An Overview of Cholera Treatment
In countries where
cholera occurs, people who develop severe vomiting and
diarrhea should seek medical attention promptly. When a
cholera diagnosis is made, cholera treatment should begin immediately. If treatment is started early,
cholera symptoms and complications can be minimized. Cholera treatment can include:
- Antibiotics (medicine that can kill the bacteria)
- Fluid replacement.
Cholera Treatment: Antibiotics
Antibiotics may be used as cholera treatment. Although they are not necessary to cure cholera, antibiotics typically shorten the course and diminish the severity of the illness. Medicine for cholera is not as important as rehydration in cholera treatment.
Cholera Treatment: Fluid Replacement
In most cases, cholera can be simply and successfully treated by immediate replacement of the salts and fluids that are lost through diarrhea. Fluid replacement treatment for cholera usually involves an oral rehydration solution, which is a prepackaged mixture of sugar and salts, that is mixed with water and drunk in large amounts. This solution is used throughout the world to treat diarrhea. In severe cases, cholera treatment may also require intravenous (IV) fluid replacement.
Prognosis With Proper Cholera Treatment
As long as cholera treatment is started in a timely manner and in adequate volumes, the cholera mortality rate is well below 1 percent. Without proper treatment, the mortality rate is between 25 and 50 percent.
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