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Types of Dysentery

Dysentery is a general term for a digestive ailment caused by bacteria in the system. Different bacteria can form different types of dysentery with different symptoms. The bacteria can be acquired by eating or drinking good infected with the bacteria, or from passing between people by blood, sexual contact, genetics or spreading through the air. If you suspect that you have any form of dysentery, consult a doctor immediately.

  1. Amebic Dysentery

    • As its name implies, amebic dysentery is caused by an amoeba in the digestive system. Some people are simply carriers of these amoebas, and may have no adverse symptoms at all. These carriers may experience a sudden onset of symptoms with no apparent cause for the change, or symptoms may build up gradually over the course of years.

      These symptoms can include weight loss, indigestion, blood in the stool and anemia, which can result in fatigue and dizziness.

      Treatments for amebic dysentery may focus on the symptoms at first, including over-the-counter antacids or digestive medicines. However, treatment for the actual ailment comes in the form of antibiotics supplied by a doctor.

    Bacillary Dysentery

    • Bacillary dysentery is also known as shigellosis, because it is caused by the bacteria shigella. Like amebic disorder, some people may carry this bacteria and suffer from no symptoms; however, they can still pass the bacteria to others.

      Shigellosis symptoms include high fever, diarrhea and stomach cramping. In some cases the diarrhea may include blood, and the resulting dehydration from diarrhea can result in hospitalization, especially in young children and elderly. In severe cases in children younger than 2 years old, the high fever and infection can cause seizures.

      Like amoebic dysentery, antibiotics are the most effective treatment for shigellosis.

    Balantidial Dysentery

    • Balantidial dysentery is caused by bacteria known as balantidium coli, which is commonly found in pig feces. This condition also goes by the name of balantidiasis.

      Symptoms of balantidiasis include fever, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, ulcers and abdominal pain and swelling. Like the other dysentery conditions, carriers may be asymptomatic.

      Doctors treat this condition with antibiotics. Because of severe dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea, patients may also need to undergo rehydration or electrolyte replacement.

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