Read up on Amebic dysentery treatment options at Consumer Reports Health.

Amebic dysentery

Key points about treatments

If you have amebic dysentery, your diarrhea may go away without treatment. But if the amoebas that made you sick are still living in your bowels (intestines), it can come back again. Treatment can help clear up your symptoms and kill the amoebas in your bowels.

Key messages about treatments for amebic dysentery

Taking drugs called antibiotics can get rid of your

diarrhea
Diarrhea is when you have loose, watery stools and you need to go to the bathroom far more often than usual. Doctors say you have diarrhea if you need to go to the bathroom more than three times a day.

diarrhea and clear up the

infection
You get an infection when viruses, bacteria, fungi or other tiny organisms get into your body. These bugs are so tiny that you can't see them without a microscope. For example, an infection in your airways causes the common cold. And an infection in your skin can cause rashes such as athlete's foot.

infection in your bowels.
You'll usually be given two drugs if you have amebic dysentery.

Source:
Medline Plus.
Metronidazole.
Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a689011.html (accessed on 28 November 2008).

¹ You'll take an antibiotic for a few days, then switch to another drug.
The diarrhea you get if you have amebic dysentery can make your body lose too much water. So it's important to drink lots of fluids.
It's important to wash your hands thoroughly after going to the bathroom and before preparing food. This can stop amebic dysentery from spreading to other people.

Sources for the information on this page:

Medline Plus.Metronidazole.Available at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a689011.html (accessed on 28 November 2008).

This information was last updated on Dec 04, 2008

This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment.
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