Diagnosis of Diarrhoea and Dysentery

Diagnosis of Diarrhoea and Dysentery

History is the single most useful tool in determining the probable cause of diarrhoea. 

Stool examination

Presence of white blood cells or red blood cells, which can be indirect signs of bacterial infection ( such as Shigella). The organisms that can be identified by stool examination are the

protozoa : Giardia, Entamoeba histolytica, Cycolospora, and Cryptosporidium. 

When should a doctor be consulted

Although usually not harmful, diarrhoea can become dangerous or signal a more serious problem. The doctor should be consulted if any of the following occurs :

1 Presence of signs of Dehydration.
2 Severe pain in the abdomen or rectum. 
3 Fever of 102o F or higher
4 Blood in stool or black, tarry stools. 
5 Diarrhoea for more than three days. 

Treatment of Diarrhoea and Dysentery

In most cases, replacing lost fluid to prevent dehydration is the only treatment necessary. This is the main treatment in viral diarrhoea. However, a variety of medications exist to help ease the discomfort and length of diarrhoea. These are : 
Drugs that provide symptomatic relief without shortening the infection. These are bowel paralysers ( lomotil, Imodium, dicyomine) and bulk formers (kaolin land pectate). These are not recommended for people whose diarrhoea is caused by a bacterial infection or parasite, as stopping the diarrhoea traps the organism in the intestines, prolonging the problem. Instead, antibiotics are usually prescribed. 
Drugs that are aimed at curing the infection, like antibiotics and antiprotozoals. Bacterial diarrhoea can be safely cured with an antibiotic. ,The antibiotics used are either norfloxacin or ciprofloxacin. The length of illness can usually be reduced to 1-2 days with treatment. 

Introduction to Diarrhoea and Dysentery
Causes, Symptoms and Signs of Diarrhoea and Dysentery
Diagnosis of Diarrhoea and Dysentery
Preventing Dehydration for Diarrhoea and Dysentery