Dysentery
What is diarrhea?
Diarrhea is loose, watery stools (bowel movements). You have diarrhea if you have loose stools three or more times in one day. Acute diarrhea is diarrhea that lasts a short time. It is a common problem. It usually lasts about one or two days, but it may last longer. Then it goes away on its own.
Diarrhea lasting more than a few days may be a sign of a more serious problem. Chronic diarrhea -- diarrhea that lasts at least four weeks -- can be a symptom of a chronic disease. Chronic diarrhea symptoms may be continual, or they may come and go.
What causes diarrhea?The most common causes of diarrhea include:
- Bacteria from contaminated food or water
- Viruses such as the flu, norovirus, or rotavirus . Rotavirus is the most common cause of acute diarrhea in children.
- Parasites, which are tiny organisms found in contaminated food or water
- Medicines such as antibiotics, cancer drugs, and antacids that contain magnesium
- Food intolerances and sensitivities, which are problems digesting certain ingredients or foods. An example is lactose intolerance.
- Diseases that affect the stomach, small intestine, or colon, such as Crohn's disease
- Problems with how the colon functions, such as irritable bowel syndrome
Some people also get diarrhea after stomach surgery, because sometimes the surgeries can cause food to move through your digestive system more quickly.
Sometimes no cause can be found. If your diarrhea goes away within a few days, finding the cause is usually not necessary.
Who is at risk for diarrhea?People of all ages can get diarrhea. On average, adults In the United States have acute diarrhea once a year. Young children have it an average of twice a year.
People who visit developing countries are at risk for traveler's diarrhea. It is caused by consuming contaminated food or water.
What other symptoms might I have with diarrhea?Other possible symptoms of diarrhea include:
- Cramps or pain in the abdomen
- An urgent need to use the bathroom
- Loss of bowel control
If a virus or bacteria is the cause of your diarrhea, you may also have a fever, chills, and bloody stools.
Diarrhea can cause dehydration, which means that your body does not have enough fluid to work properly. Dehydration can be serious, especially for children, older adults, and people with weakened immune systems.
When do I need to see a health care provider for diarrhea?Although it is usually not harmful, diarrhea can become dangerous or signal a more serious problem. Contact your health care provider if you have:
- Signs of dehydration
- Diarrhea for more than 2 days, if you are an adult. For children, contact the provider if it lasts more than 24 hours.
- Severe pain in your abdomen or rectum (for adults)
- A fever of 102 degrees or higher
- Stools containing blood or pus
- Stools that are black and tarry
If children have diarrhea, parents or caregivers should not hesitate to call a health care provider. Diarrhea can be especially dangerous in newborns and infants.
How is the cause of diarrhea diagnosed?To find the cause of diarrhea, your health care provider may:
- Do a physical exam
- Ask about any medicines you are taking
- Test your stool or blood to look for bacteria, parasites, or other signs of disease or infection
- Ask you to stop eating certain foods to see whether your diarrhea goes away
If you have chronic diarrhea, your health care provider may perform other tests to look for signs of disease.
What are the treatments for diarrhea?Diarrhea is treated by replacing lost fluids and electrolytes to prevent dehydration. Depending on the cause of the problem, you may need medicines to stop the diarrhea or treat an infection.
Adults with diarrhea should drink water, fruit juices, sports drinks, sodas without caffeine, and salty broths. As your symptoms improve, you can eat soft, bland food.
Children with diarrhea should be given oral rehydration solutions to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.
Can diarrhea be prevented?Two types of diarrhea can be prevented - rotavirus diarrhea and traveler's diarrhea. There are vaccines for rotavirus. They are given to babies in two or three doses.
