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What are the symptoms of dysentery?
What are the symptoms of bacillary dysentery?
What is dysentery diarrhea?
Nov 14, 2022 · The disease is called shigellosis. About 500,000 people in the U.S. get it every year. ... Dysentery Symptoms. Symptoms can show up 1-3 days after you get infected. In some people, the symptoms ...
- Overview
- What is dysentery?
- Symptoms
- Causes
- Conditions causing similar symptoms
- Treatment
- Diagnosis
- Complications
- Prevention
- Outlook
Dysentery is an intestinal infection that causes diarrhea containing blood or mucus. Symptoms can also include stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, and fever. It can result from a bacterial or parasitic infection, often due to poor hygiene or sanitation.
In the United States, most cases of dysentery are mild. However, some people may experience severe symptoms and complications of the disease.
Dysentery refers to bloody diarrhea, which can sometimes also contain mucus. It can occur due to infectious germs, parasites, and irritation of the gut from chemicals.
The most common type of infection dysentery is bacillary dysentery, or shigellosis. This type is due to infection with the Shigella bacteria.
Another main type of dysentery is amebic dysentery, or amebiasis. This type is due to infection with a single-cell parasite called Entamoeba.
In the U.S., most people who develop dysentery experience only mild symptoms that disappear within a few days. However, dysentery is a notifiable disease, meaning a person must inform the authorities if they have it. Doing so helps to prevent an outbreak of dysentery.
Symptoms of bacillary dysentery
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), symptoms of bacillary dysentery typically begin around 1–2 days after infection and last around 7 days. Symptoms may include: •diarrhea, which can contain blood •feeling the need to pass stool even when the bowels are empty •abdominal pain •fever Symptoms typically last around 5–7 days, though some people may experience symptoms for 4 weeks or more. In some cases, it may take several months for a person’s bowel habits to return to normal. Antibiotics can shorten the duration of illness by a couple of days and may prevent the infection from spreading to others. However, people typically only receive antibiotics if their symptoms are severe.
Symptoms of amebic dysentery
A person with amebic dysentery may experience the following symptoms: •abdominal pain and cramps •watery diarrhea, which can contain blood, mucus, or pus •intermittent constipation •fever and chills •fatigue A doctor may prescribe medications to help eradicate the parasitic infection.
Bacillary dysentery, or shigellosis
The bacteria Shigella causes bacillary dysentery. A person may contract Shigella in the following ways: •not washing their hands thoroughly after visiting the bathroom •touching surfaces that the bacteria have contaminated, and then touching their mouth, nose, or eyes •eating food that the bacteria have contaminated •swallowing lake or river water when swimming •having sexual contact with someone who is recovering from bacillary dysentery Shigella bacteria may remain in a person’s stool for 1–2 weeks after they stop experiencing symptoms of the infection. People should continue to follow strict hygiene practices to prevent passing the infection on to others. Shigella outbreaks can occur among small social or community groups, including childcare facilities.
Amebic dysentery, or amebiasis
The parasite Entamoeba causes amebic dysentery. Most cases of amebic dysentery occur when people ingest food or water contaminated with feces containing Entamoeba eggs. People most at risk of developing severe amebic dysentery include: •women who are pregnant or postpartum •newborns •people who are taking corticosteroids •people who are malnourished •people who are living with cancer
Certain conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of dysentery. Examples include:
•Escherichia coli infection: A type of bacterial infection. Outbreaks are typically due to people consuming raw or undercooked foods or foods contaminated with feces. Symptoms may include:
•abdominal cramps
•diarrhea, which may contain blood
•vomiting
•fever
Laboratory tests will reveal whether dysentery is due to Shigella or Entamoeba infection or another cause. A doctor will use this information when deciding which treatment to prescribe.
In general, a person with diarrhea or vomiting should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. People who experience severe dehydration may require intravenous fluid replacement.
A person who experiences severe symptoms of dysentery should see their doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
In order to diagnose dysentery, a doctor may:
•ask about the person’s symptoms and when they started
•ask if the person has recently traveled abroad
•carry out a physical examination
If a person has recently returned from abroad, they may have to provide one or more stool samples. If they have suspected amebic dysentery and their stool samples test negative for the parasite, they may need to undergo a colonoscopy to examine the mucosal surface of the intestines.
Dysentery can cause medical complications. These are more common among people with compromised immune systems.
Some potential complications of dysentery include:
•Dehydration: Frequent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration. In infants and young children, this can quickly become life-threatening.
•Liver abscess: Amebic dysentery can cause an abscess in the liver.
•Postinfectious arthritis (PIA): A person may develop PIA as a complication of Shigella infection. Symptoms include joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
•Hemolytic uremic syndrome: A condition involving inflammation and damage to the small blood vessels within the kidneys. It is a rare complication of Shigella infection.
Dysentery outbreaks usually occur as a result of poor hygiene or sanitation. To reduce the risk of infection, people should wash their hands regularly with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before preparing food.
The risk of contracting dysentery is higher for people traveling to countries with warm, moist climates and poor sanitation. When traveling to such places, a person should:
•only drink reliably sourced water, such as bottled water
•ensure that bottled water has an unbroken seal before drinking
•avoid ice cubes, as the water may be from a contaminated source
•use only bottled or purified water to clean the teeth
A person may develop dysentery due to poor hygiene habits or after traveling to areas with poor sanitation. Mild symptoms should resolve without treatment.
However, people who develop severe symptoms should see a doctor. Treatment may be necessary to prevent possible complications.
Aug 15, 2022 · Dysentery is a gastrointestinal disease. Its causes include bacterial or parasitic infections. Symptoms include diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting, weight loss and stomach cramps.
Contents. Dysentery. Dysentery ( UK: / ˈdɪsəntri /, [7] US: / ˈdɪsənˌtɛri / ), [8] historically known as the bloody flux, [9] is a type of gastroenteritis that results in bloody diarrhea. [1] [10] Other symptoms may include fever, abdominal pain, and a feeling of incomplete defecation. [2] [5] [11] Complications may include dehydration.
- 1.1 million a year
- Drinking sufficient fluids, antibiotics (severe cases)
Dysentery is an intestinal infection that causes severe diarrhea with blood. In some cases, mucus may be found in the stool. This usually lasts for 3 to 7 days. Other symptoms may include ...
Mar 21, 2023 · Shigella symptoms generally begin 1-2 days after coming into contact with the bacteria, then last for a week. They include: Diarrhea that may or may not be bloody. Fever. Stomach pain. Rare complications from Shigella infection include reactive arthritis, hemolytic-uremic syndrome, and seizures in young children.
Sep 28, 2023 · Symptoms of dysentery include frequent bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and fever. Dysentery spreads through contaminated food or water or contact with an infected person’s ...
