What causes bloody stool? (Day 2)

How do you know if you have gastroenteritis or #dysentry and what is the difference?

We’ve talked about diarrhoea and vomiting, but what exactly is diarrhoea? Diarrhoea is the passage of loose watery stool, what this means is that the stool is so loose or watery that it can take the shape of any container it is placed in, sometimes there may be blood or mucus in the stool. #Blood in stool is called dysentry.

What causes Blood (dysentry) or Mucus in Stool?

Dysentry can be caused by different organisms like bacteria and parasites so be sure to describe the stool to your doctor, of importance is how it looks, the frequency, that is how many episodes you have daily and the amount or volume.  Can you describe the last diarrhoeal stool you had?

What about Vomiting?

Another important symptom is vomiting. The vomitus may contain recently eaten food or may be watery and copius. It can come spontaneously or after eating.

Other symptoms and signs

If the diarrhoea and vomiting persists, one will lose essential body fluids and become very weak and lethargic. Take this sign very seriously as there is potential risk of kidney shut down and threat to life.  Another symptom is abdominal pain or discomfort, this may come in waves or spasms and may or may not be relieved by stooling.

There may also be a fever, depending on the organism causing it.

It is essential you recognise these signs and symptoms early so that appropriate intervention can be started.

Join me tomorrow for more.

Stay Healthy