Dysentery and diarrhea (upset stomach) is a severe gastrointestinal disorder that affects the large intestine. It is distinguished by bowel infection and ulceration, colic pain in the belly. In severe conditions, there is a release of liquid or semi-formed stools with mucus and blood.
The microbes namely protozoa and bacilli, are responsible for this medical condition The former is known as amoebic dysentery, whereas the latter is known as bacillary dysentery. Amoebic dysentery infections are less severe than bacillary dysentery infections. It can also cause diarrhea or an upset stomach. However, unlike bacillary dysentery, which responds promptly to medication, amoebic dysentery is difficult to treat unless the patient is vigilant.
Except in very cold regions, dysentery is common across the world. Particularly vulnerable are areas with poor hygienic conditions. Both sexes are equally affected by the illness. Similarly, no age group is immune, albeit children are especially susceptible.
Dysentery can be both acute and chronic in nature. The acute type is marked by abdominal discomfort, diarrhoea, and dysentery movements.
In this situation the stools become yellowish white mucus and discharge of blood due to intestinal ulcers. Pain and edema precede the evacuations. The patient has a continuous desire to vomit, even though there is nothing to vomit but mucus and blood. There is discomfort in the rectum and down the length of the big intestine. The amount of mucus and blood produced rises as the illness progresses.
Shreds of skin, similar to mucous membranes, are occasionally seen to flow out with movements, ranging in size from tiny bits to 12 inches or so. Pus is sometimes spat out with movements, and the smell of the stools often becomes quite different. All digestive processes are disrupted, and secretions are altered or halted. The stomach's ability to digest and absorb food deteriorates. Toxins are produced by the bacilli, and the substance generated aids in the production of more toxins and their subsequent absorption in the bloodstream. Chronic infections are the consequences of acute episodes. The patient does not fully heal. Stool stays putrid and frequently contains blood, diarrhoea and constipation may alternate, and general health is compromised. In extreme situations, the temperature can reach 104-105°F.
The existing medical system believes that microbial infection is the cause of dysentery. The bacteria that are thought to induce dysentery only grow in the colon as a result of the decomposition of large amounts of animal protein meals, fried items, over-spiced foods, and difficult to digest dietary substances. The true cause of dysentery is indiscretion and the consumption of large amounts of meat meals in hot weather or tropical climates unsuitable for the digestion of such foods. Other reasons include dirty conditions, weak digestion, tiredness, chills, decreased energy.
The therapy of dysentery must attempt to -
Remove the harmful and toxic materials from the intestines
Alleviate unpleasant symptoms
Stop the virulence of the bacteria
Promote ulcer healing
Fasting is a very effective treatment for dysentery. As long as the patient is experiencing acute symptoms, he or she should fast. During the fasting phase, only orange juice should be consumed. As an alternative, the patient should consume buttermilk till the acute symptoms subside. Butter-milk kills harmful bacteria and promotes the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the stomach.
Small doses of castor oil in the form of an emulsion may be administered to the patient. Why? Because it serves as a moderate laxative, allowing for faster evacuation of unpleasant debris, reducing strain during motion, and acting as a lubricant to the ulcerated surfaces.
In addition to administering castor oil, mechanical evacuation of accumulated toxic waste should be attempted by administering a very low pressure enema with as much water as the patient may bear. This can be done twice or three times each day. Movement causes discomfort and aggravates unpleasant symptoms, therefore the patient should be completely immobilized. A hot water bag can be placed over the abdomen to relieve pain.
After the initial symptoms have subsided, the patient may be given rice, curd, fresh ripe fruits, particularly bael, banana, and pomegranate, as well as skimmed milk. Solid meals should be introduced slowly and cautiously in accordance with the rate of recovery. Flesh foods of all types should be avoided in the future to the greatest extent feasible. Other items to avoid include tea, coffee, white sugar, white flour, and goods manufactured from them, as well as any types of alcohol.
Among particular dietary treatments, bael fruit is among the home remedies for upset stomach as well as chronic dysentery. The fruit pulp combined with jaggery should be consumed three times a day. The fruit roasted over fire and the pulp combined with water treats chronic diarrhea. Large amounts of the prepared infusion can be given with jaggery. Butter-milk can also be served with unripe fruit pulp combined with an equal amount of dried ginger.
Another helpful treatment for dysentery is the use of pomegranate rind. Boil around 60 grams of the rind in 250 yoggrams of milk. When one-third of the milk evaporates, remove it from the fire. It should be given to the patient in three equal dosages at appropriate intervals. It will quickly alleviate the illness.
Lemon juice is quite helpful in treating common instances of dysentery. A few peeled and sliced lemons should be added to 250 mL of water and cooked for a few minutes. The strained infusion should be taken three times each day.
Other highly effective natural treatments for dysentery include chewing gently on small pieces of onion mixed with yogurt and equal parts of the delicate leaves of the peepal tree, coriander leaves, and sugar. Yogurt is one of the best home remedies for upset stomach because it has probiotic properties which promotes the digestion friendly bacteria in the gut.