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Cholera


About this topic


Cholera is an infection of your small bowel. It causes very bad loose stools full of water. This leads to serious fluid loss. You can get this illness when you eat or drink food or water that has the cholera germ. It often happens in crowded areas with poor sanitation. ‚  
Cholera is a serious condition. Replacing lost fluids is very important. If left untreated, it may lead to very bad fluid loss and death. ‚  


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What are the causes?


Cholera is caused by a germ. The germ causes your bowels to not be able to absorb water. Then you have loose stools filled with lots of fluid, which causes fluid loss. ‚  

What can make this more likely to happen?


  • Eating or drinking water or food that has the cholera germ in it. Your risk is higher if you eat raw or undercooked shellfish.
  • Poor community sanitation
  • Drinking water that is not safe
  • Travel to a tropical country with poor sanitation and crowded living conditions
  • Having a weak immune system
  • Being a young child or older adult

What are the main signs?


  • Very runny, loose stools full of water
  • Upset stomach and throwing up
  • Lots of thirst
  • Loss of body fluids
  • Muscle cramps

How does the doctor diagnose this health problem?


Your doctor will do an exam and ask about your history. Your doctor will want to know if you have traveled to an area where cholera was present. The doctor may order: ‚  
  • Lab tests
  • Stool culture

How does the doctor treat this health problem?


Your doctor will treat your signs. Most important will be to get fluids back in your body. This may be done by mouth or by using an I.V. ‚  

What drugs may be needed?


The doctor may order drugs to: ‚  
  • Prevent infection or kill germs
  • Lower the number of loose stools
  • Help an upset stomach
  • Replace fluids and nutrients

What changes to diet are needed?


  • Stay away from caffeine. Do not eat foods that are greasy, high in fiber, or sweet.
  • Eat soft, bland foods like bananas, plain rice, boiled potatoes, toast, crackers, cooked carrots, and baked chicken without the skin or fat.
  • Eat small meals every few hours instead of 3 big meals.

What problems could happen?


  • Very bad fluid loss
  • Electrolyte imbalance
  • Shock
  • Kidney failure
  • Death

What can be done to prevent this health problem?


To lower your chance of getting loose stools: ‚  
  • Always prepare and store food in a proper way.
  • Practice proper sanitation and throwing away of stool.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds.
  • Wash your hands after going to the toilet and before eating.
  • Get a vaccine if you are in a high risk area.

If you are traveling: ‚  
  • Drink bottled or boiled water only. If you think that your drinking water may be contaminated, let it boil at more than 140 ‚ °F (60 ‚ °C) for at least 30 minutes.
  • Use bottled water when brushing your teeth.
  • Stay away from drinks that have ice.
  • Do not eat food from street vendors.
  • Do not eat raw vegetables or fruits. Peel or cook fruits and vegetables before eating.
  • Make sure meats and seafood are cooked to 145 ‚ °F to 165 ‚ °F (63 ‚ °C to 74 ‚ °C).
  • Eat only pasteurized dairy products.
  • Always check knives and forks to make sure they are clean.

Where can I learn more?


American Academy of Pediatrics ‚  
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/abdominal/Pages/Cholera.aspx ‚  
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚  
http://www.cdc.gov/cholera/index.html ‚  
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚  
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/144/viewAbstract ‚  
NHS Choices ‚  
http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cholera/pages/definition.aspx ‚  

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer


This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚  

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