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Cholera is an infection in the small intestine caused due to bacteria called vibrio cholerae. It is spread through the contaminated water; water that contains faeces of an infected person, including one with no apparent symptoms. It is infection of small intestine that causes large amount of watery diarrhea and rapidly leads to dehydration. The common symptoms of cholera include profuse, watery diarrhea and vomiting. The severity of diarrhea and vomiting leads to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and death in some cases. Signs and symptoms of cholera include the rapid onset of copious, smelly diarrhea that resemble to rice and leads to dehydration for instance, it leads to vomiting, wrinkled skin, low blood pressure, rapid heart rate and dry mouth. Cholera can be prevented by taking appropriate measure like drink safe and clean water and non-contaminated food. Symptoms may be mild, only 5%-10% of previously healthy humans develop cholera and usually shoe symptoms in one to five days after the ingestion of diarrhea. Severe infection requires prompt medical care. Cholera is caused by the bacterium vibrio cholerae. The bacteria releases toxin that causes increased release of water in intestine which produces severe diarrhea. Factors that trigger the risk of cholera are the ingestion of contaminated food and water and travelling to places infected with cholera. Cholera occurs in the places with poor sanitation, crowding, war and famine. Symptoms of cholera vary from mild to severe. It show many symptoms like abdominal cramp, dry mucus membranes or mouth, dry skin, excessive thirst, glassy or sunken eyes, lack of tears, lethargy, low urine output, nausea, dehydration, rapid pulse, unusual sleepiness or tiredness, vomiting etc. symptoms begin within 1-5 days after the infection and vary mild and uncomplicated diarrhea to severe and complicated symptoms. The disease is generally mild and shows no symptoms but it can be severe sometimes. Most of the infected people do not show any symptoms. In severely infected person, rapid loss of fluid can leads to dehydration and shock. The disease can lead to death, if not treated on time. Diagnose for cholera involves blood test and stool test to identify the bacteria and severity of the disease. The purpose of the treatment is to replace fluids and electrolytes lost through diarrhea. Antibiotics may reduce the time you fall ill. Depending upon the condition of patient fluid is either given by mouth or through veins. Treatment is based on the severity or the mildness of the disease. Cholera needs immediate treatment due to watery diarrhea therefore doctors begin rehydration before any diagnose or treatment. It is better to take prevention for the disease rather than seeking for the treatment of the disease. Avoid exposure to disease by drinking boiled water or water that has been treated with chlorine and iodine, eat thoroughly cooked food, and check for proper sanitation and water purification etc. cholera can be effectively treated, water and electrolyte treatment are the most effective treatment for cholera. Call your health care provider immediately if you see the symptoms of cholera disease. This article has been written and posted by a health advisor working at bookmydoctor.com, who also provides free of cost consultancy to patients and advise on various topics like Causes of Cholera by visiting the site, you can read articles on Symptoms of Cholera and Treatment of Cholera and for more information click the Hyperlink.
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