Dysentery is an intestinal infection that causes adverse diarrhea with blood and mucus. It spread due to poor hygiene or direct contact with the infected person. Be careful with food and water because Dystentry can also reproduce things that contain fecal matter.
The Two Types of Dysentery
- Amoebic dysentery/ Amebiasis. It is due to a parasite known as E. Histolytica found in tropical areas.
- Bacillary dysentery/ shigellosis. It is due to Shigella bacteria and, it is typical in the UK.
What are the Symptoms of Dysentery?
The typical; symptoms of Dysentery are near-liquid diarrhea, flecked bloody bowel, mucus and pus. Other symptoms include:
- Sudden onset of fever and chills
- Cramps and bloating
- Abdominal pain
- Flatulence
- The urgency to pass stool
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Weight loss
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
Symptoms of amoebic Dysentery
- Fever and chills
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting and nausea
- Watery diarrhea containing blood and mucus
- Painful passing of stools
- Fatigue
- Intermittent constipation
Risk Factor of Dysentery
- Age. Children under age 5 are most likely to get shigella infection. But Shigella can infect people of any age.
- Group activities. A Shigella outbreak is more likely to occur in daycare centers, community wading pools, nursing homes, jails, and military barracks.
- Travel in areas that lack sanitation. Shigella infection is more likely to occur in those who live or travel in developing countries.
- Man who has sex with men. Because of the oral-anal contact during sexual activity, a person having sex with a man is at a higher risk of getting Shigella.
How to Diagnose Dysentery?
The doctor will ask the patient about their signs and symptoms and carry out a physical examination. A stool sample may also determine Dysentery. Inform your doctor if you have recent travel from tropical countries. If symptoms are severe, your doctor will recommend diagnostic imaging. It could be an ultrasound and endoscopy.
The Possible Complications of Dysentery
Complications of Dysentery are few, but they can be severe. These includes:
- Dehydration. Persistent diarrhea and vomiting can quickly lead to dehydration. In infants and young children, this can quickly become life-threatening.
- Liver abscess. If the infection spreads to the liver, an abscess can form there.
- Postinfectious arthritis. Joint pain may occur along with the infection.
- Hemolytic uremic syndrome. It can cause the red blood cells to block the entrance to the kidneys, leading to anemia, low platelet count, and kidney failure.
Treatment for Dysentry
Your doctor may also recommend other medicine. Ensure to finish the treatment to kill the parasite and prevent complications.