Cholera
Cholera
Cholera is characterized by severe dehydration and diarrhea transmitted usually through contaminated water. It is a bacterial disease.This condition can prove fatal if left untreated. Good sanitation reduces the chances of cholera occurrence.
Symptoms
Symptoms of this condition includes:
- Rice-water diarrhea. Usually of acute onset and quickly leads to severe dehydration.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Loss of more than 10% of weight suggest severe dehydration.
- Muscle cramps due to electrolyte imbalance
- Shock
Causes
Cholera is the condition causes by bacterial infection. Bacteria most commonly involved in this infection is vibrio cholerae. It’s pathogenic properties is due to the toxin production in the small intestine. Main pathogenic effect of toxin causes the loss of major amount of water and electrolytes from the body leads to fatal dehydration. Bacteria can be found in surface or well water, seafood, raw fruits and vegetables, grains.
Complications
Complications of this condition are:
- Hypoglycemia
- Low minerals like potassium in the body.
- Kidney failure
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of this condition depends upon detailed medical history and complete general physical examination of patient. The main criteria to diagnose is to detect bacteria in stool samples. To diagnose in remote areas rapid cholera dipstick tests is done.
Treatment
- Rehydration
- Fluid administration intravenously
- Antibiotic courses
- Prescribing zinc supplements