Cholera
Cholera is a bacterial infection that causes diarrhea. The cholera bacterium is usually found in water or food that has been contaminated by feces (poop). Cholera is rare in the US. You may get it if you travel to parts of the world with poor water and sewage treatment. Outbreaks can also happen after disasters. The disease is not likely to spread directly from person to person.
Cholera infections are often mild. Some people don't have any symptoms. If you do get symptoms, they usually start 2 to 3 days after infection. The most common symptom is watery diarrhea.
In some cases, the infection can be severe, causing lots of watery diarrhea, vomiting, and leg cramps. Because you quickly lose body fluids, you are at risk for dehydration and shock. Without treatment, you could die within hours. If you think that you might have cholera, you should get medical care right away.
Doctors diagnose cholera with a stool sample or rectal swab. Treatment is the replacement of the fluid and salts that you lost through the diarrhea. This is usually with a rehydration solution that you drink. People with severe cases may need an I.V. to replace the fluids. Some of them may also need antibiotics. Most people who get fluid replacement right away will recover.
There are vaccines to prevent cholera. One of them is available for adults in the U.S. Very few Americans need it, because most people do not visit areas that have an active cholera outbreak.
There are also simple steps you can take to help to prevent cholera infection:
- Use only bottled or purified water for drinking, washing dishes, making ice cubes, and brushing your teeth
- If you do use tap water, boil it or use iodine tablets
- Wash your hands often with soap and clean water
- Make sure that the cooked food you eat is fully cooked and served hot
- Avoid unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Felter's Materia Medica on Cholera
AGARICUS (Amanita muscaria)
The fungus Amanita muscaria, Persoon; (Agaricus muscarius, Linné.) (Nat. Ord. Fungi.) An extremely poisonous fungus found in the pine forests of... / ...eath Cup. Common in the United States and the cause of many fatal poisonings. Gastro-enteritis with choleraic diarrhoea occurs, with death within two to four days. It contains muscarine and a toxalbum... / ...by Eclectic practitioners. Muscarine is used in atropine and belladonna poisoning, sometimes being employed in place of eserine (physostigmine). 1
The fungus Amanita muscaria, Persoon; (Agaricus muscarius, Linné.) (Nat. Ord. Fungi.) An extremely poisonous fungus found in the pine forests of... / ...eath Cup. Common in the United States and the cause of many fatal poisonings. Gastro-enteritis with choleraic diarrhoea occurs, with death within two to four days. It contains muscarine and a toxalbum... / ...by Eclectic practitioners. Muscarine is used in atropine and belladonna poisoning, sometimes being employed in place of eserine (physostigmine). 1
AMYGDALUS PERSICA
The leaves and bark of the twigs of Amygdalus Persica, Linné (Nat. Ord. Rosaceae). Native to Persia. Cultivated everywhere. Common Name: Peach... / ...cularly in children, and in the irritable stomach of phthisis. Scudder valued it in the vomiting of cholera infantum. We believe the failure of many to obtain results from amygdalus in vomiting is due... / ...It is of less value for cough than wild cherry or hydrocyanic acid. For the latter the infusion or the specific medicine may be used. 1
The leaves and bark of the twigs of Amygdalus Persica, Linné (Nat. Ord. Rosaceae). Native to Persia. Cultivated everywhere. Common Name: Peach... / ...cularly in children, and in the irritable stomach of phthisis. Scudder valued it in the vomiting of cholera infantum. We believe the failure of many to obtain results from amygdalus in vomiting is due... / ...It is of less value for cough than wild cherry or hydrocyanic acid. For the latter the infusion or the specific medicine may be used. 1
CALUMBA (Jateorhiza palmata)JAPA2
The root of Jateorhiza palmata (Lamarck), Miers (Nat. Ord. Menispermaceae). A climbing perennial, the Kalumb of the Southeast coast of Africa.... / ...d and poor digestion, with pain or without pain, immediately upon eating. After the active stage of cholera morbus, cholera infantum, acute diarrhoea, and dysentery it may be given to promote the appe... / ...local action, and indirectly, by favoring better digestion, the quality of the blood is improved, hence its value in anemia during convalescence.1
