While E. coli poisoning is a familiar term, many will admit to knowing very little about this disease. E. coli is a bacterium that settles in animal intestines. Cattle, which is the animal we rely on to feed our families, is the very animal that carries this deadly bacterium. E. coli is generally quarantined to the intestines. The bacterium may spread to other areas if the intestines are injured or punctured. This often occurs during slaughtering. Each year million of children and elderly people die of this disease. People of all age groups are susceptible to E. coli; however children and older ones may be affected more severely because of a low immune system.

Causes of E.Coli Poisoning

A common misconception is that beef is the only cause of E. coli. Yet, this bacterium may present itself in unpasteurized milk, juice, and contaminated water. Precautions should be taken when preparing meals for ourselves and family. Parents especially need to exercise caution because young children are prone to illnesses, and have a difficult time recovering from E. coli. Children affected with this disease are at risk for kidney failure. Sadly, children are not diagnosed early. E. coli symptoms closely resemble those of other illnesses, thus parents do not seek immediate medical attention.

When a child becomes ill with complaints of stomach problems, parents rarely consider E. coli as the culprit. Despite recent news articles and reports raising awareness to this disease, may feel that the odds of this disease affecting their family is slim. Unfortunately, we are not invincible. Occasionally we receive information about a person diagnosed with E. coli. This usually prompts us to take extra precautions to protect ourselves and family. However, once the wave of panic calms, we have the tendency of returning to old habits.

E. Coli Symptoms

E. coli symptoms are very similar to other gastrointestinal conditions. Symptoms usually show themselves within one to seven days of digesting contaminated food and liquids. Those affected with E. coli may suffer from nausea, vomiting, fever, cramps, diarrhea, or bloody stools. This illness is often mistaken for the stomach flu or less severe food poisoning. Medical attention is generally sought as symptoms worsen. There are cases when doctors have misdiagnosed patients. The foods we eat contain a variety of ingredients and spices that some bodies are unable to digest. Food allergies are also common, thus some physicians do not give stomach ailments the necessary attention - especially when symptoms occur suddenly.

Treatment Options

Doctors generally suspect E. coli after observing the severity of the stomach condition, and when patients show signs of dehydration. Stool samples are required to confirm diagnosis. Those suffering from this disease want immediate relief. Unfortunately, E. coli will not respond to medication. In fact, antibiotic may cause further damage. It is imperative that individuals suffering from severe stomach problems avoid self-treatment through the use of old antibiotics. Doctors will not prescribe medication for E. coli bacteria. However, they may treat fever or diarrhea that accompanies the disease. The sole treatment option for E. coli is drinking plenty of water and rest.

Complications of E. Coli Poisoning

Complications from E. coli poisoning may include anemia, Hemolytic uremic syndrome, kidney failure, and dehydration. Anemia is a decrease in red blood cells. These cells carry oxygen to other parts of our body. Reductions in cells mean our bodies do not receive its full supply of oxygen, which leads to complications. A main indicator of anemia is fatigue and weakness. Additional symptoms may include shortness of breath, discolored nails, and difficulty swallowing. Loss of consciousness, rapid heartbeat, and drop in blood pressure are symptoms of severe anemia. Doctors commonly treat anemia with iron supplements.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is an illness that occurs once a child has been infected with E. coli bacteria. Children under the age of 10 are primarily affected. This is a serious condition that could possibly lead to kidney failure. Similar to E. coli poisoning, there is no cure for Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The disease must be allowed to run its course. Sadly, there is little that can be done to stop the disease from progressing. HUS is life-threatening, thus children will require around-the-clock monitoring. In more acute cases, patients must undergo a blood transfusion or kidney dialysis.

Kidney failure is an extremely serious complication of E. coli poisoning. Kidneys are a vital organ. Their primary function is to remove waste from our bodies. Early indicators of kidney failure include fatigue and problems urinating. If left untreated, the condition will worsen and cause more grave symptoms such as seizures, loss of consciousness, vomiting, and irreversible coma. Kidney failure from E. coli poisoning has declined due to doctors closely monitoring patients. Problems that arise due to complication are generally detected early and treated before permanent damage occurs. Smokers, diabetics, and individuals who suffer from hypertension are at greater risk of kidney failure following E. coli poisoning.

Those who suffer from E. coli poisoning will likely also suffer from dehydration. E. coli causes terrible diarrhea, thus the body loses much of its water. Replenishing the body with liquids is vital to recovery. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, tongue, infrequent urination, dry skin, and confusion. Although dehydration may appear insignificant when compared to serious conditions such as kidney failure or HUS, severe dehydration may require hospitalization. Complications from dehydration include loss of consciousness, and in rare cases - death. Water and fluids such as soups and juices are treatment options. In severe cases, IV’s are essential to cure dehydration.

Preventing E. Coli

There are precautions we can take to protect ourselves and family from this potentially deadly disease. Beef should be cooked thoroughly. It would be ideal to avoid rare meat. Make sure that milk and juices consumed are pasteurized. Getting into a habit of washing fruits and vegetables prior to eating will also lower our risk of E. coli poisoning. If a child is suspected of having E. coli poisoning, parents should wash their hands regularly. The bacteria may be passed through fecal matter. Public pools and beaches also put us at risk for E. coli poisoning. Thus, we should avoid digesting the water.