You can help prevent traveler's diarrhea by being careful about what you eat and drink when you are in developing countries:
- Use only bottled or purified water for drinking, making ice cubes, and brushing your teeth
- If you do use tap water, boil it or use iodine tablets
- Make sure that the cooked food you eat is fully cooked and served hot
- Avoid unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
NIH: National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases
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 Dysentery
ACACIAACACI
The dried gummy exudate of Acacia Senegal, Willdenow; and of some other African species of Acacia. (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae.) Eastern Africa... / ...arations for coughs, colds, hoarseness, pharyngitis, gastric irritation and inflammation, diarrhea, dysentery, ardor urinae, etc. It also forms a good mucilage in which to suspend heavy and insoluble ... / ...by irritant and corrosive poisons. Acacia may be given freely and at pleasure, in the form of owder, troches, mucilage, or syrup, as desired. 1
The dried gummy exudate of Acacia Senegal, Willdenow; and of some other African species of Acacia. (Nat. Ord. Leguminosae.) Eastern Africa... / ...arations for coughs, colds, hoarseness, pharyngitis, gastric irritation and inflammation, diarrhea, dysentery, ardor urinae, etc. It also forms a good mucilage in which to suspend heavy and insoluble ... / ...by irritant and corrosive poisons. Acacia may be given freely and at pleasure, in the form of owder, troches, mucilage, or syrup, as desired. 1
ALTHÆA OFFICINALIS
The decorticated dried root of Althaea officinalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Malvaceae), a plant of salt marshes, river banks, and moist, sandy soils.... / ...Therapy. External. A soothing application to inflamed surfaces; and may be used as an injection for dysentery, acute vaginitis, and the acute stage of gonorrhea. A favorite gargle for irritated throat... / ...if starch, with some mucilage is needed, a decoction. It may be given freely. A syrup of marshmallow is a good vehicle for pectoral medication. 1
The decorticated dried root of Althaea officinalis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Malvaceae), a plant of salt marshes, river banks, and moist, sandy soils.... / ...Therapy. External. A soothing application to inflamed surfaces; and may be used as an injection for dysentery, acute vaginitis, and the acute stage of gonorrhea. A favorite gargle for irritated throat... / ...if starch, with some mucilage is needed, a decoction. It may be given freely. A syrup of marshmallow is a good vehicle for pectoral medication. 1
ARNICA MONTANA
The dried flower-heads of Arnica montana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A perennial of Siberia and the cooler parts of Europe; also found in... / ... as arnica. Arnica will prove useful in the depression occasioned by extreme forms of diarrhoea and dysentery when the discharges escape control. In so-called typhoid pneumoniawhich is but pneumonia...1
The dried flower-heads of Arnica montana, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A perennial of Siberia and the cooler parts of Europe; also found in... / ... as arnica. Arnica will prove useful in the depression occasioned by extreme forms of diarrhoea and dysentery when the discharges escape control. In so-called typhoid pneumoniawhich is but pneumonia...1
AVENA SATIVA
The unripe seed of the Avena sativa, Linné, and the farina derived from the ripened seed (Nat. Ord. Graminaceae). Probably indigenous to Sicily... / ...nd suffering from summer diarrhoeal disorders. It is also used as a demulcent drink in diarrhea and dysentery of adults. When so used, it should be about the consistence of milk. Oatmeal gruel, when n... / ...off the habit has not been sustained. In our own experience we have utterly failed to accomplish any good with it in any form of drug habit. 1
The unripe seed of the Avena sativa, Linné, and the farina derived from the ripened seed (Nat. Ord. Graminaceae). Probably indigenous to Sicily... / ...nd suffering from summer diarrhoeal disorders. It is also used as a demulcent drink in diarrhea and dysentery of adults. When so used, it should be about the consistence of milk. Oatmeal gruel, when n... / ...off the habit has not been sustained. In our own experience we have utterly failed to accomplish any good with it in any form of drug habit. 1
BAPTISIA
... which is most generally predominantly typhoid, is equally influenced for good by baptisia. Typhoid dysentery and typhoid pneumonia, so called, are helped by it just in proportion to the typhoid eleme......yphoid pneumonia, so called, are helped by it just in proportion to the typhoid element present. In dysentery the greater the evidence of intestinal ulceration the stronger the call for baptisia. For ...1
