Escherichia coli, more commonly shortened to E coli, is one of the most common types of bacterial food poisoning and the most common causes of traveler's diarrhea, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says. E coli enteritis is the result of eating meat or other food contaminated with the bacteria. E coli can also be spread by infected people via the fecal-oral route.
Common Symptoms
Abdominal symptoms are the most common symptoms of E coli. Most symptoms start within 24 to 72 hours after eating contaminated food. Abdominal pain, gas and severe cramping are usually the first signs of illness, followed by loss of appetite and severe watery diarrhea that may turn bloody within 24 hours. Fatigue and muscle pain may accompany abdominal symptoms. Fever and vomiting may occur in some cases. Taking anti-diarrhea medications is not recommended, the U.S. National Library of Medicine says, because it slows the removal of bacteria from the intestine. Dairy products may worsen symptoms, because E coli causes temporary lactose intolerance; all dairy products should be avoided.
Severe Symptoms
If diarrhea is severe or prolonged, or if vomiting occurs along with diarrhea, you can become dehydrated. This may result in electrolyte imbalances. Normally, E coli symptoms last one to three days; if diarrhea lasts for more than three to four days, or if you can't keep food or liquids down, contact your doctor. Small children and elderly people are more likely to become dangerously dehydrated quickly.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) is a serious complication of E coli food poisoning caused by Escherichia coli O157:H7. HUS--which affects between 2 percent and 10 percent of people with E coli infection, according to the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University--occurs when toxins produced by the bacteria attack and destroy red blood cells, the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center says. Symptoms include anemia, a decrease in platelet, substances that cause blood to clot, and sudden kidney failure. Seizures, coma and intestinal perforation may also occur. Some people have permanent insulin dependent diabetes after HUS due to pancreatic damage. HUS can be fatal. Children are the main victims of HUS, which is the leading cause of kidney failure in children, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
