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E. coli enteritis

Traveler's diarrhea - E. coli ; Food poisoning - E. coli ; E. coli diarrhea; Hamburger disease

 

E. coli enteritis is swelling (inflammation) of the small intestine from Escherichia coli ( E. coli ) bacteria. It is the most common cause of travelers' diarrhea.

Causes

 

E. coli is a type of bacteria that lives in the intestines of humans and animals. Most of the time, it does not cause any problems. However, certain types (or strains) of E. coli can cause food poisoning. One strain ( E. coli O157:H7) can cause a severe case of food poisoning.

Bacteria may get into your food in different ways:

  • Meat or poultry may come into contact with normal bacteria from the intestines of an animal while it is being processed.
  • Water used during growing or shipping may contain animal or human waste.
  • Food may be handled in an unsafe way during transport or storage.
  • Unsafe food handling or preparation may occur in grocery stores, restaurants, or homes.

Food poisoning can occur after eating or drinking:

  • Food prepared by a person who did not wash hands well
  • Food prepared using unclean cooking utensils, cutting boards, or other tools
  • Dairy products or food containing mayonnaise (such as coleslaw or potato salad) that have been out of the refrigerator too long
  • Frozen or refrigerated foods that are not stored at the proper temperature or are not properly reheated
  • Fish or oysters
  • Raw fruits or vegetables that have not been washed well
  • Raw vegetable or fruit juices and dairy products
  • Undercooked meats or eggs
  • Water from a well or stream, or city or town water that has not been treated

Although not common, E. coli can be spread from one person to another. This may happen when someone does not wash his or her hands after a bowel movement and then touches other objects or someone else's hands.

 

Symptoms

 

Symptoms occur when E. coli bacteria enter the intestine. Most of the time symptoms develop 24 to 72 hours after being infected. The most common symptom is sudden, severe diarrhea that is often bloody.

Other symptoms may include:

  • Fever
  • Gas
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach cramping
  • Vomiting (rare)

Symptoms of a rare but severe E. coli infection include:

  • Bruises that happen easily
  • Pale skin
  • Red or bloody urine
  • Reduced amount of urine

 

Exams and Tests

 

Your health care provider will perform a physical exam. A stool culture can be done to check for disease-causing E.coli .

 

Treatment

 

Most of the time, you will recover from the most common types of E. coli infection within a couple of days. The goal of treatment is to make you feel better and avoid dehydration. Getting enough fluids and learning what to eat will help keep you or your child comfortable.

You may need to:

  • Manage the diarrhea
  • Control nausea and vomiting
  • Get plenty of rest

You can drink oral rehydration mixtures to replace fluids and minerals lost through vomiting and diarrhea. Oral rehydration powder can be purchased from a pharmacy. Be sure to mix the powder in safe water.

You can make your own rehydration mixture by dissolving ½ teaspoon (3 grams) of salt, ½ teaspoon (2.5 grams) of baking soda and 4 tablespoons (50 grams) of sugar in 4 ¼ cups (1 liter) of water.

You may need to get fluids through a vein (IV) if you have diarrhea or vomiting and cannot drink or keep enough fluids in your body. You will need to go to your provider's office or the emergency room.

If you take diuretics (water pills), talk to your provider. You may need to stop taking the diuretic while you have diarrhea. Never stop or change medicines without first talking to your provider. You can buy medicines at the drugstore that can help stop or slow diarrhea. Do not use these medicines without talking to your provider if you have bloody diarrhea or a fever. Do not give these medicines to children.

 

Outlook (Prognosis)

 

Most people will get better in a few days, without treatment. Some uncommon types of E. coli can cause severe anemia or kidney failure.

 

When to Contact a Medical Professional

 

Call for an appointment with your provider if:

  • You are unable to keep down fluids.
  • Your diarrhea does not get better in 5 days (2 days for an infant or child), or it gets worse.
  • Your child has been vomiting for more than 12 hours (in a newborn under 3 months, call as soon as vomiting or diarrhea begins).
  • You have abdominal pain that does not go away after a bowel movement.
  • You have a fever above 101°F (38.3°C), or your child has a fever above 100.4°F (38°C) with diarrhea.
  • You have recently traveled to a foreign country and developed diarrhea.
  • You see blood or pus in your stool.
  • You develop symptoms of dehydration, such as not peeing (or dry diapers in a baby), thirst, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
  • You develop new symptoms.

 

 

References

Craig SA. Gastroenteritis. In: Marx JA, Hockberger RS, Walls RM, et al, eds. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014:chap 94.

Mody RK, Griffin PM. Foodborne disease. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 103.

Schiller LR, Sellin JH. Diarrhea. In: Feldman M, Friedman LS, Brandt LJ, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran's Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease . 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 16.

 
  • Digestive system - illustration

    The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

    Digestive system

    illustration

  • Digestive system organs - illustration

    The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

    Digestive system organs

    illustration

  • Proper hand washing - illustration

    Steps for proper hand washing include: Take off any jewelry. Hold your hands pointing down under warm water for 15 to 30 seconds. Clean under your nails. Rinse well. Dry with a clean towel. Take off any jewelry. Hold your hands pointing down under warm water for 15 to 30 seconds. Clean under your nails. Rinse well. Dry with a clean towel. Proper hand washing is the best way to avoid spreading germs to help prevent infection.

    Proper hand washing

    illustration

    • Digestive system - illustration

      The esophagus, stomach, large and small intestine, aided by the liver, gallbladder and pancreas convert the nutritive components of food into energy and break down the non-nutritive components into waste to be excreted.

      Digestive system

      illustration

    • Digestive system organs - illustration

      The digestive system organs in the abdominal cavity include the liver, gallbladder, stomach, small intestine and large intestine.

      Digestive system organs

      illustration

    • Proper hand washing - illustration

      Steps for proper hand washing include: Take off any jewelry. Hold your hands pointing down under warm water for 15 to 30 seconds. Clean under your nails. Rinse well. Dry with a clean towel. Take off any jewelry. Hold your hands pointing down under warm water for 15 to 30 seconds. Clean under your nails. Rinse well. Dry with a clean towel. Proper hand washing is the best way to avoid spreading germs to help prevent infection.

      Proper hand washing

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for E. coli enteritis

         

           

          Review Date: 10/27/2015

          Reviewed By: Subodh K. Lal, MD, gastroenterologist with Gastrointestinal Specialists of Georgia, Austell, GA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

          The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

           
           
           

           

           

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