Are you afraid of cholera? Let's learn about this dangerous disease in simple terms!

Have you suddenly started to feel like your stomach is going to explode, and at the same time, you are vomiting and your whole body is going to lose its strength? None of us want to face such an experience, right? These symptoms can be caused by a disease called Cholera. The name sounds a little scary, but if we are aware of this disease, it is not that difficult for us to stay safe from it. So today, let's talk about this cholera, how it is caused, its symptoms and how to protect ourselves from it, from the very beginning, in a very simple way.

Simply put, what is this cholera?

Cholera is a disease caused by a bacterial infection of our intestines, or intestines. It causes severe, watery diarrhea. This diarrhea can be so severe that within a few hours, your body can lose a lot of valuable fluids and electrolytes - salts that are essential for our body to function. This is called dehydration .

If you have diarrhea, the first thing to do is to drink as much fluids as possible . However, if the diarrhea is severe, if you continue to vomit, or if you have symptoms of dehydration, you should immediately go to the Emergency Department (ETU) of the nearest hospital .

Cholera is most common in areas without clean drinking water and proper sanitation. It can also be spread by eating raw seafood, such as shellfish, that has not been properly cooked. Sometimes, cholera outbreaks occur after natural disasters such as heavy rains, floods, and earthquakes.

What are the main symptoms of cholera?

The main and most dangerous symptom of cholera is, as we mentioned earlier, severe diarrhea. This is different from normal diarrhea. The stool of a person with cholera is usually gray, slightly cloudy, and contains mucus. Doctors also call this "rice water stool." This diarrhea can quickly become severe and can lead to life-threatening dehydration.

To make this information easier for you to understand, let's look at these symptoms in a table.

But it's important to remember this too. Not everyone infected with cholera will show these symptoms. Some people can be infected without any symptoms. But the bacteria can be released into the environment through their feces and spread the disease to others.

How does cholera actually occur?

Cholera is caused by a bacterium called Vibrio cholerae . This bacterium usually lives in lukewarm, slightly salty (brackish) water.

So, how does this bacteria enter our bodies?

Simply put, it is caused by drinking water or eating food contaminated with the bacteria `V. cholerae`. Once the bacteria enter the body, it attaches to the walls of our small intestine, where it produces a toxin. This toxin attacks the cells in the intestine, causing them to leak large amounts of fluid. That is what causes severe diarrhea.

How cholera spreads from person to person

Cholera is not spread directly from person to person, like a cold, through sneezing or talking. It is spread indirectly. That is, when bacteria that are released into the environment through the feces of an infected person enter the mouth of another person.

Imagine an area without proper toilet facilities and running water.

• If the feces of someone with cholera gets into a well, river, or stream, that water becomes contaminated.
• Others who drink that water, cook with that water, or wash their hands and feet with that water can also become infected.
• Also, if an infected person does not wash their hands thoroughly with soap after going to the toilet, they can spread the bacteria to others if they prepare food with those dirty hands or touch objects.

Who is most at risk of developing cholera?

Anyone can get cholera from drinking dirty water, but some people are at a slightly higher risk.

• People living in areas without clean water and sanitation: This is the main risk factor.
• People living in areas prone to natural disasters: Water sources are at increased risk during times of flooding and landslides due to contamination.
• People with type "O" blood: Research has found that people with type O blood may have more severe symptoms if they contract cholera.
• People with low stomach acid (Hypochlorhydria): The acid in our stomach is like a natural barrier. It kills germs. People who take long-term medications for gastritis, such as proton pump inhibitors, can have low stomach acid. Then, the bacteria `V. cholerae` can easily enter the intestines.
• People who have had stomach surgery (Gastrectomy).
• People with `H. pylori` infection.

Dangerous complications that can occur due to cholera

The most dangerous thing about cholera is dehydration and electrolyte loss, which can quickly lead to complications that can be fatal.

• Hypovolemic shock: Simply put, a shock caused by a dangerous decrease in body fluid and blood volume. This can cut off blood supply to organs and cause them to fail.
• Heart rhythm issues: A decrease in electrolytes like potassium directly affects heart function.
• Organ failure: The kidneys in particular can be damaged.

How does a doctor diagnose and treat cholera?

When you go to the hospital, the doctor will ask about your symptoms and examine you. If cholera is suspected, a stool sample will be sent for testing to confirm the diagnosis. This can detect the presence of the `V. cholerae` bacteria. Blood tests may also be done to check for dehydration and electrolyte levels.

When it comes to treatment, the main and most important treatment for cholera is to replace lost fluids and salts from the body.

• Oral rehydration: If dehydration is not severe, doctors may recommend oral rehydration solutions (ORS) , which are the same as "Jeevani" that we all know. These contain the right amount of salts and sugars needed by the body.
• Intravenous fluids: If dehydration is severe and vomiting makes it difficult to take fluids by mouth, saline will be given into a vein in the hospital.
• Antibiotics: Although not for everyone, some patients may be prescribed antibiotics such as doxycycline or azithromycin to reduce the severity and duration of diarrhea.
• Zinc supplements: Giving zinc to children under 5 years of age can reduce the duration of diarrhea.

Times when you need to go to ETU immediately!

We sometimes don't think of diarrhea as something serious. But in a situation like cholera, it can be life-threatening. If you or someone you know has any of the symptoms below along with severe diarrhea or vomiting, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.

• Severe muscle twitching
• Unbearable thirst
• Not passing even a little urine for hours
• Severe dizziness and lightheadedness
• Feeling like your heart is beating fast
• Confusion, altered consciousness

How to avoid cholera?

There is a saying that "Prevention is better than cure." This is 100% true for cholera. If we follow a few simple health habits, we can easily stay safe from cholera.

1. Drink only clean water: If you are not sure about the water in your area, boil the water thoroughly, cool it, and drink it . Or, use bottled water.

2. Wash your hands regularly with soap: It is essential to wash your hands thoroughly with soap, especially after using the toilet, before eating, and before preparing food.

3. Food Safety:

• Cook food well.
• Avoid eating raw or undercooked seafood, especially shellfish.
• Keep cooked food tightly covered to protect it from flies.
• If you eat fruits and vegetables raw, wash them thoroughly with clean water before eating.

4. Use proper toilet facilities: Preventing feces from entering the environment is essential to controlling the spread of disease.

5. Get vaccinated: If you are traveling to a country where cholera is common, talk to your doctor about getting the recommended oral vaccines. While these vaccines do not provide 100% protection, they significantly reduce the risk of contracting the disease.

Cholera, diarrhea, stomachache, dehydration, Vibrio cholerae, rice water, Jeevani, ORS, infectious diseases