| ENCYCLOPEDIA INDEX |
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| A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z |
Shigella enteritis |
| Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention |
| Alternative Names: |
| Shigellosis; Shigella gastroenteritis |
| Treatment: |
| The natural course of the disease is 2-3 days. The objective of treatment is to replace fluids and electrolytes (salt and minerals) lost in diarrhea. Antidiarrheal medications are generally not given because they may prolong the course of the disease. Self-care measures to avoid dehydration include drinking electrolyte solutions to replace the fluids lost by diarrhea. Several varieties of electrolyte solutions are now available over the counter. Antibiotics may be indicated for patients who are severely symptomatic. Sulfamethoxazole-trimethoprim (Bactrim), ampicillin, ciprofloxacin (Cipro), or chloramphenicol (Chloromycetin) are frequently used. People with diarrhea who are unable to take fluids by mouth because of nausea may need medical attention and intravenous fluids, especially small children. People taking diuretics need to be cautious if they develop diarrhea and may need to stop taking the diuretic during the acute episode, as directed by the health care provider. |
| Expectations (prognosis): |
| Often the infection is mild and self-limited. Prognosis is excellent except among malnourished and immunocompromised children. |
| Complications: |
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| Calling your health care provider: |
| Call your health care provider if diarrhea does not improve, if blood is noted in the stool, or if dehydration seems to be developing. Go to the emergency room if seizures occur, or if confusion, lethargy, headache with stiff neck, or similar symptoms develop in a person with shigella enteritis (most common in children). |
Digestive system |
Digestive system organs |
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