Ecoli Enteritis

E. Coli Gastroenteritis: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

What is E. Coli Gastroenteritis?

E. Coli gastroenteritis is a type of gastroenteritis, or inflammation of the digestive tract, caused by certain strains of the bacterium Escherichia coli. These strains produce toxins that cause watery diarrhea, stomach pain, and nausea.

Symptoms of E. Coli Gastroenteritis

Common symptoms include:

• Watery diarrhea
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fever
• Fatigue

More severe symptoms, which require immediate medical attention, include:

• Bloody diarrhea
• Dehydration
• Sepsis
• Kidney failure

Diagnosis of E. Coli Gastroenteritis

To diagnose E. Coli gastroenteritis, your doctor will collect a stool sample and send it to a laboratory for testing. The laboratory will test the sample for the presence of E. coli bacteria and determine if it produces toxins.

Treatment of E. Coli Gastroenteritis

There is no specific treatment for E. Coli gastroenteritis. Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and preventing complications. This may include:

• Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration
• Taking over-the-counter medications to relieve symptoms
• Getting plenty of rest

In severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary to provide supportive care.

Prevention of E. Coli Gastroenteritis

E. Coli gastroenteritis can be prevented by following these tips:

• Washing your hands thoroughly before eating and after using the bathroom
• Cooking ground beef thoroughly
• Avoiding unpasteurized milk and cheese
• Washing fruits and vegetables before eating them
• Avoiding swallowing water when swimming in natural bodies of water