How to Treat Cholera
Cholera is a disease caused by drinking contaminated water. If this condition is not treated immediately, it may result to serious complications and may even lead to death. Here are some things you should know to treat Cholera.
Symptoms
Severe diarrhea is the primary symptom of Cholera. You’ll have rice-watery stool.
Nausea and Vomiting happens during the early and late stages of the disease.
Muscles cramps are the result of electrolyte imbalance that happens because of severe diarrhea.
Dehydration because of too much fluid loss.
Hypovolemic shock happens when dehydration is not immediately treated.
Diagnosis
A stool sample will be sent to the laboratory to determine the cause for your symptoms. The causative agent for Cholera is Vibrio Cholerae.
A Cholera dipstick test is a faster way of determining whether or not you have cholera.
Treatments
Hydration is very important in preventing dehydration from getting worse. It’s essential to replace the fluids and electrolyte lost through diarrhea. Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) may be given. You can buy ORS in powdered form and mix it with water.
Intravenous fluids may be required for patients that are seriously dehydrated .
Antibiotics are given to kill the bacteria. The most common antibiotic given for Cholera is Azithromycin (Zithromax). This medicine reduces vomiting and relieves diarrhea.
Prevention
Wash your hands before eating and preparing foods. Hand washing is the most effective way of limiting the number of microorganisms you ingest. Make sure to follow proper hand washing techniques.
Drink safe water. When you’re traveling and you’re not sure of the quality of water in that area, opt for bottled water. if you have means of cooking, you may try boiling water to kill bacteria.
Avoid raw and undercooked foods. Some bacteria can survive in room temperature.
Cholera Vaccine. When traveling to a place where there is a cholera outbreak, you can get yourself vaccinated to be protected from the disease. Consult your doctor for more information about the vaccine.
Cholera may easily be treated, but its better to avoid the disease. Follow good hygiene when preparing your foods. When Dining out, make sure that the foods you eat are cooked properly.