Dysentery: Detailed Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Home Care & Complete Guide

What Is Dysentery? — In Deep Detail

1. Amoebic Dysentery (Amoebiasis)

This type is caused by a parasite, Entamoeba histolytica.
The parasite enters the body through contaminated food or water and settles in the intestine. It multiplies there and creates ulcers, leading to:

• bloody diarrhoea
• mucus in stools
• intestinal pain
• long-lasting infection

Amoebic dysentery can become chronic if left untreated.

2. Bacillary Dysentery

This type is caused by bacteria such as:

• Shigella (most common)
• E. coli
• Salmonella
• Campylobacter

Bacillary dysentery spreads quickly and often leads to:

• high fever
• severe abdominal cramps
• bloody diarrhoea
• dehydration within hours

Both forms are infectious and spread easily when hygiene conditions are poor.

Symptoms of Dysentery — Expanded Explanation

Dysentery symptoms can vary from mild discomfort to life-threatening illness.
They usually begin 1–3 days after exposure to contaminated food or water.

Below are the key symptoms in detail:

1. Bloody Diarrhoea

This is the hallmark of dysentery.
Blood appears because harmful bacteria or parasites damage the intestinal lining, creating small ulcers.
The stools may also look dark red, bright red, or mixed with mucus.

2. Frequent Loose Motions

Patients may pass stools multiple times a day—sometimes 10, 20, or even more.
Each episode causes fluid and salt loss, which can quickly lead to severe dehydration.

3. Abdominal Pain and Cramping

The intestines become inflamed, causing:

• sharp pain
• twisting cramps
• a heavy pressure in the lower abdomen

These cramps often worsen right before a bowel movement.

4. Fever With Diarrhoea

Bacterial dysentery commonly causes mild to high fever because the body is fighting the infection.
Amoebic dysentery may cause mild or no fever initially.

5. Tenesmus

A constant urge to pass stool even when the intestines are almost empty.
This happens because the inflamed intestines send false signals to the brain.

6. Nausea and Vomiting

These symptoms occur due to irritation in the stomach and dehydration.
When vomiting persists, the body loses even more fluids, increasing the risk of complications.

7. Severe Dehydration

Dehydration is the most dangerous complication of dysentery.
Signs include:

• dry mouth
• sunken eyes
• weakness
• reduced urination
• dizziness
• rapid heartbeat

In children, dehydration can develop much faster.

8. Fatigue and Weakness

Because of the constant loss of water, salt, and nutrients, the body becomes extremely weak.
The person may feel exhausted even after slight activity.

Causes of Dysentery — Fully Expanded

Dysentery spreads mainly via the fecal–oral route, meaning germs enter the mouth from contaminated sources.

Detailed causes include:

1. Bacterial Infection

The most common bacteria causing dysentery are:

• Shigella → causes Shigellosis
• E. coli → produces toxins
• Salmonella → from infected poultry/eggs
• Campylobacter → from undercooked meat

These bacteria multiply quickly and spread rapidly within communities, especially where hygiene standards are poor.

2. Parasitic Infection

Entamoeba histolytica lives in the intestine and forms cysts that spread through water and food.
The parasite can remain in the body for months if untreated.

3. Contaminated Water

This is one of the biggest causes of dysentery worldwide, especially in rainy seasons and areas with poor water filtration.

4. Contaminated Food

Food left uncovered or handled without hygiene can carry bacteria and parasites.
Street food, cut fruits, raw vegetables, and salads are common sources.

5. Poor Sanitation

Open defecation, unclean toilets, blocked drainage, and lack of proper waste disposal make it easier for infections to spread.

6. Unwashed Hands

Touching food with contaminated hands directly transfers bacteria and parasites to the mouth.

Diagnosis of Dysentery — Detailed Medical Approach

Correct diagnosis is important because treatment differs for bacterial and amoebic dysentery.

Diagnostic methods include:

1. Stool Test

Identifies blood, mucus, bacteria, or parasites.
Doctors examine stool under a microscope to detect Entamoeba histolytica cysts or trophozoites.

2. Stool Culture

This test grows bacteria from the stool to identify the exact microorganism (e.g., Shigella or Salmonella).
This helps select the right antibiotic.

