What is the difference between Dysentery and Diarrhea?

Diarrhea presents as a watery stool with no blood and mucus. Dysentery presents as a mucoid stool that may be accompanied by blood. The patient may or may not be suffering from cramps or stomach pain. The patient generally complains of cramps and pain in the lower abdominal area. Fever is more typical in dysentery. Diarrhea is a condition that affects the small bowel, while dysentery is an infection that affects the colon.

There is no cell necrosis in diarrhea, and the disorder is only caused because of the release of some toxins. When someone gets dysentery, upper epithelial cells are attacked and demolished by a pathogen or disease-causing agents. Diarrhea is not a serious condition. The most adverse response the body has to diarrhea is dehydration.

Some people may assume that dysentery and diarrhea are almost the same but actually, there are some differences that you should know. The stools that people experience when they have diarrhea is usually watery and they may not experience any cramps. The stools that people experience when they have dysentery may come with mucus.

There are also instances when the mucus is present in the stools. Dysentery is also known to be fatal if it would not be treated immediately and this is different from diarrhea wherein people usually recover after two to three days as long as they would be properly hydrated. Those who have dysentery should get the proper treatment immediately.

Dysentery is an intestinal inflamation, that mainly occurs in the colon. It can lead to severe diarrhea, which can contain mucus and blood. Diarrhea itself is the frequent passing of watery and loose stools. While dysentery will contain mucus and blood, diarrhea will not. While diarrhea has a chance of occurring without any pain, dysentery will cause constant pain.

Another symptom that occurs in dysentery, but not in diarrhea is a fever. Diarrhea doesn't have any lasting effects, but it may cause dehydration. However, if left untreated, dysentery can be very harmful leading to other complications, which is why antibiotics are needed.