Bacillary dysentery is diarrhea which is the result of a bacterial infection. This form of dysentery is marked by the production of large amounts of loose or watery diarrhea, which may be streaked with blood. Bacillary dysentery typically will resolve on its own after a few days but may still require some treatment.
Fluid Replacement
One of the biggest risks of bacillary dysentery is loss of fluids and electrolytes. Acute episodes of bacillary dysentery can result in large volumes of watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and loss of important minerals and salts. Consequently, patients with bacillary dysentery may need treatment to replace these lost fluids and electrolytes, the Mayo Clinic explains. Mild cases of dehydration can be treated by drinking water or liquids with some electrolytes, such as broth or juice. Patients who only drink water run the risk of replacing the fluids but not the electrolytes, resulting in depletion of sodium and potassium in the body. Consequently, patients suffering from bacillary dysentery should make an effort to consume liquids with sodium and potassium to avoid electrolyte depletion. More severe cases of dehydration may need to be treated with intravenous fluids.
Antibiotics
Although most cases of bacillary dysentery will go away on their own, antibiotics may be prescribed for patients who are having an unusually long course of the disease or who are having severe symptoms. The exact antibiotics may vary depending on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Bacillary dysentery caused by a Campylobacter infection, for example, can be treated with azithromycin and ciprofloxacin. Doctors may wish to culture the stool to try and determine the type of bacteria causing the infection in order to select the best antibiotic to use.
Anti-diarrheals
Anti-diarrheals are medications which can help reduce the symptoms of of diarrhea. One such medication, loperamide, works by slowing down the rate at which liquids move through the intestines, Family Doctor reports. Bismuth subsalicylate also works to regulate fluid movement through the intestines and can help prevent watery diarrhea. Anti-diarrhea medications should be used with care for the treatment of bacillary dysentery, however, because their ability to slow the activity of the intestines can also make it harder for the body to clear bacteria out of the bowels.
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