Cholera is a serious infection, involving the lower part of the small bowel.It is one of the most severe diseases of the intestines. It is a waterborne disease and is common during monsoon. The disease is predominant in children in endemic areas like India and other countries of South East and Mid East Asia. Its incidence is much higher in the age group between one and three years than in other age groups of children.Cholera, sometimes known as Asiatic cholera or epidemic cholera, is an infectious gastroenteritis caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. Transmission to humans occurs through ingesting food or water that is contaminated with cholera vibrios.

Treatment:

1. Unfortunately antibiotics are not of much help in this disease. They actually render the stool free from the bacteria but do not alter the course of the disease. The main treatment is to restore the great loss of fluids and the electrolytes, sodium and potassium, to prevent dehydration of the system.

2. Add two tablespoons of molasses and a teaspoonful of salt to every liter of water (boiled, naturally), and drink as much of it as you can - until it virtually comes out of your ears. Do not take any antidiarrheal medications; they do no good in this particular situation and may actually hurt you," Rosenfeld said.

3. Oral rehydration is vital as soon as possible. This can be water and electrolytes taken by mouth, or intravenously when necessary.

4. Tectracycline is the primary anti-biotic for treatment, although others have been used when the cholera bacterium proves resistant, sometimes multi-drug treatment.

5. The bedding and clothing of patients must be sterilized and care givers must thoroughly wash their hands.

6. If the loss of salts and fluids are replaced immediately then major part of treatment gets over in that time. They can be done by oral rehydration solution and if it is an epidemic it cannot be stopped immediately. Although Cholera can be controlled easily, unless you take proper precautions, this condition could escalate into something serious.

7. If the patient can take fluids by mouth he should be given a quart of water every three hours. During the day he should be given a total of 15 grammes (1/2 ounce) of salt and also 8 to 16 grammes of potassium chloride which can be purchased from any chemist.

8. 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.

9. 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.





Read About home remedies Also Read About home remedies for chicken pox and home remedies for cholera

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