July 14, 2019 by Abdul Balogun
Research shows that an estimated 165 million people worldwide may be infected by bacillary dysentery. About 1.1 million people die from the infection every year (1).
Dysentery is one of the most common gastrointestinal ailments. Without adequate care and timely intervention, it may lead to death. Hence, it is important to seek treatment on time.
Let’s delve deeper and find out more about dysentery and some natural ways to ease the symptoms and speed up your recovery.
What Is Dysentery?
Dysentery is a digestive problem characterized by loose and watery stool. It is accompanied by intestinal inflammation and stomach cramps. It can cause discomfort for a few hours or days. However, in some cases, it is known to last longer.
Dysentery may be caused by bacteria and amoeba. Bacillary dysentery is mild while amoebic dysentery is mostly severe and requires immediate medical intervention.
What Causes Dysentery?
Dysentery is caused by Shigella bacteria or an amoeba called Entamoeba histolytica. The most common cause of dysentery is poor sanitary conditions. Stale food, contaminated water, and exposure to human excreta are other causes of dysentery.
How do you know if you have dysentery? Find out in the next section.
What Are The Symptoms Of Dysentery?
You can tell that you have dysentery if you exhibit the following symptoms:
Nausea
Loose motions
Abdominal pain
Fever
These are fairly common symptoms to detect. What makes dysentery so common and rampant?
How Does Dysentery Spread?
Dysentery typically spreads as a result of poor sanitary conditions and habits. The infection spreads through contact with food or water that has been contaminated with excreta.
Patients typically contract two types of dysentery. They are discussed below.
Types Of Dysentery
Acute Dysentery: Acute dysentery lasts for lesser than two weeks or 14 days. It is characterized by abdominal pain and loose motions. In rare cases, pus is observed in the stools.
Chronic Dysentery: Chronic dysentery lasts for more than 30 days. If acute dysentery is not treated on time, it can turn chronic. The general health of the individual gets disturbed, and it can prove to be dangerous in the long run.
Now that you know how to tell if you have dysentery and what symptoms to watch out for, let us take a look at some simple home remedies to treat it.
Note: These home remedies may help in mild to moderate cases of dysentery. However, in severe cases, it is recommended to seek medical intervention.
Home Remedies To Treat Dysentery
1. Orange Juice
Orange juice contains flavonoids that exhibit anti-inflammatory properties (2). These properties can help soothe the intestinal lining. The juice can also help keep you hydrated.
You Will Need
Orange juice
What You Have To Do
Drink this throughout the day.
How Often You Should Do This
You may drink up to 3-4 glasses of orange juice during the day.
2. Raw Papaya
Papaya is a mild laxative that helps reduce stomach cramps and promotes regular bowel movement. It is known to relieve digestive and abdominal issues like constipation, dyspepsia, and dysentery.
You Will Need
1 raw papaya
3-4 cups of water
What You Have To Do
Peel the raw papaya and grate it. Boil it in water for 10-15 minutes.
Strain the liquid and consume it while it is warm.
How Often You Should Do This
Drink this 2-3 times a day.
Caution: Do not go overboard with papaya as overconsumption may result in stomach irritation and aggravate the symptoms.