The root of Jateorhiza palmata (Lamarck), Miers (Nat. Ord. Menispermaceae). A climbing perennial, the Kalumb of the Southeast coast of Africa.... / ...d and poor digestion, with pain or without pain, immediately upon eating. After the active stage of cholera morbus, cholera infantum, acute diarrhoea, and dysentery it may be given to promote the appe... / ...local action, and indirectly, by favoring better digestion, the quality of the blood is improved, hence its value in anemia during convalescence.1
COLCHICUMCOLCH
The dried (I) root and (II) seed of Colchicum autumnale, Linné (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae.) England and other parts of Europe. Dose, Corm, 1 to 5... / ...ling. Poisonous doses produce a violent gastro-enteric irritation, with symptoms much like those of choleraagonizing griping, painful muscular cramps in the legs and feet, large but not bloody evacuat...1
The dried (I) root and (II) seed of Colchicum autumnale, Linné (Nat. Ord. Liliaceae.) England and other parts of Europe. Dose, Corm, 1 to 5... / ...ling. Poisonous doses produce a violent gastro-enteric irritation, with symptoms much like those of choleraagonizing griping, painful muscular cramps in the legs and feet, large but not bloody evacuat...1
COLOCYNTHIS
The dried, peeled pulp of the fruit of Citrullus Colocynthis (Linné,) Schrader. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) Mediterranean basin of Europe, Asia,... / ...f tincture of capsicum may be added to the mixture. With similar symptoms minute doses act well in cholera infantum; in chronic diarrhoea with slimy stools and tympanites; in diarrhoea from overeatin... / ...of the fifth nerve, when the characteristic cutting pain prevails. It should be given also when colicky pain precedes or accompanies amenorrhoea.1
The dried, peeled pulp of the fruit of Citrullus Colocynthis (Linné,) Schrader. (Nat. Ord. Cucurbitaceae.) Mediterranean basin of Europe, Asia,... / ...f tincture of capsicum may be added to the mixture. With similar symptoms minute doses act well in cholera infantum; in chronic diarrhoea with slimy stools and tympanites; in diarrhoea from overeatin... / ...of the fifth nerve, when the characteristic cutting pain prevails. It should be given also when colicky pain precedes or accompanies amenorrhoea.1
DIOSCOREA
The rhizome of Dioscorea villosa, Linné (Nat. Ord. Dioscoreaceae). A vine found throughout the United States. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common Names:... / ...lious colic, but it acts similarly in paroxysmal pain, with contraction of the muscular tissues, in cholera morbus, indigestion, and dysenteric tenesmus. Ovarian neuralgia and spasmodic dysmenorrhea ... / ...does not dissolve calculi. Usually, while there is much tenderness in cases requiring dioscorea, the distress is gradually relieved by pressure.1
The rhizome of Dioscorea villosa, Linné (Nat. Ord. Dioscoreaceae). A vine found throughout the United States. Dose, 5 to 60 grains. Common Names:... / ...lious colic, but it acts similarly in paroxysmal pain, with contraction of the muscular tissues, in cholera morbus, indigestion, and dysenteric tenesmus. Ovarian neuralgia and spasmodic dysmenorrhea ... / ...does not dissolve calculi. Usually, while there is much tenderness in cases requiring dioscorea, the distress is gradually relieved by pressure.1
EPILOBIUMEPPU2
The leaves and tops of Epilobium angustifolium, Linné, and Epilobium palustre, Linné (Nat. Ord. Onagraceae). North America. Dose, 10 to 60... / ... check the summer diarrheas of young children mucoenteritis, enterocolitis, gastro-enteritis, and cholera infantum. The experience of physicians justifies these claims. The indication is greenish di... / ...preparation. It may be prepared in the usual way, and aromatized with essence of peppermint and preserved with a small quantity of glycerin.1
The leaves and tops of Epilobium angustifolium, Linné, and Epilobium palustre, Linné (Nat. Ord. Onagraceae). North America. Dose, 10 to 60... / ... check the summer diarrheas of young children mucoenteritis, enterocolitis, gastro-enteritis, and cholera infantum. The experience of physicians justifies these claims. The indication is greenish di... / ...preparation. It may be prepared in the usual way, and aromatized with essence of peppermint and preserved with a small quantity of glycerin.1
ERIGERONERAR32
...bladder, and in diseases of the mucous membranes attended by free discharges (Scudder). Infusion, choleraic discharges, sudden, gushing, and watery, attended with thirst and cramping pain, and somet......infusion is a deservedly popular remedy for profuse summer diarrheas of infants, especially that of cholera infantum and gastroenteritis. It is indicated by the suddenly gushing and copious evacuation...1
