What is the typical progression of symptoms in a patient with cholera?

In patients with cholera, the characteristic symptomatology begins acutely, with a sudden onset of severe, watery diarrhea and vomiting. This rapid development of symptoms is a hallmark of cholera, often occurring within hours of exposure to the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. The diarrhea is typically described as "rice-water" due to its appearance, which is a result of the loss of large volumes of fluid and electrolytes.

The intense fluid loss can lead to rapid dehydration, which may develop within a short time frame, leading to further complications if not addressed promptly. This acute presentation, combined with the absence of significant abdominal pain in many cases, differentiates cholera from other gastrointestinal infections where symptoms may develop more gradually or include different primary manifestations.

The other choices present symptom profiles that do not align with the typical presentation of cholera. For instance, gradual onset of diarrhea and abdominal pain may suggest other gastrointestinal conditions rather than the sudden and severe nature of cholera. Intermittent fever and constipation are not typical features of cholera, and persistent cough and nausea are symptoms that do not commonly reflect the disease's primary manifestations.