Symptoms of E coli Infection
By: Paul FryattTotal Views: 200, Word Count: 544,
E. coli is a type of bacteria that lives in our intestines. Most E. coli are known to be harmless. But some types can have the ability to make you sick. Symptoms of E coli infection vary and depend on the strength of one’s immune system.
We get E. coli infections due to intake of food containing bacteria. We can also get the infection by swallowing water of swimming pool which is infected with human waste. E. coli bacteria along with its toxins are transmitted to humans via:
- Undercooked hamburgers
- Salami
- Alfalfa sprouts
- Lettuce
- Unpasteurized milk, apple cider, and apple juice
- Impure well water
- Infected swimming pools
- Polluted oceans and lakes
Symptoms of E. Coli Infection
Symptoms of E. coli infection typically starts 2 to 5 days after contact. These symptoms may last for at least 8 days.
- Nausea
- Harsh abdominal cramps
- Watery or bloody diarrhea
- Fatigue
- Low grade fever
Other Types of E. Coli Infection Symptoms
Enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC)
This type of E coli produces a toxin which is the same as Cholera toxin. This has the ability to cause diarrhea symptoms. These strains normally lead to so-called ‘traveler’s diarrhea’
Enteropathogenic E. coli (EPEC)
This type of E coli stains can form the symptoms of persistent diarrhea which lasts for more than 2 weeks. This commonly occurs in developing countries.
It is known that antibiotics are not helpful for this type of infection. Health care experts suggest taking antidiarrheal medicines to treat diarrhea caused by E coli.
E. coli Infection Complications
It is known that the most serious complications of an E. coli infection are known to be Hemolytic uremic syndrome. (HUS). It is characterized by demolition of red blood cells, damage to the lining of blood vessel walls, and sometimes kidney failure.
During HUS, the common toxin gains access to the systemic circulation and they get attached to weak receptors on white blood cells. This also leads to organ injury.
Symptoms E. Coli producing Shiga Toxin Infection
· E. coli infection occurs when one is exposed to Shiga toxin producing E known as E. coli O157:H7.
· After ingestion of E. coli, bacteria multiplies quickly in the large intestine. It gets bind tightly to cells present in the intestinal lining.
· This leads to absorption of the Shiga toxin into the capillaries within the bowel wall. It results into inflammation caused due to hemorrhagic colitis which is known to be the first symptom.
· It is followed by sudden abdominal pain along with severe cramps, followed within 24 hours by diarrhea.
· As the infection improves, diarrhea becomes watery and grossly bloody
· E. coli symptoms after this lead to vomiting and fever
On rare occasions, E. coli infection can cause symptoms like bowel necrosis i.e. tissue death and perforation.
From this we can say that if you see any symptoms of E coli infection, it is very important to take good care of your health by taking the doctor’s suggestion.
About the Author
Paul Fryatt, M.D. has been in this profession from last 24 years. He made great achievements in his profession. He made an initiative to open a Family Allergy Clinic in 1985 to help his patients who were not reacting to traditional allergy treatment programs. Moreover he has explored the treatment to overcome allergy symptoms to reclaim quality of life through his convenient, no-shots therapy.
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