...bladder, and in diseases of the mucous membranes attended by free discharges (Scudder). Infusion, choleraic discharges, sudden, gushing, and watery, attended with thirst and cramping pain, and somet......infusion is a deservedly popular remedy for profuse summer diarrheas of infants, especially that of cholera infantum and gastroenteritis. It is indicated by the suddenly gushing and copious evacuation...1
EUPHORBIA COROLLATA
...rges, with debility; long-pointed tongue, with prominent papillae; uneasy sensation in the stomach; cholera infantum, with hot, tumid abdomen and constant desire to defecate, the stools being greenish...... often relieves diarrhea and dysentery, with full and tenesmic passages. It is especially useful in cholera infantum, with hot, tender abdomen and constant desire to go to stool, the discharges being ...1
...rges, with debility; long-pointed tongue, with prominent papillae; uneasy sensation in the stomach; cholera infantum, with hot, tumid abdomen and constant desire to defecate, the stools being greenish...... often relieves diarrhea and dysentery, with full and tenesmic passages. It is especially useful in cholera infantum, with hot, tender abdomen and constant desire to go to stool, the discharges being ...1
EUPHORBIA HYPERICIFOLIA
The entire plant Euphorbia (Chamaesyce) hypericifolia, Linné (Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae). A common weed in rich soils of gardens and waste... / ...stro-intestinal irritation with watery and mucoid discharges, having been used most successfully in cholera infantum, cholera morbus, muco-enteritis and dysentery, after the acute inflammation has sub...1
The entire plant Euphorbia (Chamaesyce) hypericifolia, Linné (Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae). A common weed in rich soils of gardens and waste... / ...stro-intestinal irritation with watery and mucoid discharges, having been used most successfully in cholera infantum, cholera morbus, muco-enteritis and dysentery, after the acute inflammation has sub...1
GERANIUMGERAN
The rhizome of Geranium maculatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Geraniaceae). Common in the rich soils of woods and low grounds in the United States. Dose, 5... / ...f the mucosa following inflammation. For the summer diarrheas of older children, and especially the cholera infantum of infants, it is splendidly effective after the bowels have been thoroughly cleans... / ...correct excessive acidity, check hemorrhage, and relieve pain; sometimes healing appears to progress rapidly under their influence.1
The rhizome of Geranium maculatum, Linné (Nat. Ord. Geraniaceae). Common in the rich soils of woods and low grounds in the United States. Dose, 5... / ...f the mucosa following inflammation. For the summer diarrheas of older children, and especially the cholera infantum of infants, it is splendidly effective after the bowels have been thoroughly cleans... / ...correct excessive acidity, check hemorrhage, and relieve pain; sometimes healing appears to progress rapidly under their influence.1
IRISIRIS
The rhizome and roots of Iris versicolor, Linné (Nat. Ord. Iridaceae). Common in wet places in the United States. Dose, 5 to 20 grains. Common... / ... gastric irritation, with nausea, vomiting, and gastralgia. In like doses it is sometimes useful in cholera infantum, and in either diarrhea or dysentery, both with large, slimy evacuations, repeated ...1
The rhizome and roots of Iris versicolor, Linné (Nat. Ord. Iridaceae). Common in wet places in the United States. Dose, 5 to 20 grains. Common... / ... gastric irritation, with nausea, vomiting, and gastralgia. In like doses it is sometimes useful in cholera infantum, and in either diarrhea or dysentery, both with large, slimy evacuations, repeated ...1
OLEUM CAJUPUTI
...h 1 fluidounce dissolved in 4 fluidounces of alcohol. A popular antispasmodic during the Cincinnati cholera epidemics of 1849-51. Dose, 10 to 60 drops well diluted, or in syrup, mucilage, brandy, or s......hronic forms of bronchitis and laryngitis. The Compound Cajuput Mixture is a most valuable agent in cholera morbus, being used by Eclectic practitioners oftener than any other medicine, except in seve...1
...h 1 fluidounce dissolved in 4 fluidounces of alcohol. A popular antispasmodic during the Cincinnati cholera epidemics of 1849-51. Dose, 10 to 60 drops well diluted, or in syrup, mucilage, brandy, or s......hronic forms of bronchitis and laryngitis. The Compound Cajuput Mixture is a most valuable agent in cholera morbus, being used by Eclectic practitioners oftener than any other medicine, except in seve...1
RHUS AROMATICA
The bark of the root of Rhus aromatica, Aiton (Nat. Ord. Anacardiaceae). A small shrub of the rocky regions of eastern United States. Dose, 5 to... / ... expectoration. Fragrant sumach often restrains diarrhoea of the free and painless type, notably in cholera infantum. In all disorders fragrant sumach should not be used where there is inflammation. T... / ...four hours.1
