Symptoms and Treatment of Dysentery

Dysentery is an infection of the intestines that can lead to diarrhea containing mucus or blood, which is a highly infectious and easy to spread disease, that requires you to take extra precaution. Spreading through contaminated water and food can be brought on by animals; infecting humans in the process. Once a human is infected, the infection lives in their intestines and passes through their stool. 

Types of Dysentery

There are two main types of dysentery: 

• Bacillary dysentery - caused by shigella bacteria that is considered to be a common type of dysentery.
• Amoebic Dysentery - Caused by an amoeba called entamoeba histolytica, commonly found in tropical areas.

Symptoms of Dysentery

Dysentery brings irritation and inflammation of your intestines. However, the other symptoms of dysentery can vary from one individual to another: 

• Abdominal bloating
• Bloody or mucus diarrhea
• Cramping
• Abdominal pain
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Flatulence

As the infection progresses through your system, the symptoms gain a firm grasp on your system, leading them towards: 

• A decrease in urine output
• Mucous membranes and dry skin
• Fever and chills
• Feeling thirsty
• Muscle weakness - losing strength
• Muscle cramps
• Weight loss

How is Dysentery Treated?

Dysentery is not any other common virus and requires a doctor's attention as soon as possible. Getting a hold of the issue in its early stages can help save you a great deal of pain in the weeks to come which is why we suggest you see your healthcare provider as soon as you feel any symptom of dysentery.

Once your doctor has determined your condition, he/she can come up with a protocol that works best starting with laboratory testing, allowing them to prescribe antibiotic therapy treatment for dysentery. 

You must follow your doctor's treatment plan to the letter while maintaining a healthy distance from family and friends. Making sure you can scrape off every last bit of the infection from your system without spreading it around. Depending on its spread and reach it might take anything from a week to a few weeks to completely recover from dysentery. 

Speed Recovery

After your health care provider has a plan to help eliminate dysentery from your system, you can add to the process by taking on a few simple practices. These tried and tested techniques can help you speed your recovery process. All you have to do is follow the instructions listed below: 

• Start by making sure you are drinking at least eight glasses of water per day, the more water you drink, the more you will pee out the toxins in your body.
• We suggest you enjoy some electrolyte solutions, keeping your body well hydrated and boosted apart from drinking water.
• Another aspect to consider is to take it slow. Your body is recovering from an infection, and needs plenty of rest. The more you rest, the faster your body will heal.

Practice good hygiene to avoid spreading the infection around, especially with those who live with you. It's essential that you keep washing your hands, and stay a few feet apart from others at all times. Using soap scrub down your hands every time you use the bathroom and disinfect the bathroom's seat, button, tap, and knob. While it might sound excessive, it can help kill the infection in its tracks. 

Furthermore, it's best to keep your plates, glasses, cutlery, bedding, and clothing away from others. When you get a chance, wash them separately, to ensure your home is free from infectious tracks. 

Yours in self-care,

Adrian Wilk