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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffWhile you may initially bring your symptoms to the attention of your family doctor, he or she may refer you to a gastroenterologist — a doctor who specializes in disorders of the digestive system.
What you can do
Before your appointment, you may want to write a list of answers to the following questions:
- When did your signs and symptoms begin?
- Does anything make them better or worse?
- Do you work or live with small children?
- What types of medications and dietary supplements do you take?
What to expect from your doctor
During the physical exam, your doctor may ask you to lie down so he or she can gently press on various parts of your abdomen to check for tender areas. He or she may also check your mouth and skin for signs of dehydration. You also may be given instructions about how to bring in a sample of your stool.
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Wright SG. Protozoan infections of the gastrointestinal tract. Infectious Disease Clinics of North America. 2012;26:323.
- Giardia. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/giardia/. Accessed July 18, 2012.
- Longo DL, et al. Harrison's Online. 18th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=4. Accessed July 18, 2012.
- Leder K, et al. Epidemiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of giardiasis. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed July 18, 2012.
- McPhee SJ, et al. Current Medical Diagnosis & Treatment 2012. 51st ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=1. Accessed July 18, 2012.
- Munoz FM. Treatment and prevention of giardiasis. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed July 18, 2012.
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