Some people think that cholera and gastroenteritis are the same disease, but they are actually two different diseases. You can learn about the differences between cholera and gastroenteritis through the Dalili Medical website and the available treatment methods.

**What is cholera?**

 

Cholera is an acute and contagious disease that usually lasts for no more than five days, and is caused by infection with the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, which is transmitted through eating contaminated food or water. This disease is characterized by severe diarrhea that can lead to dehydration, and in some cases, it can be fatal if left untreated.

**What is gastroenteritis?**

 

Gastroenteritis is an infection that affects the intestines, and it may be viral, bacterial or parasitic, which leads to inflammation and increased irritation. This infection can affect people of all ages, but it is more common among young children.

Although gastroenteritis can be very annoying, it usually goes away on its own within a week. You can take care of yourself or your child at home until the condition improves.

Where is cholera found?

 

Cholera is common in areas suffering from wars, epidemics, and famines. Cholera cases are particularly concentrated in India, South Africa, and Latin America, but they can spread to different parts of the world.

Cholera incubation period

The incubation period for cholera ranges from 2 to 6 days. The disease is treated by giving intravenous fluids with the addition of potassium to replace the alkalis lost as a result of vomiting associated with cholera symptoms. The patient is also given antibiotics, and there is no specific vaccine to treat cholera.

**Who discovered cholera?**

 

The scientist Koch discovered cholera in 1883.

**Types of Vibrio cholerae**

Cholera belongs to the family of Vibrio versicolor, which can be divided into two groups:

1. The non-pathogenic group

2. The pathogenic group, which includes four main types: the Ogawa group, the Ibtaba group, the Hikojima group, and the Burroughs group. In addition, there is a special group known as the phase group.

These types differ from each other in terms of specific serums. The vibrios are not resistant to the external environment and do not live for a long time outside the body, except in certain conditions. They are destroyed within 3-4 days at temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius, in sunlight, and when using disinfectants. They can live in clean water for up to 3 weeks, while they do not live in contaminated water for more than one day due to their competition with other germs.

**What are the symptoms of cholera?**

 

Most people do not suffer from any symptoms, or they may have mild symptoms that usually disappear on their own within a few days. However, severe symptoms may appear in 1 in 10 people after 12 hours to 5 days after exposure to the bacteria, and these symptoms include:

- **Diarrhea**: It may start with simple diarrhea similar to normal diarrhea, but it may worsen in some people to reach a liter per hour, and its appearance is milky and pale like rice water.

- **Fluid loss**: Leads to severe dehydration that may cause death within hours if not treated immediately. Severe dehydration often occurs hours after the onset of symptoms, with the patient losing more than 10% of his weight.

- **Nausea and vomiting**: Vomiting may continue for hours after infection.

- **Sunken eyes**: With keratitis.

- **Extreme thirst**: Dry mouth, and little or no urination.

- **Delayed skin return**: When the skin is pinched, it returns to its position slowly with the skin surface wilting and drying.

- **Muscle cramps**: As a result of the body losing large amounts of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium and chloride.

- **Low blood pressure**: May lead to a deficiency in the amount of oxygen in the body.

Irregular heartbeats and instability in body balance, in addition to pain in the lower extremities and rapid weight loss. Mood swings and nervous responses also appear.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis

Symptoms can appear within one to three days after infection, and usually last less than a week. These symptoms include:

- Watery diarrhea (not accompanied by blood), as blood in diarrhea usually indicates a different, more serious infection.

- Feeling sick or vomiting.

- Loss of appetite.

- Muscle aches (cramps).

- Headache.

- Fever.

