Diarrhea and dysentery are two common gastrointestinal conditions that affect millions of people worldwide. While both conditions share some similar symptoms, they have different underlying causes and treatment options.
Diarrhea is a condition in which a person has loose, watery stools more than three times a day. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including:
Diagnosis of diarrhea may involve a physical exam, medical history, and stool sample testing. Blood tests may also be performed to rule out other conditions. In some cases, an endoscopy or colonoscopy may be necessary to check for underlying conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease.
Diagnosis of dysentery may involve a physical exam, medical history, and stool sample testing. Blood tests may also be performed to rule out other conditions. In some cases, an endoscopy or colonoscopy may be necessary to check for underlying conditions.