Question
A four-month-old baby has been diagnosed with diarrhea after a stool test. Parents want to know the seriousness of this disease and what the usual treatment methods are?
Answer
The treatment principles for chronic bacillary dysentery include etiological treatment, symptomatic supportive treatment, and treatment of coexisting conditions. Etiological treatment primarily involves using antibiotics to combat dysentery bacilli. Symptomatic supportive treatment is aimed at managing specific symptoms of the patient, such as replenishing fluids to alleviate dehydration. Treatment of coexisting conditions involves addressing other health issues the patient may have promptly. Diarrhea is mainly caused by the ingestion of contaminated water or food containing dysentery bacilli, leading to suppurative inflammation of the colon and systemic toxic symptoms. Therefore, the key to preventing diarrhea is to pay attention to dietary hygiene and avoid infection through the mouth. For acute bacillary dysentery, early diagnosis and treatment should be sought.