E. coli enteritis
Alternative Names
Traveler's diarrhea - E. coli; Food poisoning - E. coli; E. coli diarrhea; Hamburger diseaseTreatment
Cases usually clear up on their own in 1 - 3 days, and no treatment is required.
Antidiarrheal medication may delay the organism from leaving the digestive tract, and therefore may not be recommended.
Rehydration with electrolyte solutions may be necessary if dehydration occurs. Persons with diarrhea (especially young children) who are unable to drink fluids because of nausea may need medical care and intravenous fluids.
If you take diuretics and develop diarrhea, you may need to stop taking the diuretic during the acute episode. Do not stop taking any medicine unless your doctor tells you to.
Avoid dairy products. They may make the diarrhea worse due to the temporary lactose intolerance that can arise.
Outlook (Prognosis)
The illness usually runs its course in a few days, without treatment. A small number of patients may need to be admitted to the hospital if they become very dehydrated or they develop hemolytic uremic syndrome.
Possible Complications
- Dehydration
- Prolonged diarrhea
- Temporary lactose intolerance afterwards
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if you are unable to keep fluids down, if diarrhea does not go away in 3 - 4 days, or if you see blood in the stool.
Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of dehydration, symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment, or new symptoms develop.
References
Feldman M, Friedman LS, Sleisenger MH, eds. Sleisenger & Fordtran’s Gastrointestinal and Liver Disease. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: WB Saunders; 2006.
Guerrant RL. Escherichia enteric infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap. 327.
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