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Foul-Smelling Diarrhoea Can Signal An Infection Called Giardiasis: What Is It?

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Giardiasis is a common intestinal infection that causes several symptoms, including foul-smelling diarrhoea. Here’s all you need to know about the condition.

Many microorganisms can cause intestinal infections. This includes parasites like Giardia lamblia, also known as Giardia intestinalis or Giardia duodenalis, that can spread from person to person primarily through contaminated food and water. According to StatPearls Publishing, this type of infection is the most prevalent enteric protozoal infection globally, affecting nearly 2% of adults and 8% of children in developed countries…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

Read to find out all about the condition and how to prevent it.

What Is Giardiasis?

Foul-Smelling Diarrhoea Can Signal An Infection Called Giardiasis: What Is It?

Dr Asha Subbalakshmi Musunuri, HOD of Gastroenterology, CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad, describes giardiasis as an intestinal infection caused by the protozoan parasite Giardia lamblia. According to her, it is one of the most common causes of waterborne illnesses worldwide.

Research suggests that about 33% of individuals in developing countries have been infected with giardiasis. It is a significant cause of epidemic diarrhoea among children in the developing world, with prevalence rates reaching 15-20% in those under 10 years.

There are many ways giardiasis can spread. It primarily transmits through the ingestion of Giardia cysts, which can be found in:

Contaminated water: Drinking or swimming in water contaminated with faeces from infected humans or animals.

Contaminated food: Eating food washed or prepared with contaminated water.

Person-to-person contact: Close contact with an infected person, such as in childcare settings.

Fomites: Touching surfaces or objects contaminated with the parasite and then touching the mouth. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Common Symptoms Of Giardiasis

Giardiasis can be asymptomatic, meaning it can show no symptoms, making it difficult to detect. However, if symptoms do arise, they can be severe. The most common symptoms include:

  • Diarrhoea or watery, foul-smelling stools that can be intermittent.
  • Abdominal cramps and pain – often described as bloating or gas.
  • Nausea, sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
  • Fatigue or a general feeling of tiredness and malaise.
  • Weight loss due to malabsorption and loss of appetite.
  • Greasy stools that may float due to their high-fat content.

Diagnosis And Treatment

Given that giardiasis is an intestinal illness, its symptoms can mimic many other bacterial or parasitic infections that lead to enteric problems. This can also lead to confusion and cause delays in the diagnosis process.

However, certain tests can help detect and confirm the condition. These include:

  • Stool tests used to identify Giardia cysts or trophozoites.
  • Antigen tests to detect Giardia proteins in stool samples.
  • Molecular tests like PCR tests to identify Giardia DNA in stool samples.
  • Upper Gastrointestinal (GI) endoscopy and duodenal biopsy sometimes used to clinch the diagnosis of giardiasis by directly visualising and sampling the upper gastrointestinal tract.

When it comes to treating giardiasis, healthcare providers usually prescribe medications, which commonly include:

  • Metronidazole: An antibiotic that is often the first choice.
  • Tinidazole: Similar to metronidazole but may be given as a single dose.
  • Nitazoxanide: An antiparasitic medication.
  • Paromomycin: An alternative for those who cannot tolerate the above medications.

*Note that the medicines should only be taken when and as prescribed by the doctor.

How To Prevent The Infection

To prevent giardiasis, Dr. Musunuri shares a few tips and strategies. These include:

  • Drink only treated or bottled water, especially in areas where giardia is common. Avoid swallowing water from lakes, rivers, or pools.
  • Wash fruits and vegetables with safe water; immerse fruits and vegetables in salt water for at least 30 minutes before consumption.
  • Avoid eating raw or undercooked foods that might be contaminated.
  • Practise good hand hygiene, especially after using the restroom, changing diapers, or before preparing food.
  • Ensure proper sanitation facilities and practices, especially in childcare settings and areas with poor sanitation infrastructure.
  • Minimise close contact with those who have giardiasis until they have been treated.

Conclusion

If you’re passing watery and bad-smelling stools, especially after coming in contact with contaminated water and food, it could be a sign of giardiasis, a parasitic intestinal infection. This is a very common condition that affects people of all age groups and is one of the leading causes of diarrhoea among children in developing countries. While diagnosis involves undergoing various tests, treatment usually consists of medications that should be prescribed by a doctor. However, when it comes to giardiasis, prevention is key. SOURCE

 

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HEALTH & LIFESTYLE

3 Reasons Why People Die In Their Sleep: Please Do Not Ignore

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Getting adequate shut-eye is crucial to your health, and that much should go without saying. However, it could be unhealthy to sleep too little. When you lay your head down for the night, a lot of bad things can happen to you.

