Spiritual Homeopathy

Dysentery

Dysentery refers to the presence of grossly visible blood in the stools and is a consequence of infection of the colon and Liver by either bacteria or ameba.

Bacillary dysentery is much more common in children than amebic dysentery.

  • Major Causes of Dysentery:

    1. Bacterial Dysentery:

      • Shigella: The most common cause of bacterial dysentery. Shigella dysenteriae is particularly virulent.
      • Salmonella: Some strains can cause dysentery, although they more commonly cause enterocolitis.
      • Campylobacter jejuni: Often acquired from contaminated food or water.
      • Escherichia coli (E. coli): Certain strains, such as Enteroinvasive E. coli (EIEC), can cause dysentery-like symptoms.
    2. Parasitic Dysentery:

      • Entamoeba histolytica: The protozoan parasite responsible for amoebic dysentery. It invades the colon wall and causes ulcers.
    3. Viral Dysentery:

      • Rotavirus and norovirus: These viruses typically cause gastroenteritis but can sometimes lead to symptoms resembling dysentery, especially in young children.
 

The people experiencing dysentery either develop amoebic dysentery and bacterial dysentery.

  1. Bacterial
  2. Dysentery or Bacillary Dysentery
  • This type of dysentery is a result of infection with bacteria from Salmonella, Shigella, Campylobacter, or enterohemorrhagic E. coli.
  • The diarrhea from Shigella is also called shigellosis. Shigellosis happens to be the most common type of dysentery.

      2. Amoebic

Dysentery

  • Also known as amoebiasis, amoebic dysentery is caused by a single-celled parasite infecting the intestines.
  • This type of dysentery is a rare occurrence in the developed world and is mostly found in the tropical locales with poor sanitation.
  • A person can also become infected if he or she traveled to a country where it is an endemic.
  • Signs and Symptoms of Dysentery:

    1. Diarrhea:

      • Frequent, loose, or watery stools.
      • Presence of blood and mucus in the stools.
    2. Abdominal Pain and Cramping:

      • Severe, colicky abdominal pain.
      • Cramping that may be relieved by passing stools.
    3. Fever:

      • Moderate to high fever, often accompanying the onset of symptoms.
    4. Nausea and Vomiting:

      • Nausea may occur with or without vomiting.
    5. Tenesmus:

      • A sensation of needing to pass stools even when the bowels are empty.
      • Painful straining during bowel movements.
    6. Dehydration:

      • Symptoms of dehydration due to excessive fluid loss, including dry mouth, decreased urine output, and dizziness.
      • Severe dehydration can lead to shock, which is a medical emergency.

Here’s what to eat for dysentery, described point-wise:

  1. Clear Liquids: Drink water, oral rehydration solutions (ORS), or clear broths to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

  2. BRAT Diet: Eat bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. These bland, low-fiber foods help soothe the gut and firm up stools.

  3. Boiled Potatoes: Plain boiled potatoes without butter or seasoning can provide energy without irritating the digestive system.

  4. Plain Crackers: Opt for plain, unsalted crackers, which are easy to digest and gentle on the stomach.

  5. Cooked Carrots: Soft, well-cooked carrots provide soluble fiber to help firm stools.

  6. Probiotic Foods: Include plain yogurt or kefir with probiotics to promote gut health and restore good bacteria.

  7. Avoid Dairy: Limit dairy products, as they can worsen symptoms.

  8. Avoid Fatty/Spicy Foods: Steer clear of greasy, fried, or spicy foods that can irritate the intestines.

  9. Hydrate Frequently: Drink small amounts of fluids regularly to prevent dehydration.

  10. Small, Frequent Meals: Eat small portions throughout the day to reduce stress on the digestive system.

  • Avoid dairy products. If you have lactose intolerance, then dairy products can be a major cause of diarrhoea and should be avoided in general.
  • Do steer clear of too much fiber. Fiber is incredibly healthy when it comes to your everyday diet.
  • Eat a simple diet. The traditional anti-diarrhoea diet was the “BRAT” diet, which stood for bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
  • Wash your hands regularly. When you do wash, scrub your palms, the back of your hands, between your fingers, and under your nails, and do it for at least 20 seconds
  • Stay hydrated. Above most other things, replenishing the fluids that can be lost during severe diarrhoea is an important step to take.

