Dysentery: Causes Symptoms and Treatment in Nepal

Last updated on September 1st, 2020 at 07:51 am

Dysentery is an inflammatory disease of the intestine especially of the colon or it is also known as diarrhea with visible blood or mucous in the feces along with severe abdominal cramps.

What are causes of Dysentery?

• Dysentery is caused by the consumption of the contaminated foods and drinking water with infected fecal matter containing different causative agents (microorganisms). The disease is more prevalent in the rainy season of Nepal. Locals and travelers to Nepal can get travel diarrhea. 
• In accordance with the causative agents dysentery can be divided into two  types:     
  • Amoebic dysentery: It is caused by the protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica (E.histoltyca).
  • Bacillary dysentery: It is caused by bacteria such as Escherichia coli    (E.coli) or four other species of Shigella. It is the most common type of dysentery.

In both types of dysentery, the infection spreads due to:

1. Lack of hand hygiene after using toilets and before and after eating foods.
2. Drinking water without any purification measures.
3. Eating infected foods.
4. Eating foods cooked in an unhygienic environment (street foods).

What are signs and symptoms of Dysentery?

The typical signs and symptoms of dysentery includes:

1. Watery stool with blood,
2. Mucous or pus in the feces.
3. Abdominal cramps
4. Fever and chills
5. Nausea and vomiting
6. Dehydration
7. Fatigue

What are Dysentery’s Treatment Methods?

The inflammation may lead to serious conditions and dehydration will also cause life-threatening conditions if medical help is not sought on time. Therefore, anyone with the above signs and symptoms should immediately consult a physician.

The Medical Treatment for Dysentery includes:           

• Rehydration therapy 
• Antibiotic therapy
• Antiprotozoal medications

How can you prevent Dysentery?

• Handwashing properly using soap and water each time after using toilets. And before and after our meal.

• Consuming clean and safe drinking water.
• Washing vegetables and fruits properly and cooking foods properly.
• Avoid foods cooked in unhygienic circumstances such as from street vendors.
• Avoid eating raw foods and vegetables.
• Make a habit of using sanitizer to clean hands.