The bark of the root of Rhus aromatica, Aiton (Nat. Ord. Anacardiaceae). A small shrub of the rocky regions of eastern United States. Dose, 5 to... / ... expectoration. Fragrant sumach often restrains diarrhoea of the free and painless type, notably in cholera infantum. In all disorders fragrant sumach should not be used where there is inflammation. T... / ...four hours.1
URTICA
...pecific Medicine Urtica. Dose, 1/2 to 20 drops. Specific Indications.Excessive mucous discharges; choleraic discharges; profuse gastric secretion, with eructations and vomiting; eczema of infants. A......oil and asepsin soap. Its internal use should accompany its external application. Internal. Profuse choleraic and excessive mucous discharges, as in cholera infantum and dysentery, are reputed to have...1
...pecific Medicine Urtica. Dose, 1/2 to 20 drops. Specific Indications.Excessive mucous discharges; choleraic discharges; profuse gastric secretion, with eructations and vomiting; eczema of infants. A......oil and asepsin soap. Its internal use should accompany its external application. Internal. Profuse choleraic and excessive mucous discharges, as in cholera infantum and dysentery, are reputed to have...1
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Materia Medica on Cholera
BENNE
The leaves of SESAMUM INDICUM, Lin. Mucilaginous, emol lient, vulnerary. Used in cholera infantum, dysentery, etc.2
The leaves of SESAMUM INDICUM, Lin. Mucilaginous, emol lient, vulnerary. Used in cholera infantum, dysentery, etc.2
CERIUM OXALATE
The most efficient remedy we have for vomiting depending on pregnancy or uterine irritation. Has been used in sea-sickness and in cholera with good results. Does not replace Bismuth in relieving gastric irritation. Dose, 0.06 to 0.3 or o.o'Grm. (1 to 5 or 10 grs.).2
The most efficient remedy we have for vomiting depending on pregnancy or uterine irritation. Has been used in sea-sickness and in cholera with good results. Does not replace Bismuth in relieving gastric irritation. Dose, 0.06 to 0.3 or o.o'Grm. (1 to 5 or 10 grs.).2
CHLORODYNE
A popular combination of anodynes much used for relief of colic, cholera morbus and spasmodic pains in general. Each fluidrachm contains; Morphine Hydrochloride, 3-8 gr.; Tincture Cannabis Indica 11 1/4 M; Acid Hydrocyanic, diluted, 1 1/8 M; Chloroform, 5 3/4 M]; Oil Peppermint, 3-16 M; Tincture Capsicum, §/3 Ill. Dose for an adult, 0.3 to 1.0 c. c. (5 to 15 M), repeated in % to 1 hour when necessary to control pain.2
A popular combination of anodynes much used for relief of colic, cholera morbus and spasmodic pains in general. Each fluidrachm contains; Morphine Hydrochloride, 3-8 gr.; Tincture Cannabis Indica 11 1/4 M; Acid Hydrocyanic, diluted, 1 1/8 M; Chloroform, 5 3/4 M]; Oil Peppermint, 3-16 M; Tincture Capsicum, §/3 Ill. Dose for an adult, 0.3 to 1.0 c. c. (5 to 15 M), repeated in % to 1 hour when necessary to control pain.2
SALOL
A compound of PHENOL with SALICYLIC ACID, having the proper ties of both of its constituents. Used as an intestinal ant iseptic; in rheumatism and neuralgia; in intestinal indigestion, fermentative diarrhea, cholera morbus, and asiatic cholera; in duodenal catarrhand catarrhal jaundice, and in gonorrhea. Contra-indicated where there is congestion or inflammation of the kidneys. Ordinary adult dose, 0.2 to 0.3 Grm. (3 to 5 grs.) three or four times a day. [Since Saloi is insoluble in water and a2
A compound of PHENOL with SALICYLIC ACID, having the proper ties of both of its constituents. Used as an intestinal ant iseptic; in rheumatism and neuralgia; in intestinal indigestion, fermentative diarrhea, cholera morbus, and asiatic cholera; in duodenal catarrhand catarrhal jaundice, and in gonorrhea. Contra-indicated where there is congestion or inflammation of the kidneys. Ordinary adult dose, 0.2 to 0.3 Grm. (3 to 5 grs.) three or four times a day. [Since Saloi is insoluble in water and a2
WILD YAMDIVI4
The rhizome of DIOSCOREA VILLOSA, Lin. Antispasmodic, anodyne; used for relief of bilious colic, of dysmenorrhea, of the cramps and tormina of cholera morbus, etc.2
The rhizome of DIOSCOREA VILLOSA, Lin. Antispasmodic, anodyne; used for relief of bilious colic, of dysmenorrhea, of the cramps and tormina of cholera morbus, etc.2
WARNING: All medicines, drugs, plants, chemicals or medicial precedures below are for historical reference only. Many of these treatments are now known to be harmful and possibly fatal. Do not consume any plant, chemical, drug or otherwise without first consulting a licensed physician that practices medine in the appropriate field.