... which is most generally predominantly typhoid, is equally influenced for good by baptisia. Typhoid dysentery and typhoid pneumonia, so called, are helped by it just in proportion to the typhoid eleme......yphoid pneumonia, so called, are helped by it just in proportion to the typhoid element present. In dysentery the greater the evidence of intestinal ulceration the stronger the call for baptisia. For ...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.... / ...ately upon eating. After the active stage of cholera morbus, cholera infantum, acute diarrhoea, and dysentery it may be given to promote the appetite and digestion. When desired calumba may be combine... / ...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.... / ...ately upon eating. After the active stage of cholera morbus, cholera infantum, acute diarrhoea, and dysentery it may be given to promote the appetite and digestion. When desired calumba may be combine... / ...local action, and indirectly, by favoring better digestion, the quality of the blood is improved, hence its value in anemia during convalescence.1
CINNAMOMUM
I. Cinnamomum Saigonicum. Dried bark of an undetermined species of Cinnamomum. Chiefly from China. II. Cinnamomum Zeylanicum. Dried bark of... / ...k or bismuth, or its equivalent in infusion has long figured in the treatment of diarrhea and acute dysentery, though it does not equal in the latter condition other agents which we now use specifical...1
I. Cinnamomum Saigonicum. Dried bark of an undetermined species of Cinnamomum. Chiefly from China. II. Cinnamomum Zeylanicum. Dried bark of... / ...k or bismuth, or its equivalent in infusion has long figured in the treatment of diarrhea and acute dysentery, though it does not equal in the latter condition other agents which we now use specifical...1
COLLINSONIA
The fresh root and plant of Collinsonia canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Labiatae.) Damp and rich soils of woods from Canada to Florida. Common... / ...dicine. Collinsonia relieves, to a lesser extent, subacute proctitis, the tenesmus of mild types of dysentery and diarrhoea and rectal pain following operations, as well as that of fissures, fistulae,... / ...disorder collinsonia is helpful, there is always a sense of weight and constriction, venous engorgement, dilated capillaries, and muscular atony.1
The fresh root and plant of Collinsonia canadensis, Linné (Nat. Ord. Labiatae.) Damp and rich soils of woods from Canada to Florida. Common... / ...dicine. Collinsonia relieves, to a lesser extent, subacute proctitis, the tenesmus of mild types of dysentery and diarrhoea and rectal pain following operations, as well as that of fissures, fistulae,... / ...disorder collinsonia is helpful, there is always a sense of weight and constriction, venous engorgement, dilated capillaries, and muscular atony.1
COLOCYNTHIS
...ng character, and if of the bowels, a desire to go to stool; visceral neuralgia, with cutting pain; dysentery, with tormina, and small passages of mucus, or diarrhoea with mucoid passages . and intens......c diarrhoea with slimy stools and tympanites; in diarrhoea from overeating or improper food; and in dysentery with great tormina, tenesmus and cutting pain, with ineffectual efforts at stool it is one...1
...ng character, and if of the bowels, a desire to go to stool; visceral neuralgia, with cutting pain; dysentery, with tormina, and small passages of mucus, or diarrhoea with mucoid passages . and intens......c diarrhoea with slimy stools and tympanites; in diarrhoea from overeating or improper food; and in dysentery with great tormina, tenesmus and cutting pain, with ineffectual efforts at stool it is one...1
CORYDALIS
The tubers of Dicentra canadensis, DeCandolle. (Nat. Ord. Fumariaceae.) Eastern half of the United States, in rich soils of woods. Dose, 10 to 60... / ...bjects it may be exhibited with good effect, and it may be given as a tonic in digestive atony with dysentery or diarrhea in pot-bellied children with foul breath and poor digestion. It should be revi...1
The tubers of Dicentra canadensis, DeCandolle. (Nat. Ord. Fumariaceae.) Eastern half of the United States, in rich soils of woods. Dose, 10 to 60... / ...bjects it may be exhibited with good effect, and it may be given as a tonic in digestive atony with dysentery or diarrhea in pot-bellied children with foul breath and poor digestion. It should be revi...1
EPILOBIUMEPPU2
...chronic diarrhoea with harsh, dirty-looking, contracted skin; diarrhoea of typhoid fever; typhoid dysentery. Action and Therapy.Epilobium is a remedy for the diarrhoea of debility and irritability...... indication is greenish discharges of half-digested food and mucus. It is equally useful in chronic dysentery and in that of a typhoid type. In most cases of intestinal irritation it acts well, and is...1
...chronic diarrhoea with harsh, dirty-looking, contracted skin; diarrhoea of typhoid fever; typhoid dysentery. Action and Therapy.Epilobium is a remedy for the diarrhoea of debility and irritability...... indication is greenish discharges of half-digested food and mucus. It is equally useful in chronic dysentery and in that of a typhoid type. In most cases of intestinal irritation it acts well, and is...1
