PharmEasy Blog

Dysentery: Causes & Symptoms.

Dysentery is our body’s response to unwanted foreign bodies in the digestive system. The possible causes of dysentery include a parasitic amoeba called  Entamoeba histolytica  or a number of bacteria, including  shigella and salmonella. Infection of E. histolytica is called amoebiasis and any resultant bloody diarrhoea is called amoebic dysentery. Infections of shigella bacteria can lead to bacillary dysentery and they are called shigellosis which contributes a major part to the list of dysentery causes.  

Types of dysentery

There are mainly 2 kinds of dysentery:

Diarrhoea is a common health condition in which a person suffers from watery and loose stool. Dysentery, on the other hand, is an infection or inflammation of the intestine that can lead to the presence of blood in the watery stool. It is also referred to as bloody diarrhoea.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD

Cause

Normally, it is a condition that is more widespread in tropical areas where the warm climate is favourable for the production of bacteria. This does not mean that it will not occur elsewhere. However, the combination of poor civic hygiene and tropical weather is a combination that will support the circle of dysentery causes.  

It is therefore of the utmost importance to consume food that is properly cleaned before cooking and then thoroughly cooked. Water should also be boiled thoroughly and/or passed through a water decontamination system before being consumed as it ranks on top of the list of dysentery causes.  

Those suffering from the condition need to practice extra concern to ensure that dysentery causing bacteria are not re-introduced into their system. In such a situation, a relapse will almost certainly lead to worse symptoms in the patient as their body will already be weakened by the initial illness.

Hormonal changes, bowel infections, and underlying bowel disorders can all cause diarrhea during pregnancy. If diarrhoea lasts for more than 48 hours, consulting your gynaecologist is highly recommended especially if it is accompanied by fever, dehydration, and vomiting.

Dr. Ashish Bajaj – M.B.B.S, M.D.

Symptoms

The symptoms can last for five to seven days or even longer. The course of the illness varies with individuals, as do the symptoms. Some people suffering from dysentery may have only mild symptoms, while others may have severe diarrhoea which can occur with or without vomiting that can end up posing a risk of dehydration. Fortunately, dysentery can be treated with antibiotics and anti-parasitic medications.

Untreated dysentery can lead up to severe dehydration. Severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances can result in shock or coma and may be life-threatening. Seek immediate medical care from a professional if you have symptoms of severe dehydration such as lethargy, loss of consciousness, confusion, cold skin or decreased urine output. Seek timely medical care if you develop diarrhoea and vomiting and believe you may have been exposed to contaminated water or food.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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8 Amazing Health Benefits Of Berries!

Berries are probably the first fruit to be consumed from a fruit basket. They look pretty, taste good and make pastries better. When it comes to the health benefits of berries, all berries pack a powerful punch – and have some rather amazing benefits.

Here are 8 of the Amazing Health Benefits of Berries:  

Studies have shown that blackberries are a great source of manganese and vitamins C and K. From my knowledge, these nutrients are necessary for your body to perform functions, such as a healthy immune system, the healing of wounds, and iron absorption might depend on vitamin C. It might also work as an antioxidant, scavenging cancer-causing free radicals. The role of vitamin K in blood clotting and bone health may be crucial. Manganese may aid energy production, immune function, bone formation, reproduction, and blood coagulation.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, MD

Also Read: Strawberries Hepatitis: Unpacking The Potential Health Risks And Precautions

Berries You Should Avoid!

Now that we’ve mentioned the health benefits of eating berries, here are some berries you must avoid at all costs! Some berries may look really appealing and you may feel tempted to try them out but they can be really toxic to your health –  

Researchers have found that people with metabolic syndrome who consume blueberries may experience lower blood pressure. It may be because nitric oxide, which is believed to relax blood vessels, is produced more by the body when blueberries are consumed daily. Therefore, always eat blueberries in moderation, especially if you have any metabolic syndromes.

