Bacilli dysentery

A person who experiences severe symptoms of dysentery should see their doctor for a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

In order to diagnose dysentery, a doctor may:

ask about the person’s symptoms and when they started

ask if the person has recently traveled abroad

carry out a physical examination

If a person has recently returned from abroad, they may have to provide one or more stool samples. If they have suspected amebic dysentery and their stool samples test negative for the parasite, they may need to undergo a colonoscopy to examine the mucosal surface of the intestines.

A person who has a suspected liver abscess may requireTrusted Source aspiration of their liver fluid to help diagnose the abscess.

If a person’s symptoms continue, their doctor may recommend diagnostic imaging of the intestines, such as an ultrasound scan or an endoscopy.

Laboratory tests will revealTrusted Source whether dysentery is due to Shigella or Entamoeba infection or another cause. A doctor will use this information when deciding which treatment to prescribe.

In general, a person with diarrhea or vomiting should drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. People who experience severe dehydration may require intravenous fluid replacement.Trusted Source

Treatment for mild bacillary dysentery

As dysentery usually gets better on its own after 3–7 days, people do not usually need treatment. If the person has diarrhea, they should drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. If the diarrhea is bloody, they should avoid taking anti-diarrheal medication.

A doctor may prescribe antibiotics if diarrhea and other symptoms are severe.

Treatment for amebic dysentery

People who have amebic dysentery may receiveTrusted Source medications to eliminate the parasitic infection. Medication may include a combination of metronidazole and tinidazole.

In rare cases, people can develop complications of amebic dysentery, such as intestinal issues or liver abscesses. A person may require surgery to address these issues.