Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria are a large group of similar organisms. While most varieties of E. coli are not harmful, some produce toxins and can cause food poisoning. The illness caused by E. coli food poisoning can range from mild to life-threatening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that a serious form of E. coli food poisoning is caused by the variant O157:H7. This form of E. coli can cause an uncommon complication known as hemolytic uremic syndrome, which may be fatal.
Low-Grade Fever
A low-grade fever of less than 101 F (38.3 C) may develop with some types of E. coli food poisoning, although fever is not uniformly present. According to CDC, fever and other symptoms of E. coli food poisoning usually develop three to four days after ingesting contaminated food or water.
Abdominal Cramps
E. coli food poisoning causes abdominal cramps. Toxins produced by the bacteria cause these cramps. E. coli-induced abdominal cramps are typically mild when symptoms of the illness first begin and become progressively more intense.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea caused by E. coli food poisoning is copious and watery. Blood is frequently present in the diarrhea. In some cases, bleeding can become profuse. In an uncomplicated case of E. coli food poisoning, diarrhea begins to wane roughly five days into the illness, and typically resolves in approximately seven days.
Nausea and Vomiting
Nausea and vomiting may occur simultaneously with the onset of diarrhea. People with both diarrhea and vomiting are at high risk for dehydration--depletion of total body water. Intravenous fluids may be needed to replenish lost water.
Dizziness
The volume of water lost through diarrhea caused by E. coli food poisoning can cause low blood pressure, which may lead to dizziness or fainting on standing. If this symptom develops, you need medical intervention to restore lost fluids.
Paleness
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) associated with E. coli food poisoning typically develops five to seven days after the start of the illness--just as the diarrhea is improving. With HUS, red blood cells are destroyed, often causing paleness. This may be most noticeable inside the eyelids and in the nail beds, which will appear less pink than they do normally.
Decreased Urine Output
HUS secondary to E. coli food poisoning generally causes kidney failure. With this condition, urine output is diminished and may stop entirely.
Edema
If HUS develops and the kidneys shut down, water accumulates in the body, causing tissue swelling or edema. The swelling may occur throughout the body including the face.
Bruising and Skin Spots
HUS associated with E. coli food poisoning destroys platelets, small particles that circulate in the bloodstream and prevent bleeding. Abnormally low numbers of platelets may cause bleeding into the skin. This often manifests as bruise-like spots in the mouth and reddish-purple spots on other skin surfaces.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Escherichia coli O157:H7
- American Family Physician: Foodborne Disease and Shiga Toxin-Producing E. coli
- National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome in Children
- University of Virginia Health System: Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
- Medline Plus: Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
