E. Coli Treatment

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About E coli

E. coli is an infection caused by the bacteria Escherichia coli. Escherichia coli bacteria lives in the intestines of healthy people and animals and are usually harmless. However, several strains of the E. coli bacteria can release a damaging toxin - known as the Shiga toxin - which damages the lining of your intestines. This leads to the symptoms we associate with cases of an E. coli infection.

Common symptoms of an E. coli infection include:


  • Diarrhea (which can often be bloody)
  • Fever
  • Stomach pain and cramping
  • Abdominal tenderness
  • Vomiting

The symptoms of E. coli generally last for 5-7 days.

Damaging strains of E. coli usually enter the body through contaminated food, water, or human contact.

FOOD:

  • Common foods that carry infectious E. coli bacteria include:
  • Ground beef
  • Unpasteurized milk
  • Fresh, unwashed produce
  • Soft cheeses
  • Unpasteurized fruit juices

WATER:

Water may be contaminated with damaging strains of E. coli if it has not been disinfected. The bacteria can live in lakes, streams, private wells, and swimming pools. While it is rare, municipal water supplies have caused E. coli outbreaks every now and then.

CONTACT:

Fecal matter (even the invisible particles of fecal matter) can live on the hands and find its way into the body. If you do not wash your hands completely after a bowel movement, or changing a diaper, you may carry damaging E. coli bacteria on your hands. If this bacteria gets into your body, it can lead to an E. coli infection.

Most people are able to recover fully from an E. coli infection within 5-7 days. During that time, it is important that you rest and take in plenty of fluids.

Below is a list of treatment methods meant to relieve the symptoms of an E. coli infection. During your appointment, talk to your provider about tips to prevent the spread of the disease and how best to manage your symptoms.

Antibiotics are rarely prescribed for an E. coli infection. Ultimately, you should wait for your body to clear the infection while managing your symptoms with rest and fluid intake. Common methods used to relieve symptoms of E. coli include:

- Drink fluids. Diarrhea and vomiting will dehydrate you. To avoid feeling worse, drink plenty of water and diluted fruit juices. You may choose to supplement your water intake with electrolyte beverages or powders to further maintain hydration.

- Rest. Your body needs the energy to fight the infection and recover. Avoid strenuous activities until symptoms begin to go away.

- Avoid certain foods. Fatty foods, dairy products, and high fiber foods may make you feel worse. Eat a diet of easily digestible foods such as crackers, applesauce, and white rice. Wait until symptoms begin to improve before you reintroduce your regular diet.

There are a number of things you can do in your daily life to prevent an E. coli infection. These include:

- Wash your hands. Wash your hands using soap and warm water for 20 seconds after using the bathroom, changing diapers, or prior to handling food. E. coli can live on your hands, so practicing good hand hygiene can prevent the spread of the bacteria.

- Clean your produce. Produce, especially leafy greens, can carry the E. coli bacteria. Before preparing your food, or after you bring it home from the store, thoroughly wash your produce to prevent contamination.

- Cook your meat. Meat can brown before it is thoroughly cooked. To prevent contamination, make sure that you cook meat to at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest point of the cut. Avoid putting produce or cooked meat on a plate or cutting board you used for raw meat. E. coli can contaminate surfaces, so thoroughly wash and disinfect your kitchen surfaces (cutting boards, plates, etc.) and utensils after use.

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