A Family Doctor's Tale - DYSENTERY

DOC I HAVE DYSENTERY

Dysentery is an acute invasive infection  of the lining of the intestines caused by a micro-organism such as bacteria or paraste resulting in leakage of fluid from the cell into the intestine(diarrhea) sometimes with bloody mucus, abdominal pain or vomiting.

The causes of Dysentery are:
Bacteria:
1.Shigella

2.E.Coli

Parasitic:

amebic

Transnission occurs most often by close personal contact through hands or soiled clothing or fecal-oral contamination.

Stools can contain red blood cells and white blood cells.

There may blood in the stools.

The symptoms of Dysentery are:
1. watery diarrhea with blood and mucus

2. cramping abdominal pain

3. fever

4. headache and bodyaches

5. serious fluid loss especially in children

6. loss of appetite and energy

Dysentery is transmitted through:
Dysentery can be highly contagious.

The germs are commonly transmitted by people with unwashed hands.

People can get the germs through close contact with infected individuals by sharing their food, drink, or eating utensils, or by eating food or drinking beverages that are contaminated with the germs.

The diagnosis of Dysentery is made by:
1.Doctors generally diagnose Dysentery based on the symptoms and a physical examination.

2.stool sample to test for microscopic examination and stool culture

Microscopic examination shows the presence of red blood cells and polymorphs white blood cells.

Treatment of  Dysentery is by:
1.Because of the excessive fluid loss, correction of fluid and electrolyte balance is the most important part of treatment.

Prompt treatment may be needed to prevent dehydration which is the loss of fluids from the body. Important salts or minerals, known as electrolytes, can also be lost with the fluids. Dehydration can be caused by diarrhea, excessive urination, excessive sweating, or by not drinking enough fluids because of nausea, difficulty swallowing, or loss of appetite.

The symptoms of dehydration are
excessive thirst
dry mouth
little or no urine or dark yellow urine
sunken eyes
severe weakness or lethargy
dizziness or lightheadedness

Mild dehydration can be treated by drinking liquids.

Severe dehydration may require intravenous fluids and hospitalization.

Untreated severe dehydration can be life threatening especially in babies, young children and the elderly.

2.Antibiotics is necessary,the choice of which depends on the sensitivity of bacteria to the antibiotic.

Anti parasitic drug for amebic dysentery is usually metronidazole

3.Relief of symptoms include an antispasmodic drug to stop abdominal cramps, medicine to harden the stools such as kaolin and slow down the intestinal movement (lomotil or loperamide).

The following steps may help relieve the symptoms of Dysentery.
1.Allow your gastrointestinal tract to settle by not eating for a few hours.

2.Sip small amounts of clear liquids or suck on ice chips if vomiting is still a problem.

3.Give infants and children oral rehydration solutions to replace fluids and lost electrolytes.

4.Gradually reintroduce food, starting with bland, easy-to-digest food, like porridge or soups.

5.Avoid dairy products, caffeine, and alcohol until recovery is complete.

6.Get plenty of rest.

Prognosis:
Symptoms usually improve within one to 2 days after the onset of treatment.

Outcome is usually excellent with appropriate treatment.

Prevention of dysentery is by:
1.washing of  hands thoroughly for 20 seconds after using the bathroom or changing diapers

2.washing of  hands thoroughly for 20 seconds before eating

3.disinfecting contaminated surfaces such as counter tops and baby changing stations

4.Avoid eating or drinking foods or liquids that might be contaminated

5.Avoid raw vegetables or meat