What does diarrhoea feel like with giardiasis?

Giardiasis can interfere with digestion in the small intestine. Stools may float or look oily, and passing wind, abdominal rumbling, nausea, tiredness, and reduced appetite can occur. Symptoms may come and go rather than follow a predictable pattern. The bowel change itself cannot confirm the cause, because infections, food intolerance, and other digestive conditions can feel similar.

Sip water or an oral rehydration drink regularly, especially after each loose stool. Choose simple foods that you tolerate and avoid alcohol while your stomach is unsettled. Wash hands carefully with soap and water after using the toilet and before preparing food; this helps reduce spread. A clinician may arrange a stool test and prescribe treatment if giardiasis is confirmed, so do not start leftover medicine.

Arrange medical advice if diarrhoea continues, returns after travel or untreated water exposure, or comes with ongoing weight loss, marked fatigue, or signs of poor hydration such as very dark urine and dizziness. Seek urgent help for severe abdominal pain, confusion, fainting, blood in the stool, or inability to keep fluids down. Children, older adults, and people with weakened immunity may need earlier assessment.

Ask whether your symptoms need stool testing, whether anyone in your household should take precautions, and which fluids and foods are suitable while you recover. Mention recent travel, camping, untreated water, swimming exposure, symptom changes, and any medicines you take.