How to Recover from Dysentery

Dysentery is a term used to describe inflammation of the large intestine caused by an infection. Dysentery leads to abdominal pain, vomiting, fever and severe diarrhea, which may contain blood and mucus. The most common bacterial infection to lead to the symptoms of dysentery is called shigella. The condition is often referred to as shigellosis. Other examples you may have heard of include salmonella and cholera. Recovery should take between two and four weeks.

Instructions

• 1

  See your doctor and get an accurate diagnosis of what is causing your symptoms of excessive diarrhea.

• 2

  Drink plenty of fluids. Depending on how severe the condition is, you may be required to stay in the hospital and receive rehydration intravenously. If you are sent home from the doctor, you may be given rehydration salts to take orally. Rehydration salts are more effective than water alone at replacing lost fluids, so follow the advice of your doctor and take them as directed. Get plenty of rest. Do not go to work or school, and minimize contact with other people to avoid infecting them.

• 3

  Follow your doctor's directions regarding medications. Antibiotics may be prescribed to kill the bacteria causing your dysentery symptoms.

• 4

  Practice good personal hygiene. Dysentry can be transmitted by exposure to feces. Always wash your hands carefully with soap after going to the bathroom. Also wash them before touching any food.