Dysentery
On this page, you will find everything you need to know about dysentery
What is Dysentery?
Dysentery is a gastrointestinal disease that causes severe diarrhea containing blood or mucus.
- There are two main types:
- Amoebic Dysentery (Amoebiasis): Caused by parasites, such as the Amoeba parasite.
Bacillary Dysentery: Caused by bacterial infections and is the most common.
- Some common bacteria that cause bacillary dysentery include:Shigella)
- ShigellaSalmonella)
- SalmonellaCampylobacter)
- CampylobacterE.coli)
E. coli
What Are the Symptoms of Dysentery?
- Symptoms of dysentery vary according to its type:
Amoebic Dysentery
Most people with amoebic dysentery have no symptoms. Symptoms may include:
-
- Diarrhea.
- High fever.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Weight loss.
- Painful stomach cramps (abdominal pain).
- In rare cases, the parasite may spread to other parts of the body and cause an abscess.
- Bacillary Dysentery
Symptoms may include:
-
- Diarrhea containing blood or mucus.
- High fever.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Painful stomach cramps (abdominal pain).
If you have severe dysentery, complications may include severe inflammation and dilation of the colon and acute kidney disease due to severe dehydration.
What Causes Dysentery?
Parasitic and bacterial infections that cause dysentery are highly contagious. People usually spread parasites or bacteria to each other through fecal matter contaminated with microbes during:
- Food preparation by someone who does not wash their hands or practices poor hygiene.
- Drinking contaminated water.
- Sexual contact, especially involving the anus.
How is Dysentery Diagnosed?
The doctor will take a medical history and conduct a physical examination. Additional procedures may be requested as needed, such as:
- Blood tests.
- Stool culture to check for bacteria, parasites, or eggs.
- Colonoscopy and rectoscopy.
How is Dysentery Treated?
Treatment involves several procedures or as necessary ,and may include:
- Drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
- Taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce pain and fever, such as ibuprofen.
- Taking medications to treat nausea.
- Avoiding anti-diarrheal medications as much as possible, as diarrhea is a process of cleansing the intestines from microbes.
Treatment with antibiotics varies depending on the type of disease-causing agent. It is vital to rid the patient’s body of parasites or bacteria, so the doctor will prescribe several medications to treat dysentery, such as antiparasitic and antibacterial agents.
If the patient suffers from bacillary dysentery, most people feel better without treatment within a few days to a week.
However, if the patient’s condition is severe, some antibiotics and intravenous fluids will be necessary.
How Can Dysentery Be Prevented?
The best way to prevent dysentery is through good hygiene. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and running water after using the bathroom and before handling or eating food. Other ways to prevent dysentery include:
- – Not sharing personal items with others, including toothbrushes, drinking glasses, and towels.
- Use water only when it is confirmed germ-free.
- Stay away from people infected with dysentery.
- Wash all fruits and vegetables with clean water and preferably peel them before consuming.
- Cook all food thoroughly, and for more details, refer to a guide on safe food handling.
If traveling to an area where dysentery is prevalent, it is also good to avoid ice cubes or tap water, beverages not in sealed containers, and unpasteurized dairy products and juices (pasteurization is a process that kills bacteria).
What Are the Complications of Dysentery?
Complications of dysentery include severe dehydration, which may lead to kidney failure, low blood pressure, and disruption of minerals and salts. Therefore, it is essential to replenish lost fluids as much as possible.
When Should You See a Doctor?
It is advisable to see a doctor if the previously mentioned symptoms do not resolve within a few days or if the condition worsens over time and does not respond to treatment. Immediate medical care is needed if signs of dehydration appear, including:
Dark-colored urine.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Dry mouth or dry cough.
- Headache.
- Reduced tears in your eyes.
- Muscle cramps.
- Swollen feet.
- Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dysentery Contagious?
Yes, dysentery is highly contagious. Amoebic dysentery usually spreads through contaminated food or water.
When Can Improvement Be Felt After Treatment?
In case of amoebic dysentery, most people feel better after about 14 days.
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