Dysentery Treatment Explanation & Medications That Will Change Your Life!

Dysentery disease, in simple terms, is an intestinal infection that causes diarrhoea to the person suffering from it. This issue is caused by a specific strain of bacteria and/or parasite and can be easily identified by the presence of mucus and/or blood. The main course of treatment for this kind of disease is through a regular course of antibiotics. This article goes more into depth about this disease and provides you with essential information on how to identify it through common dysentery symptoms, why is it caused, and how can it be treated.

Types of Dysentery Disease 

Two main types of dysentery can be diagnosed by medical health professionals. They have been detailed below for your reference:

1. Amoebic dysentery (amoebiasis): This type of dysentery is caused by the parasites Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica), Balantidium coli (B. coli), and strongyloidiasis. The symptoms are usually minimal for this type. 
2. Bacillary dysentery: One of the centuries caused due to bacterial infections. This can be caused by Shigella, Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterial strains. It is also the most common form of dysentery.

Identifying the Disease: Dysentery Symptoms 

The list of symptoms for this disease varies depending on the type of dysentery that you are suffering from. Listed below you can find some of the most common symptoms that you might experience, separated based on the type of dysentery disease:

Amoebic dysentery (amoebiasis)

1. Diarrhoea
2. High fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Sudden weight loss
5. An upset stomach

Bacillary dysentery

1. Diarrhea that contains blood or mucus
2. High running fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
3. Nausea and vomiting
4. Painful stomach cramping and pain in the abdominal area

Causes and Reasons for Dysentery Disease

One of the main causes and reasons for people suffering from dysentery is poor hygiene practices. These parasites and bacteria are extremely contagious and can be easily passed on from person to person, mainly through infected faecal matter. This contact with contagious matter can occur due to a varying number of reasons such as:

1. When eatables are prepared and made by a person who hasn’t washed and sanitised their hands or has poor hygiene habits
2. When people consume and drink water that has been contaminated by such parasites and/or bacteria
3. Contamination can also occur through sexual contact, especially involving the anus
4. People who come in contact with contaminated water bodies such as pools and lakes, can also easily get infected by dysentery disease

One of the type of bacteria that causes dysentery (shigellosis) causes the disease mainly amongst children and is spread through being in close contact with infected people. This direct contact can come from different sources such as from your own home, through daycare centres, schools, and nursing homes. Amoebic dysentery on the other hand is caused mainly by consumption of contaminated food items and drinks, especially in tropical areas where proper sanitation may not be possible and/or followed.

Diagnosing Dysentery Disease

While you can observe your symptoms for dysentery, it is essential to get a proper diagnosis from medical health professionals. Your healthcare professional will first conduct a physical exam and learn more about your symptoms. If they suspect the disease, they will ask for a stool test to determine if you are suffering from dysentery, and if so what type. It is essential to get dysentery treatment as soon as possible, as in some severe cases, it can cause severe dehydration and become a life-threatening issue. Dysentery can happen to almost anyone, but is more harmful to:

1. Young children
2. People who are 50 years of age and/or older
3. People who already suffer from dehydration and/or malnutrition

In certain cases, to diagnose dysentery disease, a healthcare professional can opt for a medical procedure called sigmoidoscopy. In this procedure, a special scope is used by medical practitioners to examine the inside of your lower (sigmoid) colon and rectum area. 

Dysentery Treatment and Medications

Dysentery is treated mainly using different types of antibiotics. There are other ways through which the disease can be treated, which have been listed below for your reference:

1. Metronidazole (Flagyl) is a kind of dysentery medication used to treat parasitic infections
2. Mild cases of shigellosis dysentery can usually be treated from the comfort of your home with rest and active consumption of fluids
3. Bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) can be used to treat abdominal cramps as well as diarrhoea 
4. Tinidazole (Tindamax) is another kind of medication that is used to target and treat parasitic infections and has been proven to be effective with dysentery treatment
5. In severe cases, especially when the person may be suffering from dehydration, an intravenous (IV) drip may be recommended and administered by a healthcare professional
6. This rarely occurs, but in some extreme cases, a blood transfusion is also performed to treat dysentery disease

Conclusion

Dysentery can be extremely painful and oftentimes if left untreated, also be life-threatening. It is important to understand your symptoms to take the necessary actions ahead. Dysentery disease can also be avoided if you take certain precautions such as ensuring to consume food and water from clean sources, maintaining distance from people you know are sick and affected, and practising good hygiene.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What are the symptoms of dysentery disease?
   
   Answer:- Common symptoms of dysentery disease include diarrhoea with blood or mucus, abdominal pain, fever, and dehydration.
   
   
2. How is dysentery diagnosed?
   
   Answer:- Dysentery can be diagnosed through a stool sample test to identify the specific bacteria, parasite, or virus causing the infection.
   
   
3. Is dysentery disease contagious?
   
   Answer:- Yes, dysentery can be extremely contagious, especially in settings where there is poor sanitation and no proper hygiene practices are followed.
   
   
4. What should I do if I suspect I have dysentery?
   
   Answer:- If you suspect you have dysentery disease, it is essential to see a healthcare provider as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment. This is to prevent any kind of complications and to curb the spread of the infection.
   
   
5. How is dysentery treated?
   
   Answer:- The treatment for dysentery varies for every case, depending on the kind you’re suffering from. In some cases, a good night's rest and continued intake of fluids can cure the disease, while in other cases antibiotics need to be administered for dysentery treatment.