Dysentery is inflammation and infection of the intestines, which results in diarrhea containing blood or mucus. Other possible symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever.
Dysentery can occur as a result of a bacterial or parasitic infection. These infections typically spread as a result of poor hygiene or sanitation.
In the United States, most cases of dysentery are mild. However, some people may experience severe symptoms and complications of the disease.
Causes:
What type you have depends on what caused your infection.
Bacillary dysentery is the most common type of dysentery. It results from bacteria called Shigella. The disease is called shigellosis. About 500,000 people in the U.S. get it every year.
Amoebic dysentery comes from a parasite called Entamoeba histolytica. You’re more likely to get this kind of dysentery if you travel to a tropical location that doesn’t have good sanitation.
Mode of Transmission:
Dysentery is transmitted through the ingestion of food or water that has been contaminated by the feces of a human carrier of the infective organism. The transmission is often by infected individuals who handle food with unwashed hands.
Symptoms:
Symptoms can show up 1-3 days after you get infected. In some people, the symptoms take longer to appear. Others never get symptoms.
Each type of dysentery has slightly different symptoms.
Bacillary dysentery causes symptoms like:
• Diarrhea with belly cramps
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Blood or mucus in the diarrhea
Amoebic dysentery usually doesn’t cause symptoms. If you do feel sick, you’ll notice problems 2-4 weeks after you’re infected, such as:
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Belly cramps
• Weight loss
• Fever
Complications
Dysentery can cause medical complications. These are more common among people with compromised immune systems.
Some potential complications of dysentery include:
• Dehydration: Frequent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration. In infants and young children, this can quickly become life-threatening.
• Liver abscess: Amebic dysentery can cause an abscess in the liver.
• Postinfectious arthritis (PIA): A person may develop PIA as a complication of Shigella infection. Symptoms include joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
• Hemolytic uremic syndrome: A condition involving inflammation and damage to the small blood vessels within the kidneys. It is a rare complication of Shigella infection.
A person who suspects that they are developing complications from dysentery should seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Dysentery Prevention
If you visit a tropical or less developed country where dysentery spreads, follow these tips:
• Drink and brush your teeth with bottled or canned water only, not tap water.
• Order your drinks without ice.
• Only eat raw fruits and vegetables that have a peel.
• Cook any produce that you can’t peel.
• Don’t eat food from street vendors.
When someone close to you has dysentery:
• Wash your hands often with soap and warm water or use hand sanitizer.
• Don’t share towels, cups, or other personal items with the person who has dysentery.
• Wash your hands before you cook or eat.
Homeopathic medicines for Dysentry:
In homeopathy, we choose medicine on the basis of patient’s symptoms & individuality. Here are the few common drugs for dysentery like Ars.alb., Merc.cor., Capsicum, Aloes socotrina, Etc.
Watch and share with ones who you feel will be helped.
For inquiries or consultation: 8866877070
Dr. Mansi Joshi
Asst. Physician – Tathya Homeopathic Clinic