Dysentery : A Gut Feeling You Don't Want
Dysentery is a severe intestinal infection characterized by intense diarrhea, often accompanied by stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting. While generally unpleasant, dysentery can become dangerous if untreated, potentially leading to dehydration and malnutrition. Let’s explore this issue further. Causes of Dysentery Dysentery can result from bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections. Here are the main culprits: Bacteria: Shigella bacteria is the primary cause of bacterial dysentery. It spreads through contaminated food or water, often due to poor sanitation practices. Virus: Rotavirus commonly causes viral dysentery, especially in children. It’s highly contagious and spreads through fecal-oral contact. Parasite: Amoebic dysentery is caused by the Entamoeba histolytica parasite, found in contaminated food or water. Signs and Symptoms The symptoms of dysentery include: Frequent, watery diarrhea with blood or mucus Severe stomach cramps Nausea and vomiting Fever Dehydration (dry mouth,