Have you ever wondered what causes individuals to pass away peacefully during their sleep? It is a phenomenon that has intrigued scientists, doctors, and the general public alike. In this blog post, we delve into the five most common reasons why people may unfortunately die in their sleep…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

While this topic may seem morbid, understanding these causes can help shed light on certain health risks, encourage awareness, and encourage proactive measures to prevent such circumstances. So, let’s explore the various factors that can lead to these unexpected occurrences.

5 Reasons Why People Die in Their Sleep

1. Cardiac Arrest: A Silent Culprit

Cardiac arrest is one of the most prevalent causes of sudden death during sleep. It occurs when the heart’s electrical system malfunctions, resulting in a sudden loss of blood flow to the brain and other vital organs. Factors like age, family history, lifestyle choices, such as smoking and unhealthy diets, and underlying medical conditions can all contribute to an increased risk of cardiac arrest during sleep.
Factors Leading to Cardiac Arrest

a. Age and Genetics: The Silent Influencers

As individuals age, the risk of cardiac arrest, especially during sleep, increases. Family history also plays a role, as genetic predispositions can make some individuals more susceptible to experiencing cardiac issues. It is crucial to be aware of these factors, as prevention and early detection can significantly reduce the risk.

b. Lifestyle Choices: Pushing the Boundaries

Poor lifestyle choices, such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of physical activity, and an unhealthy diet, can heighten the risk of cardiac arrest during sleep. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can significantly minimize the occurrence of such incidents. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

2. Obstructive Sleep Apnea: Breathing Troubles

Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) is a common sleep disorder characterized by breathing difficulty during sleep. People with OSA experience temporary blockages in their airways, leading to frequent interruptions in their breathing patterns. Severe cases of OSA can result in a decrease in oxygen levels, causing stress on the heart and an increased likelihood of heart-related health issues.
Contributing Factors to Obstructive Sleep Apnea

a. Obesity: A Weighty Matter

Obesity is a major contributing factor to OSA. Excess weight, particularly around the neck and throat area, narrows the airways and can lead to frequent breathing disruptions during sleep. Maintaining a healthy weight through proper diet and exercise is essential in reducing the risk of OSA-related fatalities during sleep.

b. Untreated Snoring: A Warning Sign

Persistent snoring can be an indicator of an underlying health issue, including OSA. Failing to address chronic snoring can lead to severe complications and fatal outcomes during sleep. Seeking medical advice and undergoing necessary diagnostic tests can facilitate early detection and appropriate treatment.

Conclusion

While passing away peacefully during sleep is relatively rare, understanding the potential causes can help safeguard against potential health risks. By acknowledging the importance of leading a healthy lifestyle, being aware of our family history, and heeding warning signs like chronic snoring, we can take proactive measures to minimize the possibility of experiencing these unfortunate circumstances. Remember, prevention and early detection are key in maintaining overall well-being and longevity. Stay informed, take care of your health, and give yourself the best chance of a restful night’s sleep!

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When You Drink Hot Water Every Day, This Is What Happens To Your Body

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Have you ever given any thought to what would happen to your body if you continually subjected it to the effects of drinking hot water? When everything is taken into account, we are aware that water is important for the body to keep adequately hydrated and that it accounts for sixty percent of the human adult body (via USGS). Water makes up sixty percent of the human adult body. Who would have thought, though, that the temperature at which you consume it plays a role in the kinds of health benefits you gain from it…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

As a result of the fact that Tom Cruise’s relationship with Suri has been lately brought to light in a variety of different ways.

However, drinking water that has been brought to a boil on a frequent basis offers a variety of additional health benefits, which your body may be prevented from taking advantage of if you drink cold water instead of water that has been brought to a boil. People have a propensity, when they think about drinking water, to picture themselves in a position in which they are sipping some water that is really cold while basking in the warmth of the late spring sun or relishing in the virus-like sensation of it after a particularly tough twisting class. This is because people have a tendency to picture themselves in scenarios in which they are partaking in activities that involve extreme temperatures. Drinking warm water first thing in the morning is recommended by medical professionals, as stated by Stella Metsovas, a professional nutritionist, who explains why this is the case. Medical Daily has been provided with this information. In point of fact, and to some degree one is taken aback by this revelation, access to this kind of information has been available for a significant amount of time now. According to Reader’s Digest, both Chinese and Indian physicians encourage drinking this steaming hot beverage first thing in the morning to get the most out of the day due to the many excellent benefits it has on one’s health. This is because traditional Chinese medicine and Indian medicine both believe that drinking this beverage in the morning helps one get the most out of the day.