ERIGERONERAR32
The whole plant of Erigeron canadense, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A common and troublesome weed through the northern and central parts of the... / ...to take the place of the natural fluids so greatly depleted by the discharges. It is also useful in dysentery with passages of mucus and blood. As a remedy for slight hemorrhages, as from the bowels a... / ...and moderate bleeding from the stomach, bowels, and kidneys. Given in syrup it is useful as a cough medicine when there is bloody expectoration.1
The whole plant of Erigeron canadense, Linné (Nat. Ord. Compositae). A common and troublesome weed through the northern and central parts of the... / ...to take the place of the natural fluids so greatly depleted by the discharges. It is also useful in dysentery with passages of mucus and blood. As a remedy for slight hemorrhages, as from the bowels a... / ...and moderate bleeding from the stomach, bowels, and kidneys. Given in syrup it is useful as a cough medicine when there is bloody expectoration.1
EUPHORBIA COROLLATA
The bark of the root of Euphorbia corollata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae). Dry fields and woods of Canada and the United States. Common Names:... / ...doses for irritation of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. It often relieves diarrhea and dysentery, with full and tenesmic passages. It is especially useful in cholera infantum, with hot, t... / ...from the pulmonic, gastro-intestinal, or urino-genital mucosa; or the tough, glutinous tracheo-broncho-pulmonic secretions, with irritation.1
The bark of the root of Euphorbia corollata, Linné (Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae). Dry fields and woods of Canada and the United States. Common Names:... / ...doses for irritation of the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts. It often relieves diarrhea and dysentery, with full and tenesmic passages. It is especially useful in cholera infantum, with hot, t... / ...from the pulmonic, gastro-intestinal, or urino-genital mucosa; or the tough, glutinous tracheo-broncho-pulmonic secretions, with irritation.1
EUPHORBIA HYPERICIFOLIA
The entire plant Euphorbia (Chamaesyce) hypericifolia, Linné (Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae). A common weed in rich soils of gardens and waste... / ...charges, having been used most successfully in cholera infantum, cholera morbus, muco-enteritis and dysentery, after the acute inflammation has subsided. For the first-named childs disorder it is on...1
The entire plant Euphorbia (Chamaesyce) hypericifolia, Linné (Nat. Ord. Euphorbiaceae). A common weed in rich soils of gardens and waste... / ...charges, having been used most successfully in cholera infantum, cholera morbus, muco-enteritis and dysentery, after the acute inflammation has subsided. For the first-named childs disorder it is on...1
GERANIUMGERAN
...ns.Relaxed mucous tissues with profuse debilitating discharges; chronic mucous diarrheas; chronic dysentery; diarrhoea with constant desire to defecate; passive hemorrhages; gastric ulcer. Action an......n milk. If that does not agree, small doses of the specific medicine in water may be employed. When dysentery tends to chronicity, the thorough use of magnesium sulphate followed by geranium will rend...1
...ns.Relaxed mucous tissues with profuse debilitating discharges; chronic mucous diarrheas; chronic dysentery; diarrhoea with constant desire to defecate; passive hemorrhages; gastric ulcer. Action an......n milk. If that does not agree, small doses of the specific medicine in water may be employed. When dysentery tends to chronicity, the thorough use of magnesium sulphate followed by geranium will rend...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 Dysentery
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
IPECAC (ipecacuanha)CEIP
The root of URAGOGA IPECACUANHA, (Brot.) Baill. Emetic; in small doses diaphoretic (especially when combined with opium), expectorant, stomachic. In large doses has a specific action in dysentery. Dose, as emetic, 1 to 1.5 Grm. (15 to 25 grs.), repeated if necessary, as diaphoretic. 0.06 to 0.120 Grm. (1 to 2 grs.); as expectorant or stomachic, 0.015 to 0.06 Grm. (1/4 to 1 gr.).2
The root of URAGOGA IPECACUANHA, (Brot.) Baill. Emetic; in small doses diaphoretic (especially when combined with opium), expectorant, stomachic. In large doses has a specific action in dysentery. Dose, as emetic, 1 to 1.5 Grm. (15 to 25 grs.), repeated if necessary, as diaphoretic. 0.06 to 0.120 Grm. (1 to 2 grs.); as expectorant or stomachic, 0.015 to 0.06 Grm. (1/4 to 1 gr.).2
JERSEY TEACEHE
The root of CEANOTHUS AMERICANUS, Lin. Astringent, alterative, antispasmodic. Used in dysentery, in gonorrhea, in syphilitic affections and in chronic bronchitis.2
The root of CEANOTHUS AMERICANUS, Lin. Astringent, alterative, antispasmodic. Used in dysentery, in gonorrhea, in syphilitic affections and in chronic bronchitis.2
