Shigella
Treating dysentery
Treatment isn't normally needed, asdysentery usually clears up on its own.
However, it's important to make sure you drink plenty of fluids and use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) if necessary to avoid dehydration . See treating diarrhoea for more information on this.
Over-the-counter painkillers such as paracetamol can help relieve pain and a fever. It's best to avoid antidiarrhoeal medications such as loperamide, as they can make things worse.
You should stay at home until at least 48 hours after the last episode of diarrhoea to reduce the risk of passing the infection on to others.
If your symptoms are severe or persistent, your GP may prescribe a short course of antibiotics . In severe cases, you may need to be treated in hospital for a few days.
Medically Reviewed by a doctor on 21 Dec 2018
Introduction
Dysentery is an infection of the intestines that causes diarrhoea containing blood or mucus.
Treating dysentery
Treatment isn't normally needed, asdysentery usually clears up on its own. However, it's important to make sure you drink plenty of fluids and use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) if necessary to avo
Treating dysentery
Treatment isn't normally needed, asdysentery usually clears up on its own. However, it's important to make sure you drink plenty of fluids and use oral rehydration solutions (ORS) if necessary to avo
What causes dysentery?
There are two main types of dysentery: bacillary dysentery or shigellosis caused by shigella bacteria; this is the most common type of dysentery in the UK amoebic dysentery or amoebiasis caused
What causes dysentery?
There are two main types of dysentery: bacillary dysentery or shigellosis caused by shigella bacteria; this is the most common type of dysentery in the UK amoebic dysentery or amoebiasis caused
Reducing your risk of catching dysentery
You can reduce your risk of getting dysentery with good hygiene. You should: wash your hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet and regularly throughout the day wash your hands before
Reducing your risk of catching dysentery
You can reduce your risk of getting dysentery with good hygiene. You should: wash your hands with soap and warm water after using the toilet and regularly throughout the day wash your hands before
Subscribe
Ask the doctor
Rate this article
Find products