Does giardiasis cause abdominal pain?

Abdominal pain is a common presentation of giardiasis and may occur with diarrhoea, gas, or changes in bowel movements. The discomfort can be crampy, bloated, or felt across the middle of the abdomen.

Giardiasis is an infection of the small intestine caused by a parasite. It can interfere with digestion and alter the way fluid and gas move through the gut, leading to cramps, pressure, or tenderness. Abdominal pain has many possible causes, so pain by itself does not show that giardiasis is present.

A clinician may ask about recent travel, untreated water, swimming, household illness, and stool changes. Stool testing may be used when giardiasis is suspected, particularly if symptoms continue or several people are affected.

Take frequent sips of water or an oral rehydration drink if you have loose stools or vomiting. Eat small, simple meals as tolerated and rest. Wash hands carefully after using the toilet and before preparing food, because the infection can spread through contaminated hands, food, or water.

Contact a clinician if pain persists, bowel symptoms keep returning, or you have had possible exposure to contaminated water. Treatment may require a prescription medicine, so do not self-treat with leftover antibiotics.

Seek urgent care for severe or steadily worsening abdominal pain, a rigid or swollen abdomen, repeated vomiting, faintness, confusion, or signs of dehydration such as very little urine. Get prompt advice for blood in the stool, high fever, or symptoms in a young child, an older adult, or someone with a weakened immune system.

Could giardiasis explain my pain and bowel changes? Do I need stool testing? How should I replace lost fluids, and would anyone I live with need advice if they develop symptoms?