Dysentery is an infection in the intestines that makes you have diarrhea with mucus or blood in it. You might also have stomach pain, feel nauseous, vomit, and have a fever. This infection is usually caused by parasites or bacteria, often because of poor hygiene or bad sanitation.
In the United States, most people who get dysentery only have mild symptoms. But for some people, the symptoms can be very severe and may lead to serious health problems.
What is Dysentery?
Dysentery is a condition where you have bloody diarrhea, and sometimes there is mucus in it too. This can happen because of parasites, germs, or chemicals that irritate your gut.
The common kind of dysentery is called bacillary dysentery also known as shigellosis. It is caused by a bacteria called Shigella.
Another kind of dysentery is called amebic dysentery also known as amebiasis. This one is caused by a tiny parasite called Entamoeba.
In the U.S., most individuals with dysentery only have mild symptoms that go away in a few days. However, dysentery is a reportable disease, which means you must tell the authorities if you have it. Reporting it helps prevent the disease from spreading to others.
Symptoms of Bacillary Dysentery
As stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), signs of bacillary dysentery usually start 1–2 days after getting infected and can last about a week.
Common symptoms include:
- Diarrhea, which might have blood in it
- Feeling the urge to pass feces even when your guts are empty
- Stomach pain
- Fever
These symptoms generally last between 5 to 7 days, but some individuals might have symptoms for up to 4 weeks or more. It can take few months for normal bowel habits to return for some individuals.
Taking antibiotics can make the illness shorter by a few days and can help stop the infection from transmitting to others. However, antibiotics are usually only given to people with severe symptoms.
Causes of Bacillary Dysentery (Shigellosis)
Bacillary dysentery, also known as shigellosis, is caused by bacteria called Shigella. People can get infected with Shigella in several ways. One common way is by not washing their hands properly after using the bathroom. If a person touches surfaces contaminated with the bacteria and then touches their nose, mouth, or eyes, they can also become infected. Eating food that has been contaminated by the bacteria or swallowing contaminated river or lake water while swimming are other ways the infection can spread. Additionally, involving in sexual intercourse with a person who is getting well from bacillary dysentery can also result in infection.
Even after symptoms of the infection stop, Shigella bacteria can stay in an individual’s stool for 1–2 weeks. During this time, it is important for people to maintain strict hygiene practices to avoid spreading the bacteria to others. This means washing hands thoroughly and frequently, especially after using the bathroom and before handling food.
Shigella outbreaks can happen in small social or community groups, such as childcare facilities. In these settings, the bacteria can spread quickly if proper hygiene practices are not followed. Therefore, maintaining good hygiene and sanitation is crucial in preventing the spread of bacillary dysentery.
Conditions Causing Similar Symptoms
Certain conditions can produce symptoms similar to those of dysentery. Here are some examples:
Escherichia coli Infection
This is a bacterial infection caused by Escherichia coli bacteria. Outbreaks usually occur when people consume undercooked raw foods or foods that come into contact with feces. Symptoms of Escherichia coli infection may include stomach pain, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), vomiting, and high temperatures of the body.
Hookworm Infection
Hookworm infection is a parasitic infection that can lead to bloody diarrhea. It is more prevalent in countries with moist, warm climates and bad sanitation. The primary mode of extension is walking without slippers or shoes on soil contaminated with hookworm larvae. Some individuals with mild infections may not show any symptoms initially. However, itching and a rash often manifest as the first symptoms of infection. Those with serious infections may experience stomach pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, fatigue, and anemia.
Antibiotic Use
Overuse or misuse of antibiotics can cause the overdevelopment of bacteria such as Clostridiodes difficile. This overgrowth can cause hurt of the large intestine; a condition known as pseudomembranous colitis (PC). Symptoms of PC may include lower stomach pain, diarrhea, and fever.
These conditions, while different from dysentery, can present similar symptoms, making accurate diagnosis important for appropriate treatment. If experiencing symptoms resembling dysentery, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper evaluation and management.
