Diarrhea and dysentery are two digestive health issues that both involve stomach pain and watery stools. Because their symptoms can be similar, many people mistakenly think they are caused by the same factors.

In reality, diarrhea and dysentery have different causes and symptoms. What's the difference between them? Check out the following review.

Differences between diarrhea and dysentery

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is characterized by frequent bowel movements with watery or loose stools, often more than three times a day. This condition is usually mild and can resolve within a few days. However, if untreated, it can lead to dehydration and nutrient deficiencies.

Diarrhea can be acute, lasting for 1-2 days, and is the most common type that often resolves on its own. It can also be chronic, lasting more than 4 weeks, or recurring over a long period of time.

The primary cause of diarrhea is a viral infection of the intestines (gastroenteritis), but it can also be caused by various factors, including:

• Infections: Pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, and parasites can cause diarrhea. Norovirus is a common cause in adults, while rotavirus is the most common cause in children.
• Food poisoning is typically caused by bacterial contamination in food or drinks.
• Medications: Some medications, including antibiotics, antacids, cancer treatments, and laxatives, can cause diarrhea.
• Digestive system disruptions: For people with lactose intolerance, diarrhea may occur due to difficulty digesting lactose, a sugar in milk.
• Digestive diseases: Conditions affecting the intestines, such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome.
• Surgical procedures: Surgery on the intestines can also lead to diarrhea.

Dysentery

While both diarrhea and dysentery involve watery stools, dysentery is specifically marked by the presence of mucus or blood in the stool. Dysentery is more commonly associated with poor sanitation. Preventing the spread of dysentery involves maintaining good hygiene, especially by washing hands with soap and clean running water.

The type of dysentery you have depends on the cause.

• Bacillary dysentery is the most common type, caused by bacteria such as Shigella. It is often contracted from consuming contaminated food or touching contaminated surfaces and then placing your hands in your mouth.
• Amoebic dysentery is caused by the parasite Entamoeba histolytica and is often linked to poor sanitation conditions.

Treatment for diarrhea and dysentery

Bacillary dysentery typically does not require specific treatment or prescription medications. The infection usually resolves on its own within 4–7 days. For amoebic dysentery, doctors may prescribe medication to combat the parasitic infection, typically for a duration of 10 days.

For diarrhea, you can often manage symptoms at home with over-the-counter medications. Depending on the cause, you may also need antibiotics, antiparasitic drugs, or other medications to treat underlying conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease.

Eating probiotic-rich foods can also help manage diarrhea by introducing beneficial bacteria into the gut.

Dysentery is generally contagious. To prevent spreading it, wash your hands frequently with soap and clean water and avoid preparing food for others for at least 2 days after symptoms have gone.

After the infection has cleared, thoroughly clean your home to kill germs. This includes washing sheets, towels, and clothing with hot water and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces like toilet seats, flush handles, sink handles, and door handles.

Understanding the differences between diarrhea and dysentery is important for proper treatment. If you have any questions or concerns, see a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.

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