Dysentery

Dysentery is an inflammatory disorder of the intestine, especially of the colon, that results in severe diarrhea containing mucus and/or blood in the faeces. If left untreated, dysentery can be fatal.

Dysentery is sometimes caused due to poor hygiene. It is caused due to bacterial or protozoan infection or infestation of parasitic worms. Sometimes some medicines are responsible for the onset of dysentery. The intestines become highly inflamed. If the case is very severe then mucus and blood pass along with the feces. There are two types of dysentery, namely amoebic dysentery and bacillary dysentery. Severity of the disease can also lead to infection of the liver.

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. The bacillary dysentery is caused due to the presence of some particular bacteria.

Loose motions and vomiting are generally associated with dysentery. The frequency of urges to defecate, the volume of faeces passed, and the presence of mucus and/or blood depends on the parasite that is causing the disease. Special dietary food should to be taken till the condition is stabilized. Once recovery starts, early refeeding is advocated, avoiding foods containing lactose due to temporary lactose intolerance, which can persist for years.

Dysentery is initially managed by maintaining fluid intake using oral rehydration therapy. 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. If the case is very serious then hospital admission may be required for intravenous fluid replacement.