Cholera - Causes, Symptions, Remedies and Preventions |
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Cholera is an infection of the small intestine caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. It occurs in epidemics when conditions of poor sanitation, crowding, war, and famine are present. Cholera is a serious condition. A severe case of cholera can lead to death without immediate treatment. |
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Cholera is also called V. cholerae and Vibrio.
The most common cause of cholera is by someone eating food or drinking water that has been contaminated with the bacteria.
After a disaster, this is a very real danger, since regular, clean water and food supplies are often unavailable. The disease can be spread even further by infected people using already dirty water sources to clean themselves or dispose of waste. |
Cholera Symptoms |
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There are many symptoms of cholera. Symptoms can vary from mild to severe. The most common symptoms are:
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sudden onset of watery diarrhea, up to 1 liter (quart) per hour
- diarrhea has a "rice water" appearance, where the stool looks like water with flecks of rice in it
- diarrhea has a "fishy" odor
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dehydration
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rapid heart rate
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dry skin
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dry mucus membranes or dry mouth
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excessive thirst
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"glassy" eyes or sunken eyes
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unusual sleepiness or tiredness
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low urine output
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abdominal cramps
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nausea
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vomiting
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Cholera Home remedies |
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It is very important to visit a doctor so cholera can be treated immediately.
Cholera treatment using Lemon
The foremost among the many home remedies for cholera is the use of lemon. The juice of this fruit can kill cholera bacilli within a very short time. It is also a very effective and reliable preventive against cholera during an epidemic. It can be taken in the form of a sweetened or salted beverage for this purpose. Taking of lemon with food as a daily routine can also prevent cholera.
Cholera treatment using Guava Root Bark
The root bark of guava is rich in tannins and it can be successfully employed as a concentrated decoction in cholera. It arrests vomiting and symptoms of diarrhoea. About thirty grams of the root bark should be used in half a liter of water to make the decoction. The water should be boiled down to reduce it by one-third. This decoction can be taken twice daily.
Cholera treatment using Onion
Onions are another valuable remedy for cholera. About thirty grams of this vegetable and seven black peppers should be pounded finely in a pestle and given to the patient in two or three doses during the day. Onions allay thirst and restlessness and the patient feels better.
Cholera treatment using Bitter Gourd
The fresh juice of bitter gourd is an effective medicine in the early stages of cholera. Two teaspoons of this juice, mixed with an equal quantity of white onion juice and a teaspoon of lime juice, should be given twice daily in the treatment of this condition.
Cholera treatment using Drumstick Leaves
The leaves of the drumstick tree are also useful in this disease. A teaspoon of fresh leaf juice, mixed with one teaspoon of honey and a glass of tender coconut water, can be given two or three limes a day as a herbal medicine in the treatment of cholera.
Cholera treatment using Cucumber
A glass of fresh juice of cucumber leaves with an equal quantity of tender coconut water, given in doses of 30-60 ml, forms a valuable remedy for excessive thirst during cholera. It acts excellently by restoring the acid-base balance in dehydration.
Cholera treatment using Nutmeg
The herb nutmeg is a valuable remedy for dehydration caused by cholera. An infusion made by steeping half a nutmeg in half a liter of water should be given along with half a liter of tender coconut water in doses of 15 ml at a time in treating this condition.
Cholera treatment using Clove
Cloves are useful in cholera. About four grams of this spice should be boiled in three liters of water until half of the water has evaporated. The decoction thus prepared should be given to the patient several times during the day. This will reduce the severe symptoms.
Cholera treatment using Rough Chaff
The powdered root of rough chaff, botanically known as Achyranthes aspera, is also helpful in cholera. About six grams of the powder should be thoroughly mixed with half a cup of water and given to the patient once daily. |
Cholera Preventions |
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Yes. There are two vaccines that provide short-term, limited protection against the cholera bacteria. However, the vaccines are not currently available in the United States.
If you do not have access to the vaccines and you are traveling outside of the United States, take precautions with food and drinking water.
Some common precautions are:
- Drink only water that you have boiled or treated with chlorine or iodine.
- Eat only food that's been thoroughly cooked and is still hot, or fruit that you've peeled yourself.
- Avoid undercooked or raw fish and shellfish.
- Avoid raw salads and vegetables.
- Avoid food and drinks from street vendors
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