What are the early manifestations of toxic bacillary dysentery?
Aug 26, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Shuwen
Introduction
In general, early manifestations of toxic bacillary dysentery include fever, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and respiratory distress. Toxic bacillary dysentery is an intestinal disease caused by infection with Shigella bacteria. In addition, other early symptoms may include lethargy, thirst, sweating, and progressing to a pale or ashen complexion. If any discomfort occurs, patients are advised to seek prompt medical attention at a hospital for diagnosis and treatment.
In general, early manifestations of toxic bacillary dysentery include fever, headache, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and altered consciousness. The details are as follows:
1. Fever
In the early stage of toxic bacillary dysentery, pathogenic bacteria in the patient's body can affect the temperature regulation center, leading to elevated body temperature. If body temperature does not exceed 38.5°C, physical cooling methods such as wiping the body with a warm towel or taking a warm sitz bath may be used. If body temperature exceeds 38.5°C, medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or acetaminophen tablets may be taken under medical guidance.
2. Headache
Headache is also an early symptom of toxic bacillary dysentery. As the disease progresses, the body's resistance gradually decreases. During fever, cerebral blood vessels may dilate, resulting in headaches. Patients are advised to take medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules or celecoxib capsules as directed by a physician.
3. Abdominal Pain
Abdominal pain is another common symptom of toxic bacillary dysentery. Bacterial infection causes congestion and inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, leading to spasms and contractions of the intestinal wall, which triggers abdominal pain. The pain is usually intermittent, varying in intensity, and may be accompanied by bloating and gastrointestinal gas discomfort. Patients are advised to take medications such as ciprofloxacin hydrochloride tablets or levofloxacin tablets as prescribed.
4. Diarrhea
Diarrhea is also a symptom of toxic bacillary dysentery. Patients may pass large amounts of watery or mucus-containing stools, sometimes with blood streaks. This occurs because bacterial infection causes inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, impairing the intestine’s ability to absorb water and resulting in diarrhea. Additionally, bacterial toxins can further irritate the intestines, worsening the diarrhea. Patients are advised to use medications such as smectite powder or loperamide hydrochloride capsules as directed by a doctor.
5. Altered Consciousness
In its early stages, toxic bacillary dysentery may also cause symptoms affecting mental status, such as confusion, coma, or shock. Some patients may experience limb convulsions or generalized seizures. It is recommended that patients take norfloxacin capsules under medical supervision.
Besides the above, other early signs include lethargy, thirst, sweating, and progressing to pallor or grayish complexion. If any discomfort occurs, patients should seek prompt medical attention for diagnosis and treatment.
