Dysentery

Overview

Dysentery is an intestinal infection that causes severe diarrhoea containing blood or mucus, along with abdominal cramps and fever. It is commonly caused by bacterial or parasitic infections that spread through contaminated food, water, or poor hygiene. Dysentery can lead to dehydration and other serious complications if not treated promptly, especially in young children, older adults, and people with weakened immunity.

Early diagnosis and timely dysentery treatment help control the infection, relieve symptoms, and prevent complications. Treatment usually includes fluid replacement, medications to treat the underlying infection when required, and supportive care.

At Sarvodaya Hospital, our experienced gastroenterologists and infectious disease specialists provide comprehensive care for intestinal infection and digestive infection using advanced diagnostic facilities and personalised treatment plans.

Symptoms of Dysentery

• Bloody diarrhoea
• Loose stools with mucus
• Abdominal cramps
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting
• Urgent need to pass stools
• Pain during bowel movements
• Dehydration
• Weakness and fatigue
• Loss of appetite

Causes of Dysentery

• Bacterial infection (Shigella)
• Amoebic infection (Entamoeba histolytica)
• Contaminated food
• Contaminated drinking water
• Poor hand hygiene
• Poor sanitation
• Person-to-person transmission
• Travelling to areas with poor sanitation

Risk Factors for Dysentery

Certain factors increase the risk of developing dysentery.

• Poor Hygiene: Inadequate handwashing increases the spread of bacteria and parasites, causing intestinal infections.
• Unsafe Food and Water: Consuming contaminated food or untreated water is a major cause of dysentery.
• Travelling: Travelling to regions with poor sanitation increases the risk of infection.
• Weakened Immunity: People with weakened immune systems are more vulnerable to severe digestive infections.

Diagnosis of Dysentery

Early diagnosis helps identify the cause of infection and guides appropriate treatment.

• Clinical Examination: Doctors assess symptoms, dehydration, abdominal tenderness, and medical history.
• Stool Examination: Stool analysis identifies bacteria, parasites, blood, mucus, and signs of intestinal infection.
• Stool Culture: A stool culture identifies the specific bacteria causing the infection and helps select appropriate antibiotics.
• Blood Tests: Blood investigations evaluate dehydration, infection severity, and electrolyte imbalance.
• Colonoscopy (When Required): In persistent or complicated cases, colonoscopy may be recommended to assess the large intestine and exclude other gastrointestinal diseases.

Treatment Options & Technology for Dysentery

Dysentery treatment focuses on eliminating the infection, correcting dehydration, and relieving symptoms.

• Oral Rehydration Therapy (ORS): Oral rehydration solution replaces lost fluids and electrolytes, preventing dehydration.
• Intravenous Fluids: Patients with severe dehydration may require intravenous fluid replacement.
• Antibiotic Therapy: Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial dysentery when clinically indicated.
• Antiparasitic Medication: Amoebic dysentery is treated with medicines that eliminate parasitic infection.
• Nutritional Support: A balanced diet and gradual return to normal eating help promote intestinal healing.
• Advanced Diagnostic Technology: Stool Microscopy, Stool Culture, Blood Tests, Electrolyte Analysis, Colonoscopy, and Abdominal Ultrasound (when indicated) support accurate diagnosis and effective stomach infection treatment and diarrhoea management.

Benefits of Early Dysentery Treatment

Prompt treatment reduces illness severity and prevents complications.

• Controls Infection Quickly: Early treatment helps eliminate bacteria or parasites before the infection worsens.
• Prevents Dehydration: Fluid replacement reduces the risk of severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
• Relieves Symptoms Faster: Treatment reduces diarrhoea, abdominal cramps, and fever.
• Reduces Transmission: Timely treatment lowers the risk of spreading infection to others.
• Promotes Faster Recovery: Most patients recover completely with appropriate medical care.

Complications if Left Untreated

Untreated dysentery may lead to serious health problems.

• Severe dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Intestinal bleeding
• Malnutrition
• Sepsis (rare but serious)
• Kidney complications
• Shock in severe cases

When Should You See a Doctor?

Seek medical attention if you experience:

• Bloody diarrhoea
• High fever
• Severe abdominal pain
• Persistent vomiting
• Signs of dehydration
• Diarrhoea lasting more than two days
• Reduced urine output
• Confusion or extreme weakness

Prevention & Lifestyle Modifications

Simple hygiene measures can greatly reduce the risk of dysentery.

• Wash Hands Regularly: Wash hands thoroughly before eating and after using the toilet.
• Drink Safe Water: Use boiled, filtered, or properly treated drinking water.
• Eat Hygienically Prepared Food: Avoid raw or contaminated food, especially while travelling.
• Maintain Good Sanitation: Proper sanitation helps prevent the spread of intestinal infections.
• Practise Safe Food Handling: Store and prepare food hygienically to reduce bacterial contamination.

Pre–Post Treatment Care

Pre-Treatment

• Gastroenterology consultation
• Physical examination
• Stool examination and culture
• Blood tests
• Assessment of hydration status

Post-Treatment

• Complete the prescribed medication course
• Maintain adequate hydration
• Follow a light, easily digestible diet
• Maintain proper hygiene
• Attend follow-up if symptoms persist