Therefore, would you be so kind as to elaborate on what you mean by that? If you drink hot water on a regular basis, your body will experience these effects, which are something that may be expected.

There is some evidence that lowering your blood pressure can be accomplished by drinking hot water on a regular basis. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

In this difficult environment, there is a clear approach for being able to stretch less, and it all starts with establishing a daily appreciation for water. This is the first step in the process. Dietitian Amanda Carlson, who is also a qualified dietitian, is of the opinion that individuals can benefit from keeping an adequate level of hydration in order to experience reduced levels of anxiety. If you don’t give your body the liquids it needs, you’re adding extra weight to it, and your body will react to this by acting erratically.

According to Healthline, consuming hot water reduces the activity of your focus sensory system, which is responsible for determining how your brain reacts when it is subjected to pressure. According to the American Psychological Association, not getting enough water can cause confusion in the central nervous system, which can trigger a vicious loop that never comes to an end. It is actually easier to become dehydrated when you are under pressure, as your pulse will be higher than normal, and you will be breathing more actively than usual, says Renee Melton, MS, RD, LD, who is the head of nutrition at Sensei. This is because your pulse will be higher when you are under strain. WebMD received this information from another source. Therefore, if you truly want to get rid of the problem the next time it comes up, you might want to consider the alternative of continuously drinking hot water.

Regularly consuming water that has been heated to a boil has the ability to reduce the amount of physical pain and suffering that individual is experiencing

 

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Place this leaf in every corner of your house and you will not see cockroaches again

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Cockroaches are notorious and unsightly pests that are commonly associated with waste and dirt. However, they can also be found in homes, making their way into the closets and bedrooms.

Their ability to adapt and survive is remarkable, allowing them to thrive in various environments around the world. Cockroaches are incredibly resilient creatures, capable of withstanding high levels of radiation and surviving for over a month without food. As omnivores, they can consume both plant-based foods and other animals, which explains their ubiquitous presence as they scavenge for sustenance…Click Here To Continue Reading>> …Click Here To Continue Reading>>

 

In addition to feeding on garbage, cockroaches leave chemical trails through their feces. This serves as a form of communication, enabling them to locate sources of water and food. It is this behavior that leads to their establishment in specific areas. Despite their ability to squeeze through tiny openings and endure long periods without sustenance, they often enter homes through bags, boxes, and even gaps under doors.

If you’re looking to eliminate cockroaches that have invaded your home, I recommend a highly effective method that is safe, especially if you have young children or pets. Bay leaves serve as an excellent natural repellent for cockroaches. While they may not kill the pests, the strong odor emitted by the leaves is unbearable for them, driving them away quickly. Placing bay leaf branches in every corner of the house is recommended.

Specifically, putting ten bay leaves in the kitchen will prevent cockroaches from roaming around. Bay leaves are particularly suitable for areas where food is stored, such as the kitchen or pantry, as they are safe and non-toxic. Additionally, I suggest placing bay leaves in your garden, especially if you have pets. This way, you can eliminate cockroaches without worrying about the safety of your children or pets. READ FULL STORY HERE>>>CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING>>>

Whether you use fresh or dried bay leaves, the most effective way to utilize them is to crush the dry leaves into a powder. This intensifies the fragrance they release. To use bay leaves as a cockroach deterrent, place whole leaves behind appliances, near entry points, in closets, and in various corners of your home. Open containers and bowls can also be filled with bay leaves and strategically placed. Furthermore, burning a bay leaf in your home not only adds a pleasant natural aroma but also provides additional cockroach protection.

In conclusion, by ensuring you have ten bay leaves in the kitchen, you can effectively prevent cockroaches from roaming around. Bay leaves are a safe and non-toxic option for areas where food is stored, such as the kitchen or pantry. By following this method, you can eliminate cockroaches without worrying about the safety of your children.

 

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