Dysentery: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, Explained. See link below ⬇️

 

• Dysentery: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment, Explained

• Bacillary dysentery is caused by Shigella bacteria, while amoebic dysentery is caused by the E. histolytica parasite.
• Dysentery is a digestive infection that causes bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain.
• Dysentery can be dangerous in young children and people with weak immune systems.

Dysentery is an intestinal infection that causes bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. It usually spreads through contaminated food or water.

What Are the Main Types of Dysentery?

Dysentery is classified into two main types, each caused by different microorganisms. The type you have determines the treatment you will need.

Bacillary Dysentery 

Bacillary dysentery is caused by Shigella bacteria and is one of the most common forms worldwide.

It spreads through contaminated food or water, contact with infected feces, or touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth.1

Activities that spread the bacteria include:1

• Changing the diapers of someone with dysentery
• Engaging in oral-anal or anal sex 
• Touching contaminated surfaces and then touching your mouth

Amoebic Dysentery

Amoebic dysentery, also known as amebiasis, is caused by the Entamoeba histolytica parasite. It's more prevalent in tropical areas of developing countries.

The E. histolytica parasite spreads through contaminated food or drinks and by touching infected surfaces or feces, then touching your mouth.2

Common ways the parasite spreads include:3

• Engaging in anal or oral-anal sex 
• Putting items in your mouth that have touched the stool of someone who has it
• Consuming contaminated food or water 
• Touching surfaces contaminated with infected feces or parasite eggs and then touching your mouth 

What Symptoms Can You Expect?

Dysentery symptoms can vary based on the type and severity of the infection. Treatment helps manage symptoms and eliminates the infection.

Some symptoms are similar, regardless of whether bacteria or parasites cause the infection.

Common dysentery symptoms include:1

• Frequent, blood-streaked diarrhea
• Abdominal pain or cramping
• Excessive gas
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Malaise (general discomfort)

Bacillary Dysentery Symptoms 

Bacillary (bacterial) dysentery symptoms usually develop within 1-2 days after exposure and last about a week. Some people may have symptoms for several months, even with treatment.1

Bacillary dysentery symptoms include:1

• Diarrhea containing mucus or blood 
• High fever 
• Abdominal pain or cramping 
• Nausea and vomiting 
• Painful urge to have a bowel movement, even when your bowels are empty 

Amoebic Dysentery Symptoms 

With amoebic dysentery, symptoms usually develop within 2-4 weeks after infection and last about two weeks with treatment. Without treatment, symptoms may come and go.

Symptoms of amoebic dysentery include:2

• Frequent, blood-streaked diarrhea 
• Abdominal pain or cramping 
• Excessive gas 
• Weight loss 
• Fever
• Vomiting 
• General discomfort (malaise)

Though rare, the Entamoeba histolytica (E. histolytica) parasite can enter the bloodstream and invade the liver, forming an abscess (a collection of pus). When this occurs, symptoms may include:4

• Persistent hiccups 
• Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice) 
• Sweating
• Loss of appetite 

What Are the Risk Factors?

Dysentery is most common in areas with poor sanitation, such as a lack of clean water and minimal personal hygiene practices (e.g., handwashing).1

Risk factors for dysentery include:3

• Spending time in early childcare centers (e.g., daycare, preschool) 
• Having a weakened immune system
• Experiencing homelessness
• Having anal sex or oral-anal sex 
• Traveling to tropical areas with poor sanitation 
• Living in a crowded and unsanitary environment 

Getting a Diagnosis

A doctor diagnoses dysentery with a physical exam, your medical history, and your symptoms. They may request a stool sample to run tests and rule out other causes, like food poisoning.

Commonly used diagnostic tests for dysentery include:5

• Stool culture: Identifies whether bacteria are causing symptoms and, if so, which is responsible for the infection.
• Stool microscopy: Uses a microscope to examine stool for blood, mucus, and parasites. 
• Stool antigen test: Detects the presence of certain bacteria in the stool to determine whether the infection is dysentery or another condition (e.g., Giardia) causing symptoms.6
• Blood tests: Blood tests, such as a complete blood count (CBC), can check for dehydration and electrolyte imbalances.7

What Are Your Treatment Options?

Sometimes, dysentery clears up on its own in 3-5 days.8 If you develop a fever or symptoms persist or worsen, you likely need treatment to clear the infection. 

Dysentery can be fatal if untreated, especially in young children and people with weak immune systems. It's important to see a doctor promptly for diagnosis and treatment.

Treatment approaches vary depending on symptom severity and cause.

Antibiotics

Both bacillary and amoebic dysentery are treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics target and eliminate the bacteria or parasites causing dysentery. The antibiotic you take depends on the type of dysentery you have.

Commonly prescribed antibiotics for bacillary dysentery include:8

• Zithromax (azithromycin)
• Cetraxal (ciprofloxacin)
• Levaquin (levofloxacin)

Amoebic dysentery may require two antibiotics to treat, such as:9

• Metrogel (metronidazole)
• Tindamax (tinidazole)
• Alinia (nitazoxanide)
• Aralen (chloroquine)

Rehydration Therapy 

Persistent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration and serious complications.10

Rehydration therapy helps replace the water and electrolytes lost due to diarrhea and vomiting. This may include:11

• Oral rehydration solution (ORS) is a mixture of clean water, electrolytes (salts), and carbohydrates (sugars) to help replenish water and electrolytes you lose when sick. 
• Intravenous fluids: If you show signs of severe dehydration (e.g., lethargy, irritability, rapid heart rate), intravenous fluids can quickly rehydrate your body.

How Can You Prevent Dysentery?

The best prevention for dysentery is by practicing good hygiene. If you're traveling to areas where it's common, you may take these precautions:3

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the toilet, before handling food, and after changing diapers.
• Drink boiled or filtered water.
• Eat only cooked or washed and peeled fruits and vegetables.
• Avoid contact with people who are sick with dysentery.
• Avoid eating food from street vendors. 

Complications To Watch Out For

Untreated dysentery can lead to complications, especially in high-risk groups.

Possible dysentery complications include: 

• Dehydration: Prolonged diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, which causes thirst, dry mouth, headaches, dizziness, and fatigue. Severe dehydration can cause confusion, rapid heart rate, fainting, and shock.12
• Post-infectious arthritis: A small number of people develop joint pain, eye irritation, and painful urination due to dysentery. In many cases, this is short-term. For others, especially those with a genetic predisposition to arthritis, these symptoms become chronic.13
• Blood infections: If bacteria damage the intestinal lining and enter the bloodstream, sepsis can occur.14
• Liver abscess: If the parasite causing amoebic dysentery invades the liver, it can cause pus to collect in the liver (abscess). Symptoms include upper right abdominal pain, fever, and jaundice.3