What does abdominal pain feel like with giardiasis?

Pain may be diffuse, gassy, or cramp-like rather than fixed to one point. Bloating and rumbling can accompany it, with diarrhoea that may be foul-smelling, greasy, or difficult to flush. Symptoms can fluctuate, and tiredness or reduced appetite may follow ongoing digestive upset.

Giardiasis is caused by a parasite and can follow contaminated water, food, or close contact. Abdominal pain has many possible causes, so a stool test may be needed when symptoms persist or exposure makes infection plausible.

Drink regularly and choose simple foods that you tolerate. Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water, clean bathroom surfaces, and avoid preparing food for others while you have diarrhoea. Tell a clinician about recent travel, untreated water, swimming exposure, or household illness.

Do not start leftover antibiotics or antiparasitic medicine. The appropriate treatment depends on the cause, your symptoms, and factors such as pregnancy or other health conditions.

Seek urgent help for severe worsening pain, blood in stool, repeated vomiting, fainting, confusion, or inability to keep fluids down. Arrange a medical review for ongoing diarrhoea, weight loss, signs of dehydration, or symptoms after travel or untreated-water exposure.

Ask whether a stool sample is needed, how to prevent spread at home, which fluids and foods are suitable, and whether treatment is appropriate for your circumstances.