Dysentery: Symptoms, Causes & Definition | Medical Dictionary

Dysentery is a pathological disorder within the intestine that causes "severe inflammation of the mucous membrane." It is coupled with bloody stools, sharp pains in the lower abdomen and fever, as defined by the New International Dictionary of the English Language.

Causes

• The Free Dictionary states that dysentery is caused by infections of bacteria, protozoa or parasites.

Effects

• According to Merriam-Webster, dysentery causes serious diarrhea with mucus and blood excretions.

Etymology

• Dysentery is from the Old French word, "dysenterie," from the Latin "dysenteria." This word originates from the Greek "dys-," meaning bad, and "enteron," meaning intestine, according to the New International Dictionary of the English Language.

History

• Merriam-Webster dates its usage back to the 14th century. The Oxford English Dictionary dates its usage to 1382.

Warning

• The uncontrolled diarrhea from dysentery leads to dehydration and the possibility of death, according to MedicineNet.

Treatment

• Treatment includes emergency hydration of the body and medication to combat the intestinal infection.