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Cholera

• 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 your condition, you may be given fluids by mouth or through a vein ( intravenous ). Tetracycline and other antibiotics may shorten the time you feel ill.

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.

Expectations (prognosis):

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

Complications:

• Severe dehydration
• Death

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if you develop profuse watery diarrhea.

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

• Review Date: 11/7/2005
• Reviewed By: Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant Attending Physician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & Medical Director, Chest (TB) Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, Harlem Hospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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