Symptoms of gastroenteritis in children

When children are infected with gastroenteritis, they may show the following symptoms:

- Diarrhea

- Vomiting

- Dehydration

- Abdominal cramps

- Fever

**The difference between cholera and gastroenteritis**

 

Cholera is a disease resulting from a bacterial infection of the digestive system, while gastroenteritis can occur as a result of several factors, including viruses, fungi, and parasites, not just bacteria. Cholera is more dangerous to human health than gastroenteritis, as its symptoms appear acutely, starting with vomiting and abdominal pain, through fever and fatigue, and reaching watery diarrhea. Cholera is common among people living near swamps, as well as in poor areas that suffer from pollution.

How can you get cholera?

 

Cholera can occur when you eat food or drink water contaminated with a bacterium known as Vibrio cholerae. The following are the most prominent sources that may contain these bacteria:

- Using well water, salty rivers, or coastal waters for washing or cooking, as this water may be contaminated with cholera bacteria.

- Eating some types of seafood, such as raw or undercooked shellfish, such as oysters.

- Eating raw, unpeeled fruits and vegetables in areas where cholera is prevalent.

- Eating contaminated grains that have been kept at room temperature for several hours in areas endemic for cholera.

Cholera is unlikely to be transmitted from one infected person to another through casual contact, but it can happenThis is in the event of eating food or drinking water contaminated with the feces of an infected person.

**What are the methods for diagnosing cholera?**

 

The only way to diagnose cholera is to examine a stool sample. You can have your stool tested in the laboratory to detect viruses or bacteria, and this does not require fasting or any special conditions.

**Complications**

Dehydration and low blood circulation are the worst complications of cholera, but there are other problems that may appear, such as:

- **Low blood sugar**: This may occur as a result of not eating due to severe fatigue, leading to seizures and loss of consciousness, and may even lead to death. Children are most susceptible to this problem.

- **Kidney failure**: When the kidneys lose their ability to filter, excess amounts of fluid and waste accumulate in the body, posing a threat to life. Kidney failure is often accompanied by low blood circulation in patients with cholera.

- **Low levels of potassium and other minerals**: There is a significant loss of these minerals in the stool, which negatively affects the functions of the heart and nerves, thus posing a threat to life.

**Treatment of cholera with medications**

 

Cholera can be treated with medications as follows:

1. **Fluid intake**

Cholera leads to severe dehydration that may be life-threatening if not treated properly. Therefore, cholera treatment focuses on treating dehydration through the following methods:

- Drinking sufficient amounts of a solution of salts dissolved in one liter of water, as adults need about 6 liters of this solution on the first day.

- Giving fluids intravenously to patients suffering from severe dehydration.

2. **Use of antibiotics**

The World Health Organization does not recommend the use of a large number of antibiotics, due to concerns about the emergence of resistance to bacteria that have recently begun to spread in the world.

According to some evidence, the use of antibiotics with intravenous fluids contributes to alleviating several problems compared to using fluids alone, as follows:

- Reducing the severity of diarrhea.

- Reducing the amount of fluids the body needs.

- Eliminating the cholera germ in the stool.

- Shortening the duration of treatment.

Here are some antibiotics used to treat cholera:

 

- **Tetracycline**: It has proven effective in treatment compared to other drugs.

- **Doxycycline**: It is considered the first choice for treatment for pregnant women and children, and is an alternative to tetracycline.

- **Erythromycin**: It can be used as a therapeutic alternative to other drugs.

**What are the methods of treating cholera?**

 

Cholera requires urgent treatment because the disease can lead to death within hours. The most prominent methods of treatment are the following:

**Dehydration treatment**

The goal of this treatment is to replace lost fluids and electrolytes using an oral saline solution, which is available in powder form that can be prepared with boiled water or bottled water. If dehydration is not treated, about half of people with cholera will die, but with treatment, the death rate can be reduced to less than 1%.

**Intravenous fluids**

Most people with cholera can be treated with oral rehydration alone, but people who are severely dehydrated may also need intravenous fluids.

**Antibiotics**

Although antibiotics are not an essential part of cholera treatment, some types can help reduce and shorten the diarrhea associated with cholera in people with severe cases.

**Zinc supplements**

Zinc can reduce and shorten diarrhea in children with cholera.

