E. Coli - Symptoms
What symptoms did you experience with your E. coli infection?
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What are the symptoms of E. coli 0157:H7 infections?
Initial symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection
The initial symptoms of E. coli O157:H7 infection usually appear about three to five (though occasionally in as few as one day or as many as 10 days) after a person ingests the bacteria; the symptoms include
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- stomach cramps, and
- diarrhea that often is bloody.
The person may have a mild fever of about 100 to 101F (37.7 to 38.3 C). These symptoms can be seen in infected children and adults.
Later symptoms E. coli O157:H7 infections
The majority of people (especially normal adults) are infected resolve the infection without antibiotics in about five to seven days. However, some people (about 10% of people infected, especially children under the age of 5 and the elderly) develop more severe signs and symptoms, and these people usually require hospitalization and aggressive treatment. These patients develop the usual symptoms listed above, but do not resolve the infection. They develop symptoms that last longer (at least a week) and, if not treated promptly, the infection may lead to disability or death.
These symptoms or complications fall into three main categories;
- Hemorrhagic (bloody) diarrhea: Hemorrhagic (bloody) diarrhea symptoms are an increased amount of blood in the diarrheal stool that does not seem to resolve and is usually accompanied by severe abdominal pain. Although this may resolve within a week, some individuals can develop anemia and dehydration that can cause death.
- Hemolytic-uremic syndrome (HUS): Hemolytic-uremic syndrome symptoms of pallor (due to anemia), fever, bruising or nosebleeds (due to destruction of blood platelets that are needed for blood to clot), fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling of the body, especially hands and feet, jaundice, and reduced flow of urine may be seen. HUS symptoms usually develop about 7 to 10 days after the initial diarrhea begins. HUS is the most common cause of kidney failure in children; children under 10 years old are the most likely to develop HUS. E. coli 0157:H7 produces toxins that damage the kidneys and destroys platelets that can lead to kidney failure, excessive bleeding, seizures or death.
- Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP): Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura is caused by the loss of platelets; however, the symptoms that occur are somewhat different and occur mainly in the elderly. The symptoms are fever, weakness, easy, rapid or "spontaneous" bruising, renal failure, and mental impairment that can rapidly progress to organ failures and death. Until the 1980's, TTP was considered a fatal disease, but since the 1980's, plasma exchange and infusion techniques have reduced the death rate in TTP patients to about 10%.
For most people (about 90%), the E. coli infection clears and a good outcome or prognosis occurs. However, if any of the above mentioned complications happen, the prognosis may range from good to poor. The variable prognosis depends on the severity of the complication, the quickness of diagnosis and treatment, the response of the individual to adequate treatment and the overall health of the individual. Children and the elderly are at higher risk for adverse outcomes.
See what others are saying
My symptoms started on a Sunday. All my bones and joints hurt severely. I took a couple of ibuprofen and continued on my way to our family picnic. By the time the ibuprofen wore off my skin even hurt and I was shaking really bad. The next day I had stomach problems and I was basically pooping water and blood. Called my doctors office and they would not see me; says they did not want flu like symptoms in their office because of the danger to the elderly patients. I did end up at the emergency room because I could not stand the pain in my stomach anymore. The er doc said It appears to be some kind of infection. She did urine test, blood work, and a stool culture. I then learned I had gotten e coli 0157. Then everyone was surprised. Been off of work for over 1 week now and I still feel sick. But I definitely feel better.
I was suddenly hit with severe stomach cramps. I couldn't stand up straight, or move from sitting to standing etc. I couldn't even roll over in bed the cramps were so bad. However, I never vomited or had diarrhea, which is different from what you read. Every day, they gradually got better and 5 days later, they were almost totally gone.
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