Bacterial Dysentery (Bloody Diarrhea)

A disease marked by frequent watery stools, often with blood and mucus, and characterized clinically by pain, tenesmus, fever, and dehydration.

Symptoms

Diarrhea, watery stools, bloody stools, abdominal pain, rectal pain, fever, vomiting.

Tests

A history and physical exam will be performed. Labs will be done to rule out electrolyte abnormalities and anemia. Stool studies will be performed to determine the cause.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the offending organism whether it be a bacteria (Shigella, salmonella, campylobacter), an amoeba (Entamoeba histolytica) or a virus (Norwalk). Treatment can include antibiotics, observation, and either oral or intravenous therapy to reverse dehydration.