Physician's Therapeutics Memoranda on Cholera
CHOLERA, ASIATIC
As prophylactic measures, avoid all uncooked foods,... / ...aHy water that has not been boiled; sulphuric acid lemonade. In early stage, camphor, salol and salophen; diluted sulphuric acid, which de stroys the cholera bacillus. Large rectal injections of a solution of common salt, 1 drachm to the pint. To relieve pain, chlorodyne; morphine only in urgent cas...2
As prophylactic measures, avoid all uncooked foods,... / ...aHy water that has not been boiled; sulphuric acid lemonade. In early stage, camphor, salol and salophen; diluted sulphuric acid, which de stroys the cholera bacillus. Large rectal injections of a solution of common salt, 1 drachm to the pint. To relieve pain, chlorodyne; morphine only in urgent cas...2
CHOLERA INFANTUM
Withheld milk, substituting the juice of raw beef. , If irritant un digested food is present, give castor oil (aromatic); if stools are wa tery and colorless, give podophy1lin(1-20 gr. repeated in 2 hours), to change character of stools, then give astringents and carminatives. If vomiting is severe the best remedy is calomel in small repeated doses. Irrigation of the bowels with water at 100° F. is often useful. Apply a mild mustard or spice poultice over the bowels.2
Withheld milk, substituting the juice of raw beef. , If irritant un digested food is present, give castor oil (aromatic); if stools are wa tery and colorless, give podophy1lin(1-20 gr. repeated in 2 hours), to change character of stools, then give astringents and carminatives. If vomiting is severe the best remedy is calomel in small repeated doses. Irrigation of the bowels with water at 100° F. is often useful. Apply a mild mustard or spice poultice over the bowels.2
CHOLERA MORBUS
Apply hot mustard poultice over abdomen. Calomel may be given in the outset or castor oil to free bowel of irritant matter. Give aromatic sulphuric acid with carminatives and intestinal antisep tics. Large rectal injections of water as hot as can be borne often give prompt relief.2
Apply hot mustard poultice over abdomen. Calomel may be given in the outset or castor oil to free bowel of irritant matter. Give aromatic sulphuric acid with carminatives and intestinal antisep tics. Large rectal injections of water as hot as can be borne often give prompt relief.2
DIARRHEA
See also Cholera Infantum, Cholera Morbus and Dysentery. Simple Atonic Diarrhea is best treated by opium combined with gastric and intestinal stimulants, carmi...... best treated by opium combined with gastric and intestinal stimulants, carminatives and astringents. Chlorodyne is an efficient remedy, also the sun cholera mixture and similar formulas given under Astringents, Intestinal in Part II. Many cases of diarrhea are best treated in the outset with a mer ...2
See also Cholera Infantum, Cholera Morbus and Dysentery. Simple Atonic Diarrhea is best treated by opium combined with gastric and intestinal stimulants, carmi...... best treated by opium combined with gastric and intestinal stimulants, carminatives and astringents. Chlorodyne is an efficient remedy, also the sun cholera mixture and similar formulas given under Astringents, Intestinal in Part II. Many cases of diarrhea are best treated in the outset with a mer ...2
References
1) Felter, Harvey Wickes, 1922, The Eclectic Materia Medica, Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Cincinnati, Ohio.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.
2) Nelson, Baker & Co., 1904, Physician's Handy Book of Materia Medica and Therapeustics, Detroit, Michigan.