What are the symptoms of dysentery?
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Symptoms of Dysentery
Dysentery is an inflammatory condition of the intestines, particularly the colon, characterized by severe diarrhea with the presence of blood and mucus in the feces. This condition can be caused by various pathogens, including bacteria, protozoa, and worms. Below, we explore the primary symptoms associated with dysentery, supported by multiple research findings.
Frequent Diarrhea and Bloody Stools
One of the hallmark symptoms of dysentery is frequent diarrhea, often accompanied by blood and mucus in the stools. This symptom is a direct result of the inflammation and ulceration of the intestinal mucosa1 2 6. The presence of blood in the stool is a distinguishing feature that separates dysentery from other forms of diarrhea8.
Abdominal Pain and Cramps
Patients with dysentery often experience significant abdominal pain and cramps. This pain is typically diffuse and can be severe, particularly in the lower abdomen. The pain is a result of the inflammatory process affecting the intestinal walls4 6 9.
Tenesmus
Tenesmus, a sensation of incomplete bowel evacuation, is another common symptom of dysentery. This symptom is particularly pronounced when the inflammation is near the anal sphincter, causing painful contractions and a persistent urge to defecate1 2 4.
Fever and Malaise
Fever is frequently observed in dysentery cases, especially during the initial stages of the infection. This fever can be accompanied by general malaise, which includes symptoms such as fatigue and a feeling of being unwell4 5 9.
Vomiting
In some cases, patients with dysentery may also experience vomiting. This symptom, although less common, can occur alongside other gastrointestinal disturbances8.
Necrosis and Ulceration
In severe cases, dysentery can lead to necrosis (tissue death) and ulceration of the intestinal mucosa. This condition exacerbates the symptoms and can lead to more severe complications if not treated promptly2.
Seasonal and Geographic Variations
The incidence and severity of dysentery can vary based on seasonal and geographic factors. For instance, higher rates of dysentery are often observed during the rainy season and in regions with poor sanitation and hygiene practices9.
Conclusion
Dysentery is a serious intestinal infection characterized by frequent diarrhea, abdominal pain, tenesmus, and the presence of blood and mucus in the stools. Fever and vomiting may also be present. Understanding these symptoms is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment, which can prevent severe complications and improve patient outcomes.
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Most relevant research papers on this topic
The Diagnosis of Dysenteries
Dysentery symptoms in Egypt are caused by Entammba histolytica, dysentery bacilli, and bilharzial worm irritation, making diagnosis difficult by clinical methods alone.
LVIII. THE DYSENTERIES
Dysentery can be caused by bacteria, protozoa, or worms, with symptoms ranging from diarrheea to abdominal pain, tenesmus, and blood and slime in the bowel.
AN EPITOME OF CURRENT MEDICAL LITERATURE
Diagnosing dysentery requires excluding other causes of dysenteric symptoms, such as rectal cancer, intestinal obstruction, and alimentary intoxication, before identifying the true cause of the condition.
A Small Outbreak of Dysentery Associated with an Unusual Bacillus
A small outbreak of dysentery among nursing staff in 1923 was associated with an unusual Bacillus, with symptoms resembling milder Flexner dysentery cases in Eastern countries.
Case ReportRupture, invasion and inflammatory destruction of the intestinal barrier by Shigella, making sense of prokaryote-eukaryote cross-talks.
Shigella bacteria cause bacterial dysentery by rupturing the intestinal barrier and causing acute mucosal inflammation, with the most severe cases occurring in developing countries and areas with poor hygiene.
Highly CitedBacillary Dysentery
Bacillary dysentery is a common but not severe disease, with classical symptoms like frequent diarrhoea and abdominal pain being less common in modern cases.
Efficacy of Golden Immunstim for Improvement of Abdominal Cramp, Diarrhea, Vomiting, and Fever in Dysenteric Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Golden Immunstim has no effect on improving dysentery symptoms in children.
RCT
Rigorous JournalSeasonal and geographical distribution of bacillary dysentery (shigellosis) and associated climate risk factors in Kon Tam Province in Vietnam from 1999 to 2013
Bacillary dysentery incidence rates in Vietnam peak in the mid-rainy season, with temperature, humidity, and precipitation being key climate risk factors.
Observational StudyRigorous JournalHow Do the Virulence Factors of Shigella Work Together to Cause Disease?
Shigella virulence factors work together to cause disease, with different symptoms and transmission patterns among different species, potentially contributing to the development of a pan-Shigella vaccine.
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