Amoebic Dysentery

Amoebic Dysentery - digestive problem caused by amoeba that burrow through the intestinal wall and spread through the bloodstream and infect other organs. Amoebic dysentery can cause intestinal bleeding, diarrhea and red poop (Hematochezia).

Amoebic Dysentery Symptoms

• Cramping, abdominal bloating and pain
• Fatigue
• Intermittent constipation and diarrhea
• Bloody stools (hematochezia)
• Gas (flatulence)
• Dehydration from diarrhea

Amoebae are parasites that enter the body from contaminated food or drink. Amoebic dysentery happens when they move through the digestive system and cause an infection.

Amoebic Dysentery Types

Amoebic dysentery is categorized into two types

• Free amoebae (trophozoites) - harmless
• Infective cysts in feces - resistant to stomach acids, and cause infection and dysentery

Amoebic dysentery is often passed contracted by poor hygiene, contaminated water, or unwashed fruits or vegetables.

Amoebic Dysentery Symptoms

Symptoms of amoebic dysentery may not may not show themselves for a long time. Unlike other digestive problems where the stools can show signs of the problem by containing blood or be visibly strange in other ways, in cases of Amoebic Dysentery, patients may have regular brown poop just like they always do during defecation.

When amoebic dysentery symptoms show themselves, it is because of intestine damage, and are the cause of ulcers and subsequent bleeding seen as red poop (Hematochezia). Other amoebic dysentery symptoms:

• Cramps
• Painful stools (tenesmus)
• Bloody stools (Hematochezia)
• Bloody diarrhea
• Fever

If the amoebae break through the intestinal wall and its lining, it can cause peritonitis (inflammation of the peritoneum). Over time, the amoebae can form enormous cysts in the liver and other organs, which sometimes may only be discovered on investigation by a doctor for other conditions, such as unexplained weight loss or illness.

Amoebic Dysentery Diagnosis

If you experience consistent symptoms such as the ones described above, it is extremely important to get the right diagnosis. The problem with such general symptoms is that many illnesses can cause such symptoms. Symptoms are usually just indicators that something might be wrong. They do not tell you exactly what is the root problem. While many people attempt to diagnose and treat their own conditions, since the symptoms of Amoebic Dysentery are ones that can occur in a large number of other types of dysentery, digestive or metabolic disorders, it is important to get the right diagnosis made by a highly qualified healthcare professional such as a doctor specializing in gastrointestinal issues. Not everyone has the ability to see such a doctor for financial, or other reasons, but if you can, it is a much better option. There is nothing worse than treating the wrong health problem while the problem causing your symptoms goes untreated and actually becomes worse.

When you do see a doctor, he or she will collect lots of information from you about your family health history, your own health history, your lifestyle, diet and exercise habits, drug, cigarette, or alcohol use, etc. After that, the doctor may send you for some blood, feces, imaging, or other tests to determine the chemical balances and overall condition of your body. After that, the doctor will attempt to make a diagnosis, and only after that suggest possible treatments that may be right for your situation.

Amoebic Dysentery Prevention

Prevention of amoebic dysentery can be increased in a number of ways

• Drink safer water by:
  • Boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, then cool it rapidly and keep covered
  • Water-purifying tablets
  • Water filters
  • Avoid ice you think could have been made out of contaminated water
• Avoid unwashed salads, unpeeled fruit and ice cream