Treatment Options for Dysentery
Diagnosing the specific cause of dysentery is crucial for effective treatment. Laboratory tests can determine whether the infection is caused by Shigella, Entamoeba, or another factor, guiding the doctor in prescribing the appropriate treatment.
For individuals experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, staying hydrated is essential to prevent dehydration. In cases of dehydration, intravenous fluid replacement may be necessary.
Treatment for Mild Bacillary Dysentery
Mild cases of bacillary dysentery often improve on their own within 3–7 days, so treatment may not be necessary. However, individuals with diarrhea should consume plenty of liquids to prevent dehydration. It’s advised to avoid anti-diarrheal medication if the diarrhea is bloody.
In more severe cases where symptoms persist or worsen, a doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection and alleviate symptoms. Consulting a healthcare professional is important for proper assessment and management of dysentery symptoms.
Diagnosing Dysentery
Individuals experiencing severe signs of dysentery should promptly seek medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
To diagnose dysentery, a doctor typically begins by inquiring about the person’s signs and when they appeared. They may also ask if the individual has recently travelled foreign countries. Following this, a physical examination may be conducted.
If recent travel is involved, the individual might be asked to provide stool samples for testing. In cases of doubted amebic dysentery where stool samples test negative for the parasite, further examination of the intestines might be required through procedures like a colonoscopy to closely inspect the mucosal surface.
For those suspected of having a liver abscess, aspiration of liver fluid may be necessary to aid in diagnosis.
If the symptoms persist, the doctor may recommend additional diagnostic measures such as imaging tests of the intestines, like an endoscopy or an ultrasound scan, to further assess the condition and determine the appropriate course of treatment. Seeking medical advice and following through with diagnostic procedures are essential steps in managing dysentery effectively.
Complications of Dysentery
Dysentery can lead to serious medical problems, especially for people with weakened immune systems.
- Dehydration: When you have dysentery, you may have lots of diarrhea and vomiting, which can make you lose too much water from your body. This is called dehydration. In babies and young kids, dehydration can be very dangerous and even life-threatening.
- Postinfectious Arthritis (PIA): Sometimes, after having a Shigella infection, a person might develop PIA. This can cause pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joints.
- Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS): In very rare cases, dysentery, especially from Shigella infection, can lead to a condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome. This involves damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys.
If you think you’re having complications from dysentery, it’s important to see a doctor right away. They can help you get the right treatment and prevent things from getting worse.
When to Contact a Doctor
It’s important to get in touch with a doctor if you notice any of these signs:
- Severe Abdominal Pain: If you’re having really bad or unbearable pain in your stomach, it’s a good idea to call your doctor. They can help figure out what’s causing it and how to make you feel better.
- High Fever: A fever of 102 degrees Fahrenheit or higher could mean something serious is going on. It’s best to let your doctor know so they can check you out and recommend the right treatment.
- Persistent Diarrhea: If you’ve been having diarrhea for more than two or three days and it’s not getting better, your doctor can help you figure out why and what to do about it.
- Signs of Dehydration: Watch out for signs like feeling really thirsty, having a dry mouth, lips, or eyes, peeing less than usual, or if your urine is dark or smells strong. Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or really tired can also be signs of dehydration. If you notice any of these, it’s important to contact your doctor so they can help you stay hydrated and feel better.
Summary
Dysentery is an intestinal infection causing bloody diarrhea, often from bacteria or parasites. Symptoms include abdominal pain, fever, and dehydration. Bacillary dysentery is common in the US, usually mild but may lead to severe complications. Treatment involves hydration and sometimes antibiotics for severe cases.
Complications like liver abscesses or joint pain may occur, especially in those with weakened immune systems. It’s crucial to contact a doctor if experiencing severe abdominal pain, high fever, persistent diarrhea, or signs of dehydration.
