Diarrhea with blood: Understanding triggers, signs, and remedies
Bloody Stools Edition:
Bloody diarrhea, also known as dysentery, can be a troublesome medical issue that sometimes includes mucus. It can stem from various infectious germs, parasites, or a gut irritation due to chemicals. We're diving deep into the dirty details of this... umm... delightful topic.
In the land of the free and the home of the brave – yes, the United States – a majority of dysentery cases are mild and self-resolving. However, some unlucky folks might experience severe symptoms and complications from this nasty bacterial or parasitic infection. Buckle up!
What is Dysentery?
Bloody stools, caused by a range of infected germs, parasites, or a gut irritation, are the defining feature of dysentery. We're focusing on the two main types: bacillary dysentery (shigellosis) and amebic dysentery (amebiasis).
Bacillary Dysentery (Shigellosis)
Caused by the sneaky Shigella bacteria, this form of dysentery largely rears its head as a result of poor hygiene or sanitation, such as:
- not washing hands properly after going to the potty
- playing grab-ass with surfaces contaminated by the bacteria
- downing dirty grub or guzzling contaminated lake or river water during a swim
- giving someone a good ol' smooches while recovering from bacillary dysentery (unhygienic, mate!)
Amebic Dysentery (Amebiasis)
This type is all about the creepy, single-cell parasite Entamoeba. It's most likely to infect folks after they eat or drink something contaminated with parasite eggs, or skirt poor sanitation in warmer, moist climates.
People most at risk include pregnant or postpartum women, newborns, those taking corticosteroids, those living with cancer, and those who are malnourished.
Havin' a Sh!t Show
If you're experiencing bloody diarrhea, it's crucial to take care of yourself. Stay well-hydrated by chugging plenty of water (unless it's going straight through your system), and consider popping an oral rehydration solution to balance your electrolytes.
Mild cases of bacillary dysentery usually clear up after 3-7 days. But if your symptoms are severe or prolonged, it's best to visit a healthcare professional. They might prescribe antibiotics, anosometimes even administer intestinal or liver imaging to rule out complications.
- This health issue, dubbed dysentery, can lead to bloody stools and sometimes includes mucus, which can be a consequence of various infectious germs, parasites, or a gut irritation caused by chemicals.
- In the United States, most cases of dysentery are mild and self-resolving, but some individuals may experience severe symptoms and complications from this bacterial or parasitic infection.
- Dysentery is defined by bloody stools caused by a range of infected germs, parasites, or a gut irritation, with bacillary dysentery (shigellosis) and amebic dysentery (amebiasis) being the two main types.
- Bacillary dysentery is caused by the sneaky Shigella bacteria and can occur due to poor hygiene or sanitation, such as improper handwashing, contaminated surfaces, dirty food, or contaminated water.
- Amebic dysentery is caused by the single-cell parasite Entamoeba and is most likely to infect individuals after consuming contaminated food or drink, or living in warmer, moist climates with poor sanitation.
- Pregnant or postpartum women, newborns, those taking corticosteroids, those living with cancer, and those who are malnourished are at an increased risk of contracting amebic dysentery.
- If you're experiencing bloody diarrhea, it's essential to maintain proper hydration by drinking plenty of water or oral rehydration solutions, and seek medical attention if symptoms are severe or prolonged, as your healthcare professional may prescribe antibiotics or perform intestinal or liver imaging to rule out complications.
