Cholera

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Table of Contents

Other names for Cholera

Asiatic Cholera
Enteric Cholera
Epidemic Cholera
Vibrio cholerae Infection

Synopsis of Cholera

Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness caused by infection with the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It is typically contracted through the ingestion of contaminated water or food. Cholera causes rapid onset of severe, watery diarrhea—often described as “rice-water stools”—leading to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and potentially death if untreated. The infection spreads easily, particularly in areas with poor sanitation, unsafe drinking water, and during humanitarian crises.

Most infections are mild or asymptomatic, but in severe cases, cholera can cause shock and death within hours due to extreme dehydration. Rapid diagnosis, rehydration, and electrolyte replacement are crucial for survival.

Types of Cholera:

  • Typical Cholera: Sudden onset of profuse, watery diarrhea, vomiting, and rapid dehydration.

  • Asymptomatic or Mild Cholera: Individuals have minimal to mild diarrhea but can still spread the infection.

  • Severe Cholera: Intense diarrhea leading to dehydration, muscle cramps, low blood pressure, and unconsciousness if not treated.

Common Causes:

  • Consumption of contaminated water (primary cause)

  • Eating contaminated food, particularly raw or undercooked seafood

  • Poor sanitation and lack of clean water supply

  • Contact with infected individuals in outbreak regions

Severity Factors:

  • Lack of immediate access to medical care

  • Age (children and the elderly are more vulnerable)

  • Malnourishment or weakened immune system

  • High bacterial load ingestion

  • Delay in rehydration treatment

When to See a Doctor:

  • Severe, sudden onset of watery diarrhea

  • Signs of dehydration (dry mouth, sunken eyes, little or no urination, lethargy)

  • Vomiting along with diarrhea

  • Rapid heart rate, low blood pressure

  • Muscle cramps, weakness

  • After travel to or during outbreaks in endemic areas

Natural remedies for Cholera

Oral rehydration solution (ORS): A mixture of clean water, salt, and sugar to replace lost fluids and electrolytes.

Homemade ORS: Mix 1 liter of clean water with 6 teaspoons of sugar and ½ teaspoon of salt if commercial ORS is unavailable.

Rice water: Drinking water in which rice has been boiled helps rehydrate and provides some nutrients.

Zinc supplementation: Shown to reduce diarrhea duration and severity, especially in children.

Probiotic foods: If tolerated, probiotics can help restore gut flora (only after acute rehydration is achieved).

Small, frequent sips: Even if vomiting occurs, continuous small amounts of fluid intake can prevent worsening dehydration.

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