LEAD ACETATE
Astringent. Perhaps the most eflicient styptic we have for in ternal hemorrhages. Used also in chronic diarrhea and dysentery. in night sweats and for checking profuse bronchial secretion. Local ly applied it is astringent and has a soothing effect in chronic eczema and in poisoning by Rhus. Dose, 0.06 to 0.50 Grm. (1 to 8 grs.).2
Astringent. Perhaps the most eflicient styptic we have for in ternal hemorrhages. Used also in chronic diarrhea and dysentery. in night sweats and for checking profuse bronchial secretion. Local ly applied it is astringent and has a soothing effect in chronic eczema and in poisoning by Rhus. Dose, 0.06 to 0.50 Grm. (1 to 8 grs.).2
PLANTAINPLANT
The leaves of PLANTAGO MAJOR, Lin. Alterative, diuretic, anti septic, hemostatic. Used in scrofula and syphilis, in menorrhagia, hematuria, dysentery and other fluxes, in eneuresis and as a remedy for toothache.2
The leaves of PLANTAGO MAJOR, Lin. Alterative, diuretic, anti septic, hemostatic. Used in scrofula and syphilis, in menorrhagia, hematuria, dysentery and other fluxes, in eneuresis and as a remedy for toothache.2
RHATANY (Krameria)
The root of KRAMERIA TRIANDRA, Ruiz. & Pav. and K. IXINA. Lin, A powerful astringent and hemostatic, used internally or externally wherever an astringent action is dmired, e. g. internally in serous diarrhea, metrorrhagia and passive fluxes generally; locally as a gargle in'relaxed conditions of the throat. as an injection in leucorrhea, gleet, dysentery, etc,2
The root of KRAMERIA TRIANDRA, Ruiz. & Pav. and K. IXINA. Lin, A powerful astringent and hemostatic, used internally or externally wherever an astringent action is dmired, e. g. internally in serous diarrhea, metrorrhagia and passive fluxes generally; locally as a gargle in'relaxed conditions of the throat. as an injection in leucorrhea, gleet, dysentery, etc,2
SILVER NITRATE (Lunar Caustic)
In small doses has an alterative action; locally it is caustic in strong, astringent in dilute solutions; germicide. A valuable remedy in gastric ulcer and chronic gastric cat arrh and in ulceration of the intestines. When ulct-rations occur in the lower bowel, as also in chronic dysentery, injections of Silver Nitrate solution, about 1 grain to the fluidounce. are of great service. Locally, solutions of appropriate strength are used to abort felons, to prevent pitting in small pox; in treatment2
In small doses has an alterative action; locally it is caustic in strong, astringent in dilute solutions; germicide. A valuable remedy in gastric ulcer and chronic gastric cat arrh and in ulceration of the intestines. When ulct-rations occur in the lower bowel, as also in chronic dysentery, injections of Silver Nitrate solution, about 1 grain to the fluidounce. are of great service. Locally, solutions of appropriate strength are used to abort felons, to prevent pitting in small pox; in treatment2
SWEET GUM
The bark of LIQUIDAMBAR STYRACIFLUA, Lin. Mucilaginous, astringent. Useful in diarrhea and dysentery.2
The bark of LIQUIDAMBAR STYRACIFLUA, Lin. Mucilaginous, astringent. Useful in diarrhea and dysentery.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 Dysentery
DIARRHEA
See also Cholera Infantum, Cholera Morbus and Dysentery. Simple Atonic Diarrhea is best treated by opium combined with gastric and intestinal... / See also Cholera Infantum, Cholera Morbus and Dysentery. Simple Atonic Diarrhea is best treated by opium combined with gastric and intestinal stimulants, carminatives and astringents. Chlorodyne i... / ...diet, quiet with use of counter-irritants over abdomen. bismuth. silver nitrate, alum waters; intestinal antiseptics are often indicated.2
See also Cholera Infantum, Cholera Morbus and Dysentery. Simple Atonic Diarrhea is best treated by opium combined with gastric and intestinal... / See also Cholera Infantum, Cholera Morbus and Dysentery. Simple Atonic Diarrhea is best treated by opium combined with gastric and intestinal stimulants, carminatives and astringents. Chlorodyne i... / ...diet, quiet with use of counter-irritants over abdomen. bismuth. silver nitrate, alum waters; intestinal antiseptics are often indicated.2
DYSENTERY
The most useful remedies in acute cases are; magnesium sul phate (drachm doses of a saturated solution, with aromatic sulphuric acid); calomel in full cathartic dose; ipecac in large doses, combimxi with opium to restrain vomiting; ergot for its antihemorrhagic action. Irrigation of the bowel with mercuric chloride (l;5000) or silver nitrate (12500) or zinc sulphocarbolate (l;l000) is useful in chronic cases.2
The most useful remedies in acute cases are; magnesium sul phate (drachm doses of a saturated solution, with aromatic sulphuric acid); calomel in full cathartic dose; ipecac in large doses, combimxi with opium to restrain vomiting; ergot for its antihemorrhagic action. Irrigation of the bowel with mercuric chloride (l;5000) or silver nitrate (12500) or zinc sulphocarbolate (l;l000) is useful in chronic cases.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.