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Symptoms, Prevention and cure for ESCHERICHIA COLI (E coli) | 13th June, 2017

E. coli is a type of bacteria that normally live in the intestines of people and animals. However, some types of E. coli, particularly E. coli 0157:H7, can cause intestinal infection.

 
Symptoms of intestinal infection include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. More severe cases can lead to bloody diarrhea, dehydration, or even kidney failure. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, young children, and older adults are at increased risk for developing these complications.
 
Most intestinal infections are caused by contaminated food or water. Proper food preparation and good hygiene can greatly decrease your chances of developing an intestinal infection.
 
Most cases of intestinal E. coli infection can be treated at home. Symptoms generally resolve within a few days to a week.
 
Symptoms of Intestinal Infection Due to E. Coli
 
Symptoms of intestinal infection generally begin between one and five days after you have been infected with E. coli. Symptoms can include:
 
abdominal cramping
  • sudden, severe watery diarrhea that may change to bloody stools
  • gas
  • loss of appetite/nausea
  • vomiting (uncommon)
  • fatigue
  • fever
Symptoms can last anywhere from a few days to more than a week.
 
Symptoms of a severe E. coli infection may include:
 
  • bloody urine
  • decreased urine output
  • pale skin
  • bruising
  • dehydration
Call your doctor if you experience any of these severe symptoms.
 
According to Johns Hopkins Medical Center, about 8 percent of those who are infected develop hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a condition in which the red blood cells are damaged. This can lead to kidney failure, which can be life-threatening, especially for children and the elderly. HUS generally begins about five to 10 days after the onset of diarrhea.
 
Causes of E. Coli Infection
People and animals normally have some E. coli in their intestines, but some strains cause infection. The bacteria that cause infection can enter into your body in a number of ways.
 
Improper Food Handling
Whether food is prepared at home, in a restaurant, or in a grocery store, unsafe handling and preparation can cause contamination. Common causes of food poisoning include:
 
  • failing to wash hands completely before preparing or eating food
  • using utensils, cutting boards, or serving dishes that aren’t clean, causing cross-contamination
  • consuming dairy products or food containing mayonnaise that have been left out too long
  • consuming foods that haven’t been stored at the right temperature
  • consuming foods that aren’t cooked to the right temperature or duration of time, especially meats and poultry
  • consuming raw seafood products
  • drinking unpasteurized milk
  • consuming raw produce that hasn’t been properly washed
Food Processing
During the slaughtering process, poultry and meat products can acquire bacteria from the animals’ intestines.
 
Contaminated Water
Poor sanitation can cause water to contain bacteria from human or animal waste. You can get the infection from drinking contaminated water or from swimming in it.
 
Person to Person
E. coli can spread when an infected person doesn’t wash their hands after having a bowel movement. The bacteria are then spread when that person touches someone or something else, like food. Nursing homes, schools, and child care facilities are particularly vulnerable to person-to-person spreading.
 
Animals
People who work with animals, especially cows, goats, and sheep, are at increased risk for infection. Anyone who touches animals or who works in an environment with animals should wash their hands regularly and thoroughly.
 
When to See a Doctor
Intestinal infection can lead to dehydration and serious complications, such as kidney failure and sometimes death, if it’s not treated. You should see your doctor if:
 
  • You have had diarrhea that isn’t getting better after four days, or two days for an infant or child.
  • You have a fever with diarrhea.
  • Abdominal pain doesn’t get better after a bowel movement.
  • There is pus or blood in your stool.
  • You have trouble keeping liquids down.
  • Vomiting has continued for more than 12 hours. For a baby under 3 months old, contact your pediatrician as soon as symptoms begin.
  • You have symptoms of intestinal infection and have recently traveled to a foreign country.
  • You have symptoms of dehydration, such as a lack of urine, extreme thirst, or dizziness.
A doctor can confirm an E. coli infection with a simple stool sample.
 
Your health is our priority!
 
Mawuena workartey/ ghanahospitals.org
 
 

     
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