E. coli Infection - E. coli Food Poisoning Symptoms and Treatment
E. coli is a food-borne diarrheal illness that sickens about 70,000 Americans every year. While most E. coli victims recover within a week, about 60 individuals die annually due to E. coli food poisoning complications. Sadly, children are most susceptible to developing life-threatening E. coli complications such as hemolytic uremic syndrome, which can cause acute kidney failure.
E. coli Food Poisoning
E. coli bacteria live in soil, water and the intestines of many birds and animals. E. coli does not cause illness in animals, which is why it often goes undetected. When the infected animals are slaughtered, the bacterium is sometimes transmitted from the intestines to other tissues, contaminating the meat. Another E. coli transmission mechanisms include fruits and vegetables grown in fields contaminated with E. coli-infected sewage water. In addition, produce can become infected at the time of harvesting or packaging if E. coli-infected employees fail to follow proper hygiene guidelines.
E. coli Infection: Symptoms
Once the E. coli bacteria enter the human gastrointestinal tract, they can cause inflammation. This event prompts the body to get rid of the harmful bacteria through diarrhea. Other symptoms of E. coli food poisoning may include:
- Stomach cramps
- Stomach tenderness
- Nausea
- Vomiting
Because these symptoms are very similar to those produced by many other food-borne diarrheal infections, E. coli is often misdiagnosed. The only way to definitively confirm E. coli is by submitting a stool sample for a thorough laboratory analysis.
E. coli: Complications
While most E. coli victims experience mild to moderate E. coli symptoms that resolve within a week, in some cases E. coli food poisoning leads to serious complications, such as dehydration and hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). Dehydration can occur if the body loses massive amounts of fluids through diarrhea and vomiting. Signs of dehydration include lightheadedness, dryness inside the mouth, lack of tears and dark brown urine. HUS occurs when the toxins produced by the E. coli bacteria enter the bloodstream and start to destroy the blood cells. The dead cells can clog the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys, in turn leading to acute kidney failure. HUS symptoms include lack of urine or red urine, paleness, fatigue and irritability.
E. coli Food Poisoning: Treatment
Since there is no specific treatment for E. coli infection, patients are typically advised to drink plenty of liquids and rest while the body completes its cleansing process. In cases of severe dehydration, intravenous fluids might be administered to help restore proper mineral and electrolyte balance. Individuals who develop HUS might also require dialysis treatments to filter the dead blood cells and other waste from the bloodstream. In rare case, blood transfusions might also be needed to provide the body with additional red blood cells. All E. coli victims should avoid taking antidiarrheal medications as they can interfere with the body's cleansing process and make the E. coli bacteria remain in the intestines much longer.
Contacting an Experienced E. coli Attorney
When food producers and/or distributors fail to deliver reasonably safe products, they may be liable for any damages incurred by consumers as a result. Failure to prevent E. coli contamination and food poisoning can make the responsible companies financially liable for medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs and physical and emotional suffering incurred by victims. If you believe that your food poisoning was causes by an E. coli-tainted product, you might be entitled to compensation. Contact the law offices of Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz at (888) 255-2956 to discuss your case and obtain sound legal advice. The attorneys of AWKO Law can also help you in cases of salmonella, shigella, campylobacter and botulism food poisoning.
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Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz
803 North Palafox St.
Pensacola, Florida 32501
55 Baybridge Dr.
Gulf Breeze, Florida 32561
