Description

Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria normally live in the intestines of healthy people and animals. Most types of E. coli are harmless or cause relatively brief diarrhea. But some strains, such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea and vomiting.

You may be exposed to E. coli from contaminated water or food-especially raw vegetables and undercooked ground beef. Healthy adults usually recover from infection with E. coli O157:H7 within a week. Young children and older adults have a higher risk of developing a life-threatening form of kidney failure.

Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection typically begin three or four days after exposure to the bacteria. But you may become ill as soon as one day after exposure to more than a week later. Signs and symptoms include:

  • Diarrhea, which may range from mild and watery to severe and bloody
  • Stomach cramps, pain, or tenderness
  • Nausea and vomiting, in some people

When to see a doctor

Contact your doctor if the diarrhea is persistent, severe, or bloody.

Causes

Some strains of E. coli trigger diarrhea. The E. coli O157:H7 strain belongs to a group of E. coli that produces a powerful toxin that damages the lining of the small intestine. This can cause diarrhea with blood. Develop an E. coli infection when ingested, this strain of the bacteria.

Unlike many other disease-causing E. coli bacteria can cause an infection, even if you ingest only small amounts. Because of this, it can be disturbed by E. coli cooked hamburger or swallowing a mouthful of water contamination of the pool.

The potential sources of exposure include contaminated food or water and person-to-person contact.

Contaminated food

The most common way to get an E. coli infection is by eating contaminated food, such as:

  • The ground beef. When cattle are slaughtered and processed, E. coli bacteria in their intestines can get in the flesh. Ground beef combines meat from many different animals, increasing the risk of contamination.
  • The milk is not pasteurized. The E. coli bacteria in the cow's udder or in the milking equipment may get into raw milk.
  • The fresh products. The runoff from cattle farms can contaminate the fields where fresh produce is grown. Some vegetables, such as spinach and lettuce, are particularly vulnerable to this type of pollution.

Contaminated water

Human and animal feces can contaminate the ground and surface water, including streams, rivers, lakes, and the water used to irrigate crops. Although public water systems use chlorine, ultraviolet light or ozone to kill E. coli , some of the outbreaks of E. coli have been linked to the contamination of municipal water supplies.

Private water wells are a major cause of concern, since many do not have a method to disinfect the water. Rural water supplies are the most likely to be contaminated. Some people have also been infected with E. coli after swimming in pools or lakes are contaminated with feces.

Personal contact

The bacterium E. coli can easily travel from person to person, especially when infected adults and children do not wash their hands. The family members of children with E. coli infection are especially prone to get themselves. Outbreaks have also occurred among the children who visit zoos and in the stables of the animals at county fairs.

Risk factors

E. coli can affect anyone who is exposed to the bacteria. But some people are more prone to develop problems of others. The risk factors include:

  • Age. Young children and older adults are at greater risk of suffering from diseases caused by E. coli and more serious complications of the infection.
  • Weakened immune systems. People who have weakened immune systems — AIDS or drugs to treat cancer or prevent the rejection of organ transplants — are more prone to diseases of the ingestion of E. coli .
  • Eating certain types of food. More risky raw foods, hamburger; unpasteurized milk, apple juice or apple cider; and the soft cheeses made with raw milk.
  • The time of year. Although it is not clear why, the majority of E. coli infections in the united states are produced from June to September.
  • The decrease in stomach acid levels. The acid of the stomach offers some protection against E. coli . If you take medication to reduce stomach acid, such as esomeprazole (Nexium), pantoprazole (Protonix), lansoprazole (Prevacid) and omeprazole (Prilosec), you can increase your risk of infection by E. coli.

Complications

The most healthy adults recover from E. coli to the disease within a week. Some people — especially young children and older adults can develop a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome.

Prevention

There is no drug or vaccine can protect E. coli based on the disease, but researchers are investigating potential vaccines. To reduce the risk of being exposed to E. coli , avoid swallowing water from lakes or swimming pools, wash your hands often, avoid risky foods, and watch out for cross contamination.

