What is e. coli infection?

E. coli is the name of a germ, or bacterium, that lives in your intestines. There are many types of E. coli, and most of them are harmless and don’t cause problems. But other types of E. coli can cause illness.

Some types of E. coli, including E. coli O157:H7, can cause bloody diarrhea and cramps.

Some other types of E. coli can cause urinary tract infections or other infections. A urinary tract infection is an infection anywhere along the path between the kidneys and the urethra (where urine comes out of your body).

Children are more likely than adults to have symptoms of an E. coli infection. Most people with the infection will have:

• Severe stomach cramps and tenderness.
• Diarrhea, watery at first, but can become bloody.
• Nausea and vomiting.

Some people don't notice any symptoms. They may spread the bacteria to others without knowing it.

Symptoms usually start 1 to 4 days after coming in contact with E. coli.

Most people get better in about a week. They often don't see a doctor and don't know that E. coli caused their problems.

With some strains of E. coli, severe blood and kidney problems may occur within 2 weeks after the diarrhea starts. These problems can cause kidney failure and sometimes long-term disability or death in some children and older adults.

When E. coli causes serious problems with the blood or kidneys, symptoms include:

• Pale skin.
• A fever.
• Weakness.
• Bruising.
• Passing only small amounts of urine.

If your doctor thinks you may have an E. coli infection, they will ask you questions about your symptoms, such as:

• When did diarrhea start? How long has it lasted? How often do you have bowel movements?
• Is there blood in the diarrhea?
• Have you had chills or a fever?
• Have you had any belly cramps, nausea, or vomiting?

Your doctor will also do a physical exam. They will usually:

• Take your temperature.
• Take your blood pressure and measure your pulse rate.
• Look at your skin color to see if you are unusually pale.
• Check your stomach for tenderness.
• Do a rectal exam to find out if you have blood in your stool.

If your doctor suspects an E. coli infection, they will order a type of stool test that detects strains of E. coli.

An E. coli infection usually goes away on its own. Your main treatment is to make yourself comfortable and drink sips of water. Diarrhea causes the body to lose more water than usual. This can lead to dehydration, which is especially dangerous for babies and older adults. Taking frequent, small sips of water will help prevent dehydration.

If you are not getting better, ask your doctor if you need treatment for E. coli. Some types of E. coli can be treated with antibiotics.

If you have bloody diarrhea that may be from an E. coli infection, don't take diarrhea medicine. These medicines can slow down the digestion process. This can allow more time for your body to absorb the poisons made by the E. coli.

In some people, the infection causes serious problems with the blood and kidneys. These people may need blood transfusions or dialysis.

• E. coli usually goes away on its own. Most of the time, you don’t need antibiotics.
• If you have diarrhea, don't use over-the-counter antidiarrheal medicine, such as Imodium or Maalox Anti-Diarrheal.
• When you feel like eating again, start with small amounts of food.
• To prevent dehydration, drink plenty of fluids. Choose water and other clear liquids. Soda, fruit juices, and sports drinks have too much sugar and not enough of the important electrolytes that are lost during diarrhea. These kinds of drinks should not be used to rehydrate. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Wash your hands often. Always wash them after bowel movements.