Homeopathic treatment for dysentery aims to address the underlying cause and provide symptomatic relief. Homeopathic remedies are highly individualized, considering factors such as the patient’s overall constitution, emotional state, and the specifics of their symptoms. Below are some common homeopathic remedies used for dysentery:

  1. Aloe Vera: Often used when the person experiences frequent, urgent, and painful stools, accompanied by a feeling of fullness in the rectum. It is especially helpful when there is a burning sensation or a feeling of incomplete evacuation.

  2. Arsenicum Album: This remedy is typically indicated when diarrhea is accompanied by restlessness, weakness, and anxiety. The person may feel worse from cold, and symptoms worsen at night. The stools may be watery, often accompanied by a burning sensation.

  3. Mercurius Solubilis: This remedy is used when there is a combination of diarrhea with mucus or blood, a strong urge to pass stool, and a feeling of incomplete evacuation. The person may feel excessively sweaty, and their stool may have a foul odor.

  4. Podophyllum: Useful for profuse, watery diarrhea with a lot of gurgling in the abdomen. The stools may be very frequent and explosive. There is often a sensation of weakness or exhaustion.

  5. Chamomilla: Ideal for individuals who experience dysentery with intense abdominal cramps, irritability, and restlessness. The person may feel worse from the slightest touch, and the stool may be greenish or have an unpleasant odor.

  6. Nux Vomica: Indicated for dysentery caused by overindulgence in food or alcohol, or as a result of stress. The person may experience frequent, painful diarrhea, often with a sensation of urgency and incomplete evacuation. There may also be constipation alternating with diarrhea.

  7. China (Cinchona): Useful when dysentery leads to significant weakness or loss of fluids and energy. The person may feel drained and have watery stools with a feeling of fullness in the abdomen.

  8. Colocynthis: When dysentery is associated with intense cramping pains that are relieved by pressure or bending over, Colocynthis can be an effective remedy.

General Recommendations:

  • Diet: Avoid spicy, greasy, and heavy foods while experiencing dysentery.

  • Hydration: Drink plenty of water and oral rehydration solutions to prevent dehydration.

  • Rest: Ensure adequate rest to support recovery.

It is crucial to consult a trained homeopath or healthcare provider before self-prescribing homeopathic remedies, as they can offer the most effective treatment tailored to individual symptoms.

What is Dysentery

Dysentery refers to the presence of grossly visible blood in the stools and is a consequence of infection of the colon and Liver by either bacteria or ameba.

Homeopathic Medicines used by Homeopathic Doctors in treatment of Dysentery

  • Aloe
  • Arsenic Alb
  • Baptisia
  • Carbo Veg
  • Cinchona
  • Colchicum
  • Colocynth
  • Dioscorea
  • Kali bich
  • Nux Vomica
  • Sulphur

What are the symptoms of Dysentery

  • Fever and diarrhea

  • Diarrhea- watery, mucus and blood mixed with stools
  • Tenesmus
  • Dehydration
  • Dyselectrolytemia
  • Hemolytic uremic syndrome
  • Convulsions

What causes Dysentery

  • Shigella species
  • Enteroinvasive
  • Enterohemorrhagic E. coli
  • Salmonella
  • Campylobacter jejuni
  • Medications – Rifaximin, Sulfasalazine
  • Cancer

Paediatrics 8th Edition – O.P. Ghai

  1. https://www.lybrate.com/topic/diet-for-dysentery
  2. Therapeutic Pointers To Some Common Diseases By E.A. Farrington.
  3. https://www.wikidoc.org/index.php/Dysentery_physical_examination
  4. Dysentery Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment (hlives.com)

  5. Dysentery: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment (clevelandclinic.org)