Cholera

Symptoms of Cholera

The symptoms of cholera vary in relation to the severity of the particular case. In mild cases cholera cannot be differentiated from a bout of ordinary diarrhea that is caused by an upset stomach. In severe cases, which are ten percent of the total incidence, the disease is in an aggravated form. Here are the major symptoms of cholera:

	Sudden, voluminous, watery diarrhea that may have traces of mucous. Cholera diarrhea may cause dehydration very quickly because of the loss of large amounts of fluids in a short duration.
	Signs of severe dehydration that result from cholera include sunken eyes, dry mouth, excessive thirst, withered or purplish skin, decrease in urine quantity, low blood pressure, lethargy and uneven heartbeat.
	Extended bouts of nausea and vomiting.
	Muscle cramps, usually in the abdominal area and legs because dehydration also leads to the loss of essential salts and ions.
	In addition to the aforementioned symptoms, children who suffer from cholera may feel drowsy, suffer from fever or experience convulsions. Children also may experience a coma if they are left untreated for too long.

A fatal complication of cholera-induced dehydration is Hypovolemic shock. This occurs because of low blood pressure that can lead to reduction or stoppage of the oxygen supplies to the various tissues.

Natural Cures

Rehydration Plans

A proper re-hydration plan for curing cholera is extremely crucial and necessary. Cholera results in dehydration which causes other complications. Caregivers should begin with a re-hydration plan that may involve oral or intravenous re-hydration solution (depending on the condition of the patient) as soon as symptoms of cholera occur, even when the symptoms point towards ordinary diarrhea. Water alone is ineffective because it does not replenish the loss of electrolytes and glucose. Here are a few inexpensive home-made Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) recipes:

	Combine eight level teaspoons of sugar with one level tablespoon of salt in one liter of boiled and filtered water.
	Add one half of a cup of orange juice to improve the flavor of the mixture and to add Vitamin C and Potassium.
	One half of a mashed banana may also be added to the sugar and salt solution, and this is a great source of potassium.
	Boil four grams of cloves in three liters of water until half of the water evaporates.

A cholera patient should drink any of these Oral Rehydration Solutions throughout the day to counter the effects of dehydration that are caused by cholera.

Here are a few additional natural cures that may aid in treating cholera:

Lemon

Lemon is believed to possess anti-cholera properties. In endemic regions, lemon can also be used to prevent cholera. Here is how lemon can be used to treat and to prevent cholera:

	Mix one tablespoon of lemon juice and sugar with one or two pinches of common salt in a glass of boiled and filtered water. This refreshing beverage helps in curing and preventing cholera and in replenishing the lost ions.
	The acidity of lemon may aid in killing the cholera bacteria that is present in food items. Include lemon in your daily diet to prevent the contraction of cholera.

Onion

Onions can be incredibly beneficial in alleviating the restlessness that is caused by dehydration. Grind 30 grams of onion with seven black peppers and divide this mixture into a couple of doses. Give the mixture to the cholera patient throughout the day.

Preventing Cholera

Preventing cholera is fairly simple. Conduct a few lifestyle changes, follow healthy cooking practices and ensure adequate sanitation to prevent Cholera. Here are few instructions that may help to prevent cholera:

	Keep your hands clean. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with warm water and disinfectant soap, especially before eating, cooking and after using the toilet. Using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can also help.
	Drink clean water. Water must be boiled or treated before drinking. Choose bottled water or beverages and avoid the consumption of ice while traveling. Follow this rule diligently, especially when traveling to regions where cholera outbreaks are common.
	Eat well-cooked, hot food. Cholera-causing bacteria thrive on food at room temperature and are not destroyed when frozen. Avoid eating in restaurants. If dining out is unavoidable, ensure that food is served hot and thoroughly cooked to minimize risk.
	Avoid potentially contaminated food. Foods to avoid include raw, undercooked seafood, especially shellfish, raw and unpeeled vegetables and fruits and dairy products, especially in the case of an epidemic.
	Get vaccinated. Although vaccines are known to provide only limited protection in case of an epidemic, they can reduce the risk. Travelers in endemic regions should be vaccinated.

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