Signs that you need treatment

In general, cholera symptoms begin between a few hours and five days after infection, and they are often mild. However, diarrhea is the most prominent symptom, with about 1 in 20 people developing watery diarrhea with vomiting, which can lead to severe dehydration.

You should consult a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms of severe dehydration:

- Increased heart rate.

- Loss of skin elasticity.

- Dry mucous membranes in the mouth, throat and eyelids.

- Low blood pressure.

- Feeling very thirsty.

- Muscle cramps.

What should you do at home when you have cholera?

 

You can manage your condition when you have cholera before receiving treatment in the hospital by following some guidelines, such as:

- Make sure to drink plenty of fluids to compensate for dehydration, and use a commercially available rehydration solution, diluting it with water according to the instructions on the package.

- If you do not have an rehydration solution, you can prepare one at home by filling a liter of clean or boiled water, then adding 6 tablespoons of sugar and half a teaspoon of salt, and mixing the ingredients well.

- Seek medical help immediately, especially if you experience watery diarrhea after eating raw shellfish or when traveling to an area where cholera is prevalent.

**Treatment of cholera with herbs and natural methods at home**

 

1. **Ginger**

Ginger is considered an effective treatment for cholera, as it is characterized by its properties as a strong natural antibiotic that helps eliminate the infection without causing the emergence of resistant bacterial strains.

Ginger also helps reduce diarrhea and relieve stomach cramps and abdominal pain associated with cholera. You can eat a spoonful of honey with a slice of ginger root and chew it slowly to improve digestion. You can also boil ginger and drink it once or twice a day, with the addition of mint leaves and holy basil.

2. **Lemon**

Lemon is one of the first options that a patient can resort to when symptoms of cholera appear, especiallyFor diarrhea. Lemon is known to be rich in vitamin C, which is an antibacterial, as it helps eliminate harmful bacteria in the digestive system and intestines.

Vitamin C also enhances the body's immunity and improves its ability to resist bacteria. All you have to do is add lemon juice to a cup of warm water with a little salt and honey.

**3. Cloves**

Cloves can be used as a treatment for cholera by boiling 10-15 clove buds in about 6 cups of water until about half the amount remains. It is recommended to drink the solution whether hot or cold throughout the day, as cloves help relieve abdominal pain.

Cloves also contain eugenol, the benefits of which have recently been discovered, which contributes greatly to destroying intestinal bacteria and eliminating annoying parasites that may cause diarrhea and dehydration.

**4. Fenugreek seeds to treat cholera with herbs**

Fenugreek seeds are rich in gel that helps restore stool balance and reduce the severity of diarrhea. A mixture of two tablespoons of yogurt with a teaspoon of fenugreek seed powder and a small amount of roasted cumin seeds can be prepared.

It is recommended to take this mixture two or three times a day to achieve a quick recovery and return to normal daily activities. You can also add a spoonful of fenugreek powder to a cup of water and drink it daily, but it should be noted that fenugreek may not be suitable for children in general.

**5. Onions**

Onions are an effective treatment for mild cases of cholera, as they can help get rid of it easily and without annoying symptoms. Onions contain natural antibiotics, in addition to antiseptic and antibacterial properties, which makes them able to relieve symptoms of cholera such as insomnia, thirst and dry mouth. Onions can be cut into slices and added lemon juice, a spoonful of vinegar and olive oil, and eaten once or twice a day until recovery, God willing. The benefits of onions have been recognized for thousands of years, and they are still used in many popular dishes that may harm the digestive system, such as herring and salted fish. It is also recommended to eat it with oysters and other raw seafood to prevent any contamination that may affect the stomach.

**6. Turmeric**

Turmeric is considered one of the most effective folk remedies in combating cholera. All you have to do is soak a tablespoon of raw turmeric root in a small amount of lemon juice and leave the mixture for two hours. After that, you can remove the piece of turmeric from the lemon and leave it to dry in the sun.

