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Cholera Discharge Instructions


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 care is needed at home?


  • Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
  • Take your drugs as directed by the doctor.
  • Drink 8 to 10 glasses of fluids each day to prevent fluid loss. Your doctor may want you to drink special liquids to replace lost fluids and minerals in your body.
  • Follow good hygiene practices. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds before eating and after using the toilet. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs. This is especially important:
    • After using the bathroom
    • Before eating
    • Before cooking
  • Eat well-cooked meals.

What follow-up care is needed?


Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. Your doctor may order a stool test. ‚  

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

Will physical activity be limited?


You may feel weak because you lose lots of fluid. You need to rest. Ask your doctor about what activities are best for you. ‚  

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.

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 the right way. Cook meals at 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.
  • Get a vaccine if you are in a high risk area.

When do I need to call the doctor?


  • Signs of fluid loss. These include dark-colored urine or no urine for more than 8 hours, dry mouth and tongue, dry skin, sunken eyes, lack of energy, feeling faint, or passing out.
  • Loose stools for more than 2 days
  • Very bad pain in your belly
  • High fever
  • Blood or pus in your stools
  • You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse

Teach Back: Helping You Understand


The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚  
  • I can tell you about my condition.
  • I can tell you how often I should try to drink fluids and good kinds of fluids to drink.
  • I can tell you what I will do if I have loose stools for more than 2 days or blood or pus in my stools.

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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