of about 77%.

Giardiasis treatment regimen:

• For the treatment of giardiasis, an adult needs to take 2 g of Tinidazole (4 pcs.) At a time.
• Children's dosage is calculated individually, at the rate of 50 mg / kg of body weight.

It is possible to take the drug again in the same dosage if the first course was ineffective.

Contraindications:

• Children under 12 years of age;
• Lactation and pregnancy;
• Intolerance to the drug;
• Depression of bone marrow function;
• Organic diseases of the nervous system.

Side effects when using Tinidazole:

• Allergic manifestations: itching, ganglioneuroma;
• Digestive disorders: indigestion, lack or loss of appetite, diarrhea, dry mouth;
• Transient leukopenia (rare);
• Dysfunction of the nervous system: disorder of coordination of movements, headache, dizziness, dysarthria, convulsions, weakness.

Nifuratel

The trade name of the drug is Macmiror, available in the form of tablets (0.2 g), as well as suppositories and ointments for topical use. Treatment with this highly active agent gives the best results to date.

Reasons for the high efficiency of Nifuratel:

• It is almost completely excreted by the kidneys, therefore, it gives a minimum of side effects (2% of the total number of patients);
• Simultaneously with the therapy of giardiasis, it destroys the causative agents of intestinal infections (Shigella, Salmonella, etc.);
• Effectively acts against Helicobacter pylori, Candida fungi that often accompany giardiasis;

Treatment regimen:

• Children receive a therapeutic dosage of 10-30 mg / kg body weight for a week. The daily dose is divided into 2 doses.
• Adults take 0.4 g (2 pcs.) 2-3 times a day during the week.

Contraindications for use are insignificant. This is mainly an allergy to the active ingredient Nifuratel. Take the drug with caution during pregnancy, as it penetrates the placental barrier. Breastfeeding with this remedy is not possible.

Side effects are very rare:

• Bitterness in the mouth, vomiting;
• Heartburn;
• Allergic itching;
• Gastralgia, diarrhea.

Albendazole

The universal anthelmintic agent is offered to consumers under the trade names Nemozol, Aldazol, Sanoxal, Gelmodol. The drug is available in the form of tablets of 0.4 g (1-3 pcs. In a package), as well as in the form of a suspension. Albendazole is effective against most types of helminths at all stages of their development - from eggs to sexually mature individuals. It acts on parasites not only in the gastrointestinal tract, but also in other organs and tissues.

Contraindications for use:

• Children under 6 years of age (in some sources up to 2 years);
• Pregnancy in all trimesters;
• Breastfeeding period:
• Retinal lesions;
• Bone marrow disorders;
• Allergy to the active ingredient in the preparation.

Treatment regimen:

• Adults take Albendazole once a day, 0.4 g (1 pc.) After meals. The course of treatment takes 3 to 5-7 days. With poor tolerance, you can limit yourself to 3-4 days.
• Children from 6 years of age are prescribed from 10 to 15 mg of suspension per 1 kg of body weight once. The course of treatment takes 4-5 days.

Side effects of Albendazole:

• Renal failure;
• Headache and dizziness;
• Itching, allergies;
• Leukopenia, granulocytopenia;
• Increased blood pressure;
• Hyperthermia, fever;
• Nausea, epigastric discomfort.

An overdose of the drug leads to an increase in the intensity of side effects. Helping the patient consists in washing the stomach and taking enterosorbents.

Enterol

The drug belongs to the group of probiotics, it is produced in France and is offered to consumers in the form of capsules in a soluble shell and powder, packaged in sachets. It increases the activity of intestinal enzymes, immunoglobulin, sucrase, maltase and lactase, and normalizes the intestinal microflora. Enterol contains fungal microorganisms of the genus Saccharomycete boulardia, which are active in the digestive tract for 2-5 days after taking the drug.

The remedy complements and increases the therapeutic effect of most drugs for the treatment of giardiasis, with the exception of Nifuratel. Enterol has an antiprotozoal effect, reduces the concentration of lamblia in the intestine.

Contraindications for use:

• Children's age up to one year (due to the anatomical structure of the intestines of infants and the high risk of its permeability to fungi);
• High sensitivity to drug components;
• The presence of a central venous catheter;
• Pregnancy.

Treatment regimen:

• Children from 1 year to 3 years old - the contents of the capsule are dissolved in water and given to the child 2 times a day for 5 days;
• Children over 3 years old and adults - 1 capsule or the contents of 1 sachet 1-2 times a day for 5-7 days.

Enterol very rarely causes side effects, they can manifest themselves in the form of allergies and pain in the stomach.

Find out more: broad spectrum parasite drugs

Stage number 3 in the treatment of giardiasis - recovery

After the death of parasites, the body will need to recover. It can take a long time, depending on how massive the parasitic invasion was.

To restore the intestinal microflora, disturbed by the presence of lamblia in it, vitamin complexes with microelements are used:

• Stimbifid with microelements (zinc, selenium, oligofructose, inulin) and vitamins C, E, B ₁, B ₂, B ₃, B ₅, B _6, B ₈, B ₉, B ₁₂. Can be used for all ages from 6 months. The course of admission is 1 month, 2-3 pcs. while eating.
• Bion-3 with microelements (calcium, chromium, zinc, iron, molybdenum, iodine, selenium, manganese), lacto- and bifidobacteria of two types, vitamins A, C, B ₁, B ₂, B ₅, B _6, B ₈, B ₉, B ₁₂, PP, D ₃. The course of admission is 1 month, they are used starting from the age of 14. The tablets are taken once, without dividing into parts, 1 pc. In addition to the vitamin course, treatment with Enterol is carried out. Children under 3 years old take it within 5 days, the rest - within 10 days.