3. PCR Test

A modern, highly sensitive test to detect bacterial DNA in severe cases.

4. CBC (Complete Blood Count)

Checks infection level and detects anemia caused by blood loss.

5. Electrolyte Test

Measures sodium, potassium, and chloride levels, which often drop during severe diarrhoea.

Treatment of Dysentery — Fully Expanded & Jargon-Free

Dysentery needs proper treatment depending on the cause.

1. ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution)

The first and most important treatment.
ORS replaces fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhoea and prevents dehydration.

2. Antibiotics (For Bacillary Dysentery)

Doctors prescribe antibiotics only after confirming bacterial infection.

Common antibiotics include:

• Ciprofloxacin
• Azithromycin
• Ceftriaxone

They reduce fever, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain quickly.

3. Antiparasitic Medicines (For Amoebic Dysentery)

These medicines kill the parasite directly.

Most common include:

• Metronidazole
• Tinidazole
• Ornidazole

A full course is necessary to prevent recurrence.

4. IV Fluids

Used in cases of:

• severe dehydration
• persistent vomiting
• inability to drink fluids

IV fluids stabilise the patient quickly.

5. Probiotics

Helpful in restoring normal gut bacteria after infection and antibiotics.

6. Antispasmodic Medicines

Reduce abdominal cramps and discomfort.

Home Care and Supportive Measures — Expanded

Home care is essential to support medical treatment.

1. Hydration Therapy

The body loses large amounts of water and salts.
Hydration options include:

• ORS
• Coconut water
• Rice water
• Clear vegetable soup
• Sugar and salt solution

Small frequent sips are better than large amounts at once.

2. Bland Diet

Eating light foods reduces digestive stress.

Best foods include:

• Bananas
• Rice
• Curd rice
• Toast
• Boiled potatoes
• Khichdi

Avoid raw vegetables, oily food, and heavy meals.

3. Avoid Dairy (During acute bacterial dysentery)

Milk may worsen diarrhoea for some people.

4. Adequate Rest

The body needs time and energy to fight the infection.

5. Maintain Hygiene at Home

Ensure the toilet is cleaned and disinfected regularly to prevent spreading dysentery to family members.

Complications of Untreated Dysentery — Explained in Detail

Ignoring dysentery can lead to:

• Severe dehydration
• Electrolyte imbalance
• Intestinal ulcers
• Kidney complications
• Malnutrition
• Toxic megacolon (rare)
• Sepsis (blood infection)

These can become life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Prevention of Dysentery — Detailed Tips

Prevention is always better than cure.

Ways to protect yourself:

✔ Drink safe, purified or boiled water

✔ Wash hands before eating

✔ Avoid street food

✔ Keep cooked food covered

✔ Maintain clean toilets

✔ Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly

✔ Ensure kids follow hygiene habits

FAQs

What are the first signs of dysentery?

Bloody diarrhoea, stomach cramps, fever, and dehydration are early signs. If symptoms worsen, seek medical care immediately.

What causes dysentery?

Dysentery is caused by contaminated water, food, bacteria like Shigella, or parasites like Entamoeba histolytica.

How can dysentery be cured?

ORS for hydration, antibiotics for bacterial dysentery, antiparasitic drugs for amoebiasis, and supportive care.

What should I eat during dysentery?

Eat soft foods like khichdi, rice, curd rice, bananas, and boiled potatoes. Avoid spicy and oily foods.

Is dysentery dangerous?

Yes, untreated dysentery can cause severe dehydration and complications. Early treatment is crucial.

How long does dysentery last?

Usually 3–7 days with treatment. Severe or untreated cases may last longer.

Can dysentery spread to others?

Yes, it is highly contagious through contaminated food, water, and unwashed hands.

Do antibiotics work for all types of dysentery?

No. Antibiotics only work for bacterial dysentery. Amoebic dysentery requires antiparasitic medicines.

When should I see a doctor?

If you notice blood in stool, fever, severe cramps, dehydration, or symptoms lasting more than 2 days.

How do I prevent dysentery?

Drink safe water, wash hands, avoid street food, and maintain proper hygiene.