About Dysentery

Infectious, bloody diarrhea is medically referred to as dysentery. Dehydration and electrolyte imbalances may occur as a result of dysentery and can be life-threatening if left untreated. Dysentery causes fatalities mostly in Third World countries where medical care may be limited. Dysentery is rarely caused by a parasite; most often, bacteria are to blame.

Facts

• When dysentery is caused by a bacteria, it is referred to as bacillary dysentery or shigellosis. When an amoeba is the cause, it is called amoebic dysentery or intestinal amebiasis. Bacteria that cause dysentery include salmonella, E. coli, Campylobacter and shigella. Amoebic dysentery is caused by a parasite called Entamoeba histolytica. Diagnosis is often made through a stool sample.

Infection

• Eating food or drinking water contaminated with bacteria such as salmonella can lead to dysentery. The infection can also spread from contact with stool from an infected person. Bacteria can be transferred from person to person by having sex that includes anal contact. Risks include traveling to countries with poor sanitary conditions and living in crowed conditions, such as prisons.

Symptoms

• Amoebic dysentery symptoms usually start two to four weeks after exposure. Bacillary dysentery symptoms usually appear within three days of exposure. Symptoms of both types of dysentery include frequent, bloody, loose stools and stomach cramps. The stool may also contain pus. Fever, chills and fatigue may also occur. Some people also have nausea, vomiting and a headache. Complications of dysentery include dehydration, anemia from blood loss and, rarely, liver abscess.

Treatments

• Different medications are used to treat dysentery depending on whether it's caused by an amoeba or a bacteria. Antibiotics such as azithromycin are used to treat dysentery caused by bacteria. Additional treatment may be needed to replace lost fluids. Water or oral rehydration fluids should be consumed frequently. In cases of severe diarrhea, in which dehydration has occurred, intravenous fluids may need to be administered by a health care professional. Dairy products may increase diarrhea and should be avoided until symptoms improve.

Prevention

• To prevent dysentery while traveling to countries with poor sanitation, drink only bottled water or water that has been boiled. Use bottled or boiled water to brush your teeth. Don't use ice in beverages unless it was made from bottled or purified water. Don't eat or drink unpasteurized dairy products, such as milk and cheese. Don't eat raw vegetables in countries with a high rate of dysentery.