We grind the ingredients well and store them in a tightly sealed container. After that, we add a quarter teaspoon of the powder to a spoonful of honey and a cup of hot water, and drink this mixture twice a day until complete recovery. Be careful not to overdo it with turmeric, as it may worsen the condition of diarrhea.

7. Coconut water

Coconut water contains a group of essential vitamins and minerals that compensate the body for what it has lost as a result of diarrhea caused by cholera. It also provides the body with natural sugars that boost the immune system and provide the energy needed to fight bacteria. Therefore, drinking coconut water once or twice a day can enhance the digestion process and help in a quick recovery.

8. Tea leaves

You can boil some tea leaves and add a spoonful of honey with coconut water, then consume this drink two or three times a day. Tea leaves contain antioxidants that help eliminate bacteria.

9. Cucumber

Cucumber is an effective vegetable in restoring acid balance after dehydration resulting from diarrhea, as it helps reduce the feeling of thirst. Cucumber juice can be consumed with coconut water for better results.

**Treatment of gastroenteritis in children with herbs**

 

. **Chamomile**

Chamomile is one of the most common herbs in treating gastroenteritis and its symptoms in children. It contains anti-colic compounds that may help relieve it. Chamomile is considered safe, and allergies to it are rare, but the validity of this information cannot be confirmed conclusively.

. **Lemon**

Thanks to its acidic properties, lemon helps relieve the symptoms of gastroenteritis at home. It is also rich in vitamin C, which enhances the efficiency of the immune system in fighting viruses.

. **Ginger and Mint**

In addition to fighting pathogenic viruses, ginger helps reduce inflammation, improve digestion, and relieve painful stomach cramps and bloating.

. **Cinnamon**

Cinnamon can be used at home to treat digestive symptoms, as it is considered an anti-inflammatory and antiviral. Cinnamon helps improve digestion and reduce inflammation, in addition to relieving vomiting and nausea.

**. Melissa**

Melissa is one of the herbs that may contribute to treating gastroenteritis in children, as it contains compounds that may help relieve inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. It can also help relax tense digestive tract muscles, which may help reduce nausea and colic. However, more scientific studies are still needed to confirm the effectiveness of this herb.

**. Ginger**

Ginger is commonly used to treat digestive problems, as it can help relieve nausea, which is one of the symptoms associated with gastroenteritis as mentioned earlier. However, children may not like the strong ginger flavor.

Ginger tea can be sweetened as desired, but be careful not to overdo it, as consuming large amounts of it may lead to diarrhea.

**Names of gastroenteritis medications:**

These include diarrhea medications, rehydration solutions, and worm medications. Here are some available medications:

- **Dilozole** - Alexandria Company

- **Dimetrol** - Eva Pharma Company

- **Farcozole Plus**(Farcozol Plus) - Pharco Company

- **Furamebe Forte** - Sedico Company

- **Furazol** - Ebeco Company

- **Amoebyl** - Medical Professions Company

- **Simecta**: It works to protect the digestive system wall during diarrhea and absorbs harmful substances and microbes to be excreted with the stool.

- **Diasmect** - Pharaonic Company

- **Diomacte** - Medizine Company

- **Smecta** - Ebeco / Ipsen Company

- **Amrizole** - Al-Ameria Company

- **Dumozol** - Mina Pharm

- **Entophar** - Pharaonic

- **Flagellat Forte** - Medical Professions Company

- **Flagex** - Alexandria Company

- **Flagyl** - Aventis Company

- **Flagicure, Forte** - Cairo Pharmaceutical Company

- **Flazol** - Nile Company

- **Gedazole** - Gedco Company

- **Metrozole** - Memphis Company

- **Trichogyl** - Adwick Company

- **Metronidazole** - Sigma Tech Company

- **Amebazole** - Egyvar Company

- **Cipazole Forte** - Sigma Company

These medications are used to treat intestinal infections and digestive system problems.