Severe symptoms of diarrhoea can lead to rapid fluid loss and dehydration. Therefore it's important to keep drinking while you're sick.
Dehydration is a potentially serious problem in the developing world where access to sources of clean water may be limited.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
- dry, wrinkled skin
- an inability to urinate
- irritability
- sunken eyes
- in babies and young children – no tears being produced when they cry, and wetting their nappies much less that you'd expect
Dehydration can be treated by increasing fluid intake and using a type of treatment known as oral rehydration solution (ORS). ORS usually comes in sachets that are available over-the-counter from your local pharmacist. You dissolve them in water and they help to replace salt, glucose and other important minerals that your child loses through dehydration.
Malnutrition
Malnutrition is a potential complication of long-term giardiasis. Malnutrition happens when the body doesn't receive enough nutrients.
One of the main symptoms of malnutrition is unexplained weight loss. For most average adults, losing around a stone without trying to could be a sign of malnutrition.
In children, especially younger children, failure to grow (in weight and height) at the expected rate can be a sign of malnutrition.
Mild to moderate cases of malnutrition can be treated with a high-energy diet and dietary supplements.
More serious cases (which are uncommon in England – especially when associated with giardiasis) may require treatment in hospital.
