Other conditions with symptoms similar to giardiasis

Some common symptoms of giardiasis are also found in other diseases.

Infections of the digestive tract may 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.
• 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:	Colleen Cronin	Last Updated October 19, 2005
Medical Review:	Adam Husney, MD - Family Medicine W. David Colby, MSc, MD, FRCPC - Infectious Disease
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