DYSENTERY, BACILLARY

(Shigellosis)

 Basic information

description

Bacillary dysentery is a bacterial infection of the intestinal tract. It often happens in epidemics (affects a large number of people at the same time). It occurs most often in young children.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

• Stomach cramps.
• Fever.
• Diarrhea (up to 20 or 30 watery bowel movements in one day). There may be small amounts of blood, mucus, or pus in the stool.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Muscle aches or pain.

causes

Bacteria called Shigella bacillus that attack the lining of the colon. It spreads from person to person, usually from germs on the hands. The infection is also spread from germs on objects such as toys, in food, in drinking water (in areas with poor sanitation), or in wading pools. Symptoms usually start 1 to 2 days after being exposed to germs.

risk increases with

• Travel to foreign countries.
• Crowded or unclean living conditions.
• Poor health.

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

• Wash hands after bowel movements and before handling food. Children need to be reminded often.
• Avoid contact with an infected person.
• Put soiled clothes and bedclothes in covered buckets of soap and water until they can be washed.
• Use safety precautions if traveling to high risk areas.

expected outcomes

The infection resolves on its own or with treatment in about 5 to 7 days. Rarely, it may last a month. Most Shigella infections are mild.

possible complications

Severe cases may occur in the very young or the elderly. Symptoms include convulsions, severe dehydration, and disorders that cause kidney failure and a type of arthritis.

 diagnosis & treatment

general measures

• Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about the symptoms. Tests and culture of a stool sample may be done to confirm the diagnosis.
• Treatment usually includes fluids (to replace those lost from diarrhea), a bland diet, and drug therapy.
• Watch for signs of dehydration. These include severe thirst, dry mouth and tongue, tiredness, sunken eyes, dry skin, being irritable, and less urination.
• Keep the patient away from others if possible.
• Use warm compresses on the stomach to help relieve pain.
• A hospital stay may be needed if patient is severely ill. This may happen with small children with dehydration or severe rectal bleeding.

medications

• Antibiotics may be prescribed in severe cases or for certain patients. They can help speed recovery and reduce risk of spreading germs. Be sure to take them for as long as prescribed.
• Don't use antidiarrhea drugs, unless they are prescribed. These may extend the illness.

activity

Keep the ill person at home and away from others when possible. Return to daycare, school, or work is permitted after taking antibiotics for 5 days.

diet

Be sure to drink plenty of liquids. A soft or liquid diet may be recommended. Use special drinks (or popsicles) that replace body fluids quickly.

 notify our office if

• You or your child has symptoms of the infection.
• The following occur during treatment:
  • Rectal bleeding or bloody stools.
  • Signs of dehydration appear.
  • Symptoms get worse despite treatment.

Special Notes: