Dysentery Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Dysentery is diarrhea accompanied by blood or mucus due to inflammation or infection of the intestine. This disease is most commonly found in tropical, subtropical, and developing countries.
There are two types of dysentery, namely:
- Basilar dysentery, caused by Shigella bacteria
- Amoebic dysentery, caused by Entamoeba histolytica
Dysentery can cause complications in the form of other health problems that can cause death. Some of the complications that can occur include:
- Dehydration. Dysentery sufferers can become dehydrated due to a lack of fluids due to diarrhea and vomiting.
- Liver abscess. Amoeba parasites that spread to the liver can cause liver abscesses or liver infections due to bacteria, parasites or fungi.
Dysentery due to amoeba is more dangerous because it can cause complications in the form of liver infection (pockets of pus in the liver), brain abscess, intussusception (intestine tucked into another part of the intestine), and peritonitis (inflammation of the lining of the stomach).
Symptom
Some of the recognizable signs of dysentery include:
Reason
Dysentery is most often caused by infection with the bacteria Shigella (bacillary dysentery) or Entamoeba histolytic (amoebic dysentery). But it can also be caused by the bacteria Escherichia Coli, Salmonella, Clostridium difficile and Campylobacter jejuni
The main risk factors for this disease are poor hygiene and sanitation. It can also be due to food contaminated with these bacteria.
Diagnosis
To be able to determine the diagnosis of dysentery requires a series of detailed medical interviews by doctors, physical examinations, and supporting examinations.
Treatment
In treating dysentery, antibiotics may not be needed to treat mild symptoms. However, if the symptoms are moderate to severe, then antibiotics are needed according to the bacteria that cause it. In addition, drugs can be added to reduce the symptoms of diarrhea.
Avoid diarrhea medications that are antimotility or decrease bowel movements (such as loperamide ). This can exacerbate existing symptoms. If you have signs of dehydration, you need to take fluids with ORS or infusion.
Prevention
To prevent dysentery, what needs to be done is:
- Drink clean, boiled water
- Wash your hands frequently with soap before and after eating, and after using the toilet
- Wash vegetables or fruits before consumption with running water