DYSENTERY IN CHILDREN
In popular usage, dysentery is taken to mean any severe form of diarrhea. More accurately, dysentery is an infection of the intestinal tract caused by one of several specific bacteria. Dysentery causes diarrhea, but dysentery is a distinct disease.
The germs that cause dysentery are salmonella and shigella bacteria. (Typhoid bacteria are a type of salmonella.) Dysentery may also be caused by amoebas (amoebic dysentery). Some doctors consider cholera to be a form of dysentery.
Dysentery is the result of eating or drinking food, milk, or water that is contaminated with these specific bacteria or amoebas. It also may be contracted from someone who has the disease or is a carrier of dysentery. (A carrier is a person who has the germ in the body but is healthy.) Complications that may develop from dysentery include arthritis, meningitis, and perforation (ulcers) in the intestines.
Signs and symptoms
The major symptom of dysentery is diarrhea. The diarrhea is often severe and is commonly bloody. The child may have a prolonged high fever (39.4°Ñ to 40.6°C). The child may also be extremely weak and exhausted. Any persistent diarrhea should be suspected of being dysentery, especially if it is severe or bloody.
Home care
Do not attempt to treat dysentery on your own. Whenever diarrhea is severe and bloody, see your doctor. Dysentery must be diagnosed by a doctor and often requires treatment with specific medications.
While waiting to see the doctor, give the child plenty of clear liquids. Liquids are needed to replace those being lost from the diarrhea. Extra liquids will help prevent dehydration (a serious loss of body fluids). Clear liquids that are the most helpful include tea, water, flavored gelatin water, and commercial mineral and electrolyte mixtures.
Limit or eliminate solid foods from the child’s diet. Especially avoid foods with roughage, fruits (except bananas and apples), vegetables, butter, fatty meats, and peanut butter. Do not give the child milk, since milk may further aggravate diarrhea.
Precautions
• Always report severe or bloody diarrhea to your doctor.
• If any diarrhea lasts more than two or three days, call your doctor.
• The younger the child, the more easily dehydration can occur with diarrhea. Infants can become dehydrated rapidly (within 12 to 24 hours after diarrhea begins).
• Do not give anti-diarrheal medications to children, since side effects are common and can be dangerous.
• When traveling, carefully choose sources of food and water. Avoid sources where sanitation may be poor.
• If you suspect dysentery, isolate the child and dispose of stools carefully.
• Practice good hygiene in your own home. Wash hands after treating an ill member of the family. Wash hands carefully before cooking and eating.
Medical treatment
A culture of the stools (with microscopic examination for amoebas and other parasites) confirms the diagnosis. Cultures of the blood and urine are sometimes performed, as well as tests for specific antibodies in the blood.
If dysentery is diagnosed, your doctor may hospitalize your child for treatment and isolation. Specific antibiotics for treating dysentery are available, although they are not always necessary. Diagnosed cases of dysentery must be reported to health authorities.
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Tags: General health