How to Treat Shigella

By eHow Health Editor

Rate: (1 Ratings)

Shigella bacteria infects the intestinal tract and causes diarrhea, which is often bloody. Symptoms range from loose stools to the beginning stages of dysentery. Dehydration is the most concern in the majority of shigella infections. In most cases proper treatment limits the duration and symptoms of the infection. Read on to learn how to treat shigella.

Flag Article

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Water
Oral rehydration solution

Step1

Visit your doctor and relate all of your symptoms. Be as specific as you can about timelines and the extreme nature of your symptoms.

Step2

Follow your doctor's directions with regards to all medication prescriptions. Doctors often prescribe antibiotics based upon the strain of shigella infection you have. Take the medication for as long as prescribed, not just until you feel better. The bacteria sometimes lingers after the symptoms disappear.

Step3

Drink more fluids than normal to maintain proper hydration. Children often benefit from an oral rehydration solution such as Pedialyte.

Step4

Eat as you normally as you can unless your doctor recommends otherwise.

Step5

Continue to breastfeed infected children who are normally breastfed.

Tips & Warnings

Healthy people may only need to rehydrate and recover without antibiotics if symptoms are not severe. Shigella infections normally clear up in about five to seven days.
Use this information for informational purposes only, not as an alternative for professional medical advice.
Avoid fruit juices and soda. They will make diarrhea worse.
Do not take anti-diarrheal drugs. They can also make the diarrhea worse and create other problems.