What is E Coil

E coil also known as Escherichia is a type of bacteria that mostly lives in the intestines of animals and man. This bacteria can also be found in the guts of some animals. The E coil can be of different types. The E coil that is not harmful but helps to keep the digestive tract health and the E coil O: H7 that causes intestinal sickness known as Shiga Toxin-Producing E Coil (STEC). This toxin damages the linings of an infected E coil.

Symptoms of intestinal infection due to E. coli

1.      Abdominal cramping

2.      Loss of appetite

3.      Nausea

4.      Fatigue

5.      Watery diarrhea which may later change to bloody stools

6.      Fever

7.      Bleeding

8.      Acute kidney failure in children and adult

9.      Confusion

10.  Gas

Other symptoms of severe E coil infection between 5 to 10 days include

1.      Pale skin

2.      Bloody urine

3.      Dehydration

4.      Bruising

5.      Decrease urine output

Causes of E. coli infection

It is not an issue for human and animals to have E coil in their intestine, but having stains can cause infections. The infection causing bacteria can enter the human or animal body through the following routes

Improper handling of food                                                                                                      

One basic way of getting infected with E coil intestinal infection is through improper handling of food. Unsafe handling of the food in the kitchen, grocery stores, and the restaurant can cause infection.  Other ways foods get contaminated is failing to wash ones hand completely before eating of food, consuming of food containing mayonnaise or dairy food that has been left open for too long, eating uncooked food and also, eating of raw products that is not properly washed

2.      Contaminated water

Drinking of contaminated water can also lead to E coil intestinal infection. This contamination can be through human or animal waste.

3.      Person to person

E coil infection can also be spread from the hands of an infected person to another. This is as a result of poor hygiene and not washing of hands after using a bowel.

4.      Food processing

E coil infection could also be as a result of bad processing of food. During the process of slaughtering of poultry and other products - these products can be contaminated from the intestine of the animal.

Risk factors of E. coli infection

Some individuals are more prone to E coil infections. Some of the factors that make people susceptible to this bacterial intestinal infections include

1. A weak immune system 

Individuals with a weak immune system are more prone to suffer from E. coil infections

2.      Age

E coil infection is most likely to affect young children and elderly ones.

3.      Type of food

Eating a particular kind of food can make one susceptible to E coil infections - foods like juices or unpasteurized milk.

4.      Stomach acid level

People with lower stomach acid level due to medication are more prone to E coil infection.

Ways to prevent E. coli infection

In preventing E coil intestinal infection, one needs to practice safe food behaviors and good hygiene. Here are ways that can help in preventing E coil infections

1. Always wash your vegetables and fruits thoroughly before eating
2. Drink only pasteurized milk products
3. Keep raw meats from other food products and clean items
4. Wash your hands properly after using the bathroom or changing a Childs diaper
5. keep hands clean by using disinfecting wipes such
6. Wash your hands properly after having an encounter with an animal.
7. Always use clean utensils, serving platters and pans.
8. Defrost meat always in the microwave or the refrigerator.
9. Practice good hygiene and follow food safety guidelines.

Treatments

The safest way to threat E coil infection is to meet a doctor. Other steps in treating the infection are through the following

1. Home care is what is required in most cases of E coil infection.
2. Get a lot of rest
3. Drink plenty of water
4. Send in a sample of your stool to a lab to be analyzed
5. Check with your doctor before taking anti-diarrheal medications
6. Severe dehydration may require intravenous fluids and hospitalization

When to see a doctor

E coil Intestinal infection can lead to serious complications, such as kidney failure, dehydration, and most times death. It is therefore important to see a doctor if

1. You are not getting better after four to five days after infection
2. Presence of blood or pus in your stool
3. Having trouble keeping down the liquid
4. High fiver with diarrhea.