Dysentery is one of the oldest known and most common gastrointestinal disorders but its notoriety cannot take away the discomfort and pain it brings along with it. The disorder is a general term for a group of gastrointestinal disorders that usually attacks the intestines, particularly the colon causing inflammation. Dysentery may lead to severe diarrhea accompanied with blood and mucus in the stools, and it may prove fatal if left untreated, especially if the person suffering from it cannot replenish the fluids lost.
In most situations, signs and symptoms of dysentery are mild and most people try and use home remedies to cure it. This is, however, discouraged in Western Europe, North American and many other countries, as dysentery falls under the ‘notifiable disease’ list and local authorities need to be informed about such cases. There are two main types of dysentery; one is bacillary dysentery and the other amoebic dysentery. Bacillary dysentery is caused by a bacterium called Shingella, it is common type of this condition for people who haven’t been to the tropics. Amoebic dysentery on the other hand, is caused by Entamoeba Histolytica, a type of amoeba commonly found in the tropics. This is probably why people living or who have recently visited the tropics and have diarrhea might have more severe symptoms as compared to people living in developed countries.
Symptoms of dysentery usually show after one to three days after the person has been infected with the bacteria, or what is more commonly known as the ‘incubation period’. The signs and symptoms of diarrhea are abdominal pain, watery diarrhea (with or without blood/mucus/pus), nausea and vomiting, painful passage of stools, infrequent constipation, and fever and chills.
Milder forms of dysentery can also be treated using natural remedies, in conjunction with medication provided by a health care professional. Here are some home remedies for dysentery to alleviate some of the symptoms:
You need to make sure you avoid foods that will aggravate the condition. Avoid milk and dairy products, except for yoghurt. Stay on a clear liquid diet like chicken broth or Jell-O. Also steer clear of foods like beans, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bread, pasta, wheat products, apples, prunes, corn, pears, peaches, potatoes, oats, and processed bran. You can eat brown rice that has been boiled for 45 minutes and drink the water as well.
Keep yourself hydrated. Water is the best hydrant for your body to replace the fluids lost and flush out toxins. Alternatively, you can also have carrot, pomegranate, ginger and lemon juice. Consult your doctor and remember natural remedies are not substitutes for medical treatment.
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Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.