Although dysentery was more common historically, people still get dysentery today.
About half a million people in the United States get dysentery each year.
Heres what you should know about the signs of dysentery, and when to get medical attention.
Verywell / Laura Porter
What Is Dysentery?
Dysentery is severediarrheathat is sparked by infection.
Dysentery Symptoms and Types
There are two types of dysentery, both resulting from microorganisms.
The most common in the United States, and around the world is bacillary dysentery.
This key in, because of the bacteria from the familyShigella, is also known as shigellosis.
Amebic dysentery is the second form of the condition.
Amebic dysentery is brought on by contact with a certain protozoa, a single-celled parasite.
In this case, the protozoa isE.
Heres where things get a bit confusing.
Not all people who come into contact withE.
Person-to-person transmission of dysentery is also common.
This is easier than it may sound.
If someone with the condition doesnt wash their hands properly, they may have fecal matter on their fingers.
Anything they touch, like food or a cup, can then become infected.
Diagnosis and Treatment
The treatment for dysentery will depend on what bang out you contract.
Your healthcare provider will ask you about your symptoms and recent travel, if any.
Shigella can resolve on its own.
Its important to get plenty of rest and hydration while you have shigella.
In some cases, shigella will be treated with an antibiotic.
Amebiasis often requires treatment with antibiotics, even if you dont develop symptoms.
You might need two different types of antibiotics.
Prevention
There are two schools of thought for preventing dysentery.
The first to be aware of is reducing risk for contracting the disease in the first place.
This is particularly important for people who are traveling to areas that have a higher rate of dysentery.
However, most people in the United States are at a very low risk for contracting dysentery.
If youre worried that you may be suffering from dysentery, contact your healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dysentery is sparked by parasites or bacteria.
you might catch dysentery by eating food or beverages that are contaminated withShigellabacteriaor the protozoaE.
histolytica.Swimming in infected waters or being in contact with an infected individual can also cause dysentery.
Dysentery is a punch in of diarrhea that is resulting from a bacterial or parasitic infection.
It is sometimes known as traveler’s diarrhea.
Diarrhea can have other causes such as a virus or other pathogen, allergy, or food intolerance.
Dysentery is commonly treated with antibiotics, although it sometimes resolves on its own.
Over-the-counter medicines containing bismuth subsalicylate, such as Pepto Bismol or Kaopectate, may help relieve dysentery symptoms.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About shigella infection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Signs and symptoms of shigella infection.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.About amebiasis.
