Living with Cholera
An infection of the small intestine caused by bacteria in contaminated food or water, which can cause watery diarrhea and dehydration.
Understanding Cholera
It can range from mild to severe, and many people have no obvious signs. A small share of people have severe watery diarrhea and vomiting, leading to rapid fluid loss, dehydration, and shock. People get cholera from food or water contaminated with the bacteria. It occurs most often in places without water treatment, good sanitation, and hygiene.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Less urine than usual
- Fast heart rate and low blood pressure
- Muscle spasms and weakness
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
Cholera is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. People get it by eating or drinking food or water that has the bacteria in it.
Also known as: cholera - vibrio cholerae; cholera due to vibrio cholerae; vibrio cholerae; vibrio cholerae caused disease or disorder; vibrio cholerae disease or disorder; vibrio cholerae infection
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Cholera.
Explore research for Cholera
Explore actively recruiting Cholera studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Cholera with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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