Q: Which doctor do I see?
A: You will have to consult a general physician or a Gastroentrologist.
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Q: What is Amoebic dysentery?
A: It the inflammation of the intestines, characterized by frequent passage of feces, usually with blood and mucus caused by an amoeba Entamoeba Histolytica.
Q: Is there any other type of dysentery?
A: There are two major types,
- Amoebic dysentery caused by the amoeba Entamoeba histolytica.
- Shigellosis, caused by one of several types of Shigella bacteria.
Q: How is it transmitted?
A: Amoebic dysentery is transmitted by contaminated water, and is known as" travellers dysentery"
Q: How do we protect ourselves?
A: Always-wash hands with soap after going to the toilet as well as before preparing and eating food.
- Keep your surroundings clean
- Always wash vegetables and animal products before cooking
- Avoid contaminated water, ice, and drinks made out of doubtful water
- Always boil and sterilize drinking water.
- Avoid eating open and cut fruits.
Q: Who are the people that are affected usually?
A: Dysentery often affects people living in crowded areas with sanitation, poor hygiene and limited supplies of safe water. The disease is more likely to thrive in hot, humid and rainy conditions.
Q: What are the symptoms?
A: Symptoms are few or mild, with
- Loose stools
- Fever
- Dehydration
- Mucus and blood, which may lead to fulminating colitis.
- Ulcers
- Perforation of peritoneum
- Localised liver abscess