Risky foods

  • Cook the burgers until 160 ° f (71 C). The burgers should be well made, with pink showing. But the color is not a good guide to tell if the meat is cooked. Meat — especially if the grill — may brown before they are fully cooked. Use a meat thermometer to ensure that meat is heated to at least 160 ° f (71 C) at its thickest point.
  • Drink pasteurized milk, juice and cider. Any box or bottled juice stored at room temperature, is likely to be pasteurised, even if the label doesn't say so. Avoid unpasteurized dairy products or juice.
  • Wash the vegetables very well. Washing produce can not get rid of all the E. coli — especially in green leafy vegetables, which provide many places for the bacteria to adhere to. Careful with the washing can remove dirt and reduce the amount of bacteria that may be clinging to the production.

To avoid cross-contamination

  • Wash the utensils. Use hot water with soap in the knives, countertops, and cutting boards before and after contact with fresh produce or raw meat.
  • Keep raw foods separate. This includes the use of separate cutting boards for raw meat and foods, such as fruits and vegetables. Never put cooked hamburgers on the same plate that is used for the raw burgers.
  • Wash your hands. Wash your hands after preparing or eating food, using the toilet or changing diapers. Make sure that the children also wash their hands before eating, after using the bathroom and after contact with animals.

Diagnosis

To diagnose illness caused by E. coli infection, your doctor will send a sample of your stool to a laboratory to test for the presence of E. coli bacteria. The bacteria may be cultured to confirm the diagnosis and identify specific toxins, such as those produced by E. coli O157:H7.

Treatment

The illness caused by E. coli , as current treatments can cure the infection, relieve symptoms or prevent complications. For most people, the treatment includes:

  • Rest
  • Fluids to help prevent dehydration and fatigue

Avoid taking anti-diarrheal medication — this slows down your digestive system down, preventing your body to remove toxins. Antibiotics are usually not recommended because they may increase the risk of serious complications and do not appear to help treat the infection.

If you have a serious E. coli infection that has caused a life-threatening form of kidney failure (hemolytic uremic syndrome), you are going to be hospitalized. Treatment includes IV fluids, blood transfusions and kidney dialysis.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Follow these tips to prevent dehydration and reduce symptoms while you recover:

  • Drink clear liquids. Drink plenty of clear liquids, including water, clear sodas and broths, gelatin, and juices. To prevent apple and pear juices, caffeine, and alcohol.
  • Avoid certain foods. Dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods, or spicy foods may make symptoms worse.
  • Eat the meals. When you start to feel better, you can return to your normal diet.

Preparing for your appointment

Most of the people do not seek medical attention for E. coli infections. If your symptoms are particularly severe, you may want to visit to your primary care physician or seek immediate medical attention.

Here's some information to help you prepare for your appointment and know what to expect from your doctor.

What you can do

  • Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
  • Write down key personal information, including any recent changes in your life or for international travel.
  • Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements you are taking.
  • Ask a family member or friend to come with you, if possible. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided to you during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
  • Write questions to ask their doctor.

For an E. coli infection, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • What kinds of tests do I need?
  • What treatments are available, and which do you recommend?
  • There are long-term effects of this disease?
  • How can I prevent this from happening again?
  • Are there brochures or other printed material that I can take my house? What sites do you recommend to visit?

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor may ask:

  • When did your symptoms begin?
  • How often do you have diarrhea?
  • Are you vomiting? If so, how often?
  • Is your vomiting or diarrhea contain the bile, mucus, or blood?
  • Have you had a fever? If so, how high?
  • They are also having abdominal cramps?
  • You have recently traveled out of the country?
  • Does anyone else in your household have the same symptoms?

What you can do in the meantime

If you or your child has an infection of E. coli, it can be tempting to use an anti-diarrheal medication, but it does not. Diarrhea is a way the body rids itself of toxins. The prevention of diarrhea, which slows the process down.

Take small sips of liquid according to the tolerance to try to stay hydrated.

Symptoms and treatment of the E. coli