Dr. Smita barode, BAMS

Also Read: What is a Huckleberry: A Detailed Look at This Unique Fruit

Blueberries may stave off rising blood sugar levels since they are low in sugar and high in fibre compared to other fruits. Researchers believe it may help patients to regulate their blood sugar in specific medical disorders . In my opinion, daily consumption of blueberries may decrease certain markers of cardiometabolic health including triglycerides.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Also Read: 5 Health  Benefits of Kokam

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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How to Check Authenticity of Medicine?

It’s a sad truth today that even regular consumers are not able to differentiate fake medications from the real ones.   What’s worse? Even medical professionals are unable to spot the difference easily or check the authenticity of medicines, at least not without a chemical analysis.

An overwhelming amount of manufacturers have succeeded in copying almost every physical aspect of the medication to make it seem like it is the most genuine. Packaging, tablet shape, vial shape and size and colouring these aspects can be and have been copied.

As a consumer, here are things you can do to ensure the authenticity of your medicines:

While the above guidelines can go a long way in reducing the risk of buying counterfeit medication, remember that the only definite way to know if your medicine is original or not is through chemical analysis.

The Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) is now considering the introduction of a barcode system to check the authenticity of medicines that are imported into the country as well as manufactured here in India. If implemented, this system can keep at bay all types of counterfeit and fake medicines.

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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Best Ways To Avoid Asthma Attacks During Winter!

While winter brings with it the joy of festivals and holidays, it can also act as a trigger for asthma. Cold weather can contribute to asthma attacks  during winter so much so that it might cause  the disease in people who spend a lot of time outdoors in such weather or live in cold, dry climates.Here are a few tips on how to avoid asthma attacks during winter. Frequent and proper washing of your hands with water and soap is one of the simplest and best ways to avoid catching or spreading the cold and other viruses. Hand sanitisers that are alcohol-based also do the trick. Make sure to emphasize the importance of good hand washing to your children and educate them on it being one of the most basic steps of good hygiene. The cold weather doesn’t mean that you have to give up on your exercise routine but make sure to follow it indoors. In cold weather, symptoms are even more likely to appear during exercise because as the air is cold it can irritate the sensitive airways in your lungs. Avoid sports that involve long periods of exertion, such as football, distance running, basketball and field hockey. Studies have shown that people with asthma have a greater lung function and recover faster after exercising when they are warmed up. This is important but especially in winter whenever you work out. Before heading for working out outdoors in the cold, consider doing your first 20 minutes of your run on a treadmill. Work with your specialist or doctor to create an effective asthma treatment plan for the winter, and continue to get regular checkups done. If you are finding that your asthma symptoms worsen in the cold weather or you are experiencing asthma symptoms even if you haven’t had asthma before, meeting a physician is of the utmost importance. Take any medications you’ve been prescribed on schedule and without fail. Make sure to vacuum and dust your home frequently to reduce allergens since everyone will be spending a lot of time indoors during the winter. Dust all over using a damp cloth and use a vacuum with high efficiency (HEPA) filter to clean carpets and fabric-covered furniture. It helps if you can keep your entire home smoke-free. Candle, fireplace and cigarette smoke can travel from room to room, even through closed doors.Other than the tips mentioned above make sure to take the basic precautions like wearing a scarf or turtleneck up over your mouth and nose to warm the air you’re inhaling when outside, to avoid asthma attacks during winter.  Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

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8 Healthy Food Trends Of 2017

Every year brings about some new and interesting healthy food trends, and the food trends in 2017 will definitely not disappoint. Even though some of the healthy food trends continue to gain momentum such as fresh ingredients, non-GMO, whole grains, protein and gluten-free, there are still various trends that have come up with new ways to help you eat healthier whether you dine out or dine in.

Here are 8 healthy food trends of 2017-

Also Read: Ozempic Foods to Avoid: An Integrated Care Approach for Better Health

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.