Dysentery is any diarrhea that is accompanied by blood or mucus, which arises in association with pain and abdominal cramps, usually triggered by an infection of the intestine. While common diarrhea is usually caused by viruses or spoiled foods, dysentery is most often caused by more serious infections by bacteria, such as Salmonella spp . or Shigella spp., for example, or by amoebae, such as Entamoeba histolytica .
Generally, dysentery-causing microorganisms are spread by hands, water or food contaminated with feces or fecal waste, so this type of infection is more common in places with poor sanitation. To learn more about what is and causes of dysentery, check out Dysentery.
The main symptoms of dysentery are:
- Constant diarrhea with blood or mucus;
- Nausea and vomiting, which may contain blood;
- Tiredness;
- Lack of appetite.
In dysentery, diarrhea can be severe or lasts for many days, with a greater risk of dehydration, which can be severe, so people with these symptoms should seek medical help quickly and drink at least 2 liters of oral rehydration water and serum per day. day.
What to do in case of dysentery
In case of dysentery, it is necessary to go through the consultation with the general practitioner or go to an evaluation in the emergency room, since the lack of treatment in such cases can cause serious complications such as dehydration, malnutrition, liver abscess or toxic megacolon, for example.
The treatment for dysentery is to replenish all water lost through feces and vomiting, with liquids such as water, juices, teas and coconut water, for example, in addition to the oral rehydration serum. Learn how to prepare and how to take homemade whey.
The food should be light foods, easy to digest and with many liquids, such as cooked vegetables, vegetable soup, gelatine and fruits, for example.
In addition, depending on the cause of dysentery, your doctor may prescribe antimicrobial medicines, such as Ciprofloxacin, Sulfamethoxazole-Trimethoprim, or Metronidazole, for example. The use of medicines to stop diarrhea, such as Loperamide, is not indicated and should only be used under medical supervision. Check out more natural remedies and remedies for diarrhea to go faster.
