Other conditions with symptoms similar to giardiasis
Other diseases with symptoms that are similar to the common symptoms of giardiasis include:
- Bacterial infections with salmonella, E. coli, campylobacter, staphylococcus, or shigella. Symptoms of infection with these organisms generally do not last as long as those caused by Giardia lamblia.
- Viral infections. Symptoms of infection with viruses generally do not last as long as those caused by Giardia lamblia.
- Infection with other parasites such as Cryptosporidium, Cyclospora, or Dientamoeba fragilis. Symptoms caused by infection with these organisms last as long or longer than those caused by G. lamblia.
- Appendicitis.
Problems with digestion that can cause giardiasis-like symptoms include:
- Lactose intolerance, which causes symptoms when you drink milk or eat dairy products.
- Irritable bowel syndrome, which causes symptoms that come and go.
- Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis).
- Celiac sprue (also called celiac disease or nontropical sprue).
| Author: | Maria G. Essig, MS, ELS | Last Updated: October 16, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine W. David Colby IV, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease | |
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