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Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
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Ency. home > Disease > C > Cholera

Cholera    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

V. cholerae; Vibrio

Treatment

The objective of treatment is to replace fluid and electrolytes lost through diarrhea. Depending on the condition of the person, oral or intravenous fluid will be given. Tetracycline and other antibiotics may shorten the duration of the symptoms.

Note: Tetracycline is usually not prescribed for children until after all the permanent teeth have come in, because it can permanently discolor teeth that are still forming.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has developed an oral rehydration solution that is cheaper and easier to use than the typical intravenous fluid. This solution of sugar and electrolytes is now being used internationally.

Prognosis

Severe dehydration can cause death. Given adequate fluids, most people will make a full recovery.

Complications

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Call your health care provider if profuse watery diarrhea develops.

Call your health care provider if signs of dehydration occur, including rapid pulse (heart rate), dry skin, dry mouth, thirst, "glassy" eyes, lethargy, sunken eyes, no tears, reduced or no urine, and unusual sleepiness or tiredness.

Ency. home > Disease > C > Cholera

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