It is possible to increase the immunity affected by the activity of parasites with immunomodulators:

• Polyoxidonium is a new generation drug created by Russian scientists, used in the form of suppositories, tablets, and lyophilisate to prepare a solution. In children from 6 months of age, the agent is used in the form of nasal drops, from 12 years old it is possible to use all forms. The drug has no contraindications.
• Likopid is an immunomodulator in the form of tablets, used in adults and children from the first months of life at a dosage of 1-10 mg. Contraindications - lactation, pregnancy, autoimmune thyroiditis, diseases accompanied by hyperthermia (more than +38 ° C) or fever.

Attention! When using any of the above drugs, you must follow the instructions and recommendations of your doctor.

For the treatment of giardiasis to be effective, which drug to choose?

A two-stage course of taking different drugs can provide a complete cure for lamblia. The interval between them is 1 week.

Preparations for the treatment of children:

• Ornidazole (or Tinidazole) - in the treatment of children, Tinidazole is used from the age of 12, Ornidazole - at any age;
• Nifuratel - from 2 months of a child's life;
• Albendazole - from 2 years old (in some sources - from 6 years old).

The first course of treatment in children and adults is carried out in most cases with Ornidazole (Tinidazole).

The second course - use Nifuratel with its excellent tolerance, or universal Albendazole, which destroys all available parasites. Along with these agents, Enterol is used in the second stage of treatment.

Possible allergic reactions are controlled by the following means:

• Zirtek (Cetirizin) - for children from six months;
• Telfast - for children from 12 years old.

In addition to the above preparations, the use of Wobenzym is recommended. It is a complex of enzymes of natural origin, exhibits anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory properties. Children can take Wobenzym 1 tablet per 5 kg of weight, adults - 3-5 pcs. 3 times a day.

Treatment of giardiasis with folk remedies

To quickly and permanently get rid of giardiasis, it is necessary to use modern medicines. Remember that folk remedies in this case are secondary and additional!

Horseradish giardiasis treatment

To get rid of giardia, you can prepare a healing horseradish balm. To do this, we take 2 or 3 horseradish roots of the usual medium size, then carefully clean them of earth particles with a brush. It is recommended to remove small roots, but you do not need to remove the upper skin from the roots. Next, you should cut them with a knife into small shavings, put the resulting mass in an ordinary liter glass jar and pour the chopped roots with rather cold boiled water, seal the container tightly with a lid.

You need to insist this remedy at room temperature and always for three days. The resulting horseradish extract is then drained and filtered, after which we add honey to the product at an optimal rate of 1: 1. Stir the mixture until the honey is completely dissolved and leave to infuse for another three days. It is recommended to shake this composition slightly twice a day. You need to take horseradish balm about 15 or 20 minutes before meals and in a certain dosage.

For children under 10 years old, it is enough to give 1 dessert spoon three times a day. Half a teaspoon is enough for very young children under one year old. Any adult is recommended to take 1 tbsp. l. three times a day. The course of such an effective treatment is 10 days, then a short break for 7 days, and then the course of treatment must be repeated again.

Find out more: horseradish health benefits and treatments

Getting rid of lamblia with garlic

Garlic tincture will also help remove lamblia from the body. To prepare it, you will need 50 grams of garlic and 200 grams of vodka. Grind the garlic in a mortar, put it in a dark glass bottle, add vodka and close the bottle tightly with a suitable lid.

This product will be infused at room temperature for exactly 7 days in a dark, cool place. After that, you can start taking the tincture 20 drops three times a day, diluting with water or milk. The remedy is recommended to be taken about half an hour before each meal.

Pumpkin seeds from lamblia

We take 300 grams of ordinary pumpkin seeds, grind them in a mortar along with the peel. Then we carefully transfer the crushed seeds to a small glass jar. Pour 50 grams of water there and add 50 grams of honey. The resulting pumpkin-honey mass must be eaten in small portions on an empty stomach for one hour, and then be sure to take any laxative, and then do an enema.

It should be noted that this dosage is optimal for adults. For the treatment of children from giardiasis, it is recommended to reduce the amount of pumpkin seeds to about 100 grams, while taking only 25 grams of honey.

Treatment of giardiasis with tansy

With giardiasis, you can take an infusion of tansy. For one glass of boiling water, we need 1 tbsp. l. herbs. Tansy can be replaced with the same amount of wormwood, which has also long been used to quickly get rid of these protozoa. But do not forget that this method of treatment is contraindicated for expectant mothers, since it can provoke a miscarriage.

Prevention of giardiasis

The prevalence of giardiasis makes you be extremely careful about its symptoms and preventive measures. Particular attention should be paid to the health of young children.

Preventive measures against Giardia infestation:

• Teaching children basic hygiene skills;
• Prevention of the appearance of bad habits in children: sucking fingers or a pencil, biting nails;
• Thorough washing of vegetables and fruits with rinsing them with boiled water;
• Refusal to eat on the street and use "fast food" products;
• A ban on swimming in unfamiliar water bodies, as well as on the use of water from land sources for drinking and cooking;
• Drinking exclusively boiled or bottled water;
• Prohibition of children's play with sand and earth if there is a danger of contact in this environment with animal feces;
• Sharing with pets is allowed, provided that all family members, and especially children, comply with strict hygiene rules.

Pets in contact with humans must undergo regular deworming. Family members with cats or dogs undergo preventive treatment with Albendazole preparations every 4-6 months (adults 400 mg once in the form of tablets, children - 6-10 mg / kg of body weight in the form of a suspension).

Video about the ways of infection and treatment of giardiasis:

Author of the article: Danilova Tatyana Vyacheslavovna | Infectionist

Education: in 2008 received a diploma in General Medicine (General Medicine) at the Pirogov Russian Research Medical University. Immediately passed an internship and received a diploma of a therapist