What Is Dysentery?
Dysentery is sometimes caused due to poor hygiene. It is caused due to bacterial infection and is sometimes very contagious. The disease is a result of an infection which occurs in the digestive system of a person. If the case is very severe then mucus and blood pass along with the feces.
The intestines become highly inflamed. The disease is caused mainly due to the presence of bacteria in the water. The disease is very severe and should be treated immediately. Sometimes some medicines are responsible for the onset of dysentery. They hamper the proper functioning of the bowel. There are two types of dysentery, namely amoebic dysentery and bacillary dysentery.
Types of Dysentery
Contaminated food and water are main reason for the spreading of amoebic dysentery. The organisms that carry the virus move to the intestines through the stomach. The amoeba spreads over a large area and comes out with the stools. If somebody touches the stool with the hand and does not wash the hands properly the disease gets spread.
This is how the disease gets spread. It is also known as traveler's dysentery. The dysentery is more prevalent in the developing countries. Severity of the disease can also lead to infection of the liver. The bacillary dysentery is caused due to the presence of some particular bacteria.
Dysentery Symptoms and Treatment
Loose motions and vomiting are generally associated with dysentery. The passage of stool is very frequent and the intensity depends upon the presence of the parasites. Sometimes blood also passes along with the stool. Special dietary food should to be taken till the condition is stabilized.
Contaminated food and water should be totally avoided. The intake of fluid should be increased as the body looses water due to the vomiting and frequent stools. The best option is to take some sort of oral re-hydration. If the case is very serious then hospitalization becomes absolute necessary. The patient is then administered with replacement of intravenous fluid.
If the case is not very severe then it can be cured without the help of medicines. Dysentery can be cured if the patient restraint from some particular type of food for a few days. The disease is caused due to the consumption of contaminated food and liquid.
When the cysts reach the intestine it then inflames it and the disease is caused. The disease is highly infectious thus the patient should take special care so that the disease does not get spread. The disease is mainly caused due to carelessness and improper hygiene. Unwashed fruits and raw vegetables should not be consumed.
Diagnosis of Dysentery
People suffering from dysentery should consult the doctor immediately. Non-treatment can lead to highly inflamed intestine and severity of the disease. The disease normally does not occur in the United Kingdom hence the patient should tell the doctor whether he/she has been lately traveling a lot.
The disease is analyzed with the help of stool tests. Complications might require ultrasound tests. If the case is very severe then the patient will develop the tendency of passing blood along with the stool. Combinations of different medicines are given to bring the situation under control.
Self medication if known can also be administered if the dysentery is mild. Intake of fluid should be increased. But the doctor should be contacted if the patient is pregnant. During the course of treatment alcohol should be totally avoided. Still the doctor should be consulted at the first given opportunity.
Washing of the fruits and the vegetables with contaminated water also leads to dysentery. Hence it is better to avoid having cut fruits and salads while on a holiday to the tropical areas. Water can be safe for drinking if it is boiled for 10 to 15 minutes and it has cooled down it should be kept totally covered. If water cannot be boiled one can add purifying tablets and consume water after letting it stand for 15 minutes.
