Overview
The bacteria Escherichia coli (E. coli) are found in the intestines of healthy individuals and animals. The majority of E. coli strains are either innocuous or produce just little diarrhea. However, certain strains of E. coli, such as E. coli O157:H7, can cause severe stomach cramps, bloody diarrhea, and vomiting. probioticseverything.com probiotic e coli
E. coli can be spread by contaminated water or food, particularly raw vegetables and undercooked ground beef. E. coli O157:H7 infection in healthy persons normally lasts about a week. A life-threatening kind of kidney failure is more likely to develop in young children and older adults. probioticseverything.com probiotic e coli
Symptoms
E. coli O157 symptoms and signs:
Infection with H7 bacteria usually starts three to four days following exposure to the germs. However, you could feel ill as soon as one day after being exposed to as long as a week later. The following are some of the signs and symptoms: probioticseverything.com probiotic e coli
Diarrhea, which can be light and watery to severe and bloody, is a common ailment.
Cramps, pain, or tenderness in the stomach
Some people experience nausea and vomiting.
When should you see a doctor?
If your diarrhea is prolonged, severe, or bloody, see your doctor.
Causes
Only a few E. coli types cause diarrhea. The E. coli O157:H7 strain is part of a group of E. coli that generates a toxin that causes damage to the small intestine lining. It’s possible that this will result in bloody diarrhea. When you swallow this strain of bacteria, you have an E. coli infection.
E. coli, unlike many other disease-causing bacteria, can induce an infection even if only a little amount is consumed. As a result, E. coli can get you sick if you eat a little undercooked hamburger or swallow a mouthful of contaminated pool water. probioticseverything.com probiotic e coli
Contaminated food or water, as well as person-to-person contact, are potential sources of exposure. probioticseverything.com probiotic e coli
Food that has been contaminated
The most common way to contract E. coli is to consume tainted food, such as:
Beef that has been ground E. coli germs from the cattle’s intestines can sneak onto the meat during slaughter and processing. Ground beef is made up of meat from a variety of animals, which increases the danger of contamination.
Milk that has not been pasteurized. E. coli bacteria can enter raw milk from a cow’s udder or milking equipment.
Produce that is in season. Cattle farm runoff has the potential to contaminate fields where fresh food is produced. Contamination is particularly dangerous to certain plants, such as spinach and lettuce. probioticseverything.com probiotic e coli
Water that has been contaminated
Stool from humans and animals can pollute ground and surface water, including streams, rivers, lakes, and irrigation water. Despite the fact that public water systems kill E. coli with chlorine, UV light, or ozone, certain outbreaks have been attributed to tainted municipal water supplies.
Because many private water wells lack a disinfection system, they are a larger source of worry. Water sources in rural areas are the most prone to be poisoned. Some people have also become infected with E. coli after swimming in contaminated pools or lakes.
Contact with a person
When infected adults and children do not wash their hands correctly, E. coli germs can readily spread from person to person. Family members of small children who have E. coli infection are more likely to contract it. Children attending petting zoos and animal barns at county fairs have also been infected. probioticseverything.com probiotic e coli
Factors that are at risk
Anyone who comes into contact with E. coli can become ill. However, some persons are more prone to issues than others. The following are some of the risk factors:
-Age. Young children and the elderly are more likely to get sick from E. coli and have more serious problems as a result of the infection.
-Immune systems that have been compromised. People with compromised immune systems, such as those suffering from AIDS or taking medicines to treat cancer or avoid organ rejection, are more likely to fall unwell after swallowing E. coli. probioticseverything.com probiotic e coli
-Consumption of particular foods. Undercooked hamburger, unpasteurized milk, apple juice, or cider, and soft cheeses prepared from raw milk are among the riskier foods.
-Season of the year. The bulk of E. coli infections in the United States occur from June to September, for reasons that are unknown. probioticseverything.com
-Acidity in the stomach has decreased. Stomach acid can help protect you from E. coli. You may raise your risk of E. coli infection if you take acid-reducing drugs such esomeprazole (Nexium), pantoprazole (Protonix), lansoprazole (Prevacid), or omeprazole (Prilosec).
