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7 symptoms of cholera you should watch out for

Cholera, if left untreated, can put a person in coma or even cause death!

Written by Poorva Chavan | Updated : July 18, 2016 9:46 AM IST

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Cholera

Cholera is a bacterial infection that is transmitted through food and water which is contaminated with faecal matter, carrying the bacteria Vibreo cholerae. In monsoon, this disease spreads easily because of overflowing sewers contaminating other water bodies. If not treated at the right time, the patient suffers dehydration which can lead to multi organ failure and even death. Dr Ratan Kumar Vaish, Senior Physician and Director, Astha Multispecialty Centre, Delhi talks about symptoms of cholera one should be aware of.

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Vomiting

Vomiting--Along with diarrhoea, vomiting is also a common symptom of cholera. It also adds to the dehydration.

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Weakness

General weakness--Patients also experience a general weakness, wherein at times they find it difficult to move. Children and elderly feel more weak and the loss of sodium from the body, hypernatremia, can lead to a semi conscious state or the patient may go into a coma in severe cases.

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Dryness Of Skin

Dryness of skin and loss of skin turgidity--Dehydration leads to a loss of subcutaneous fluid which makes the skin look dry and lose its turgidity. When you pinch the skin that has lost its turgidity it stays wrinkled and does not go back to its original state immediately. Dr Vaish says that loss of skin turgidity can be observed over the abdomen and the thigh and in severe cases on the cheeks.