E. coli

Diagnosis

To diagnose E. coli infection, a healthcare professional sends a sample of your stool to a lab to test for the E. coli bacteria.

Treatment

Most people with E. coli diarrheal infection get better on their own. Rest and drink fluids to keep the body from losing too much fluid, called dehydration. Don't take antidiarrheal medicine. It slows your digestive system and keeps your body from getting rid of the toxins.

Some people with serious E. coli diarrheal infection or those at high risk of complications may take an antibiotic to help clear the infection. But for people who have a strain that can cause a life-threatening form of kidney failure called hemolytic uremic syndrome, taking antibiotics can raise the risk.

If your E. coli infection causes hemolytic uremic syndrome, you need treatment in a hospital. Treatment may include getting fluids through a vein, blood from donors and kidney dialysis, a procedure to clear waste from the kidneys.

Lifestyle and home remedies

Follow these tips to prevent fluid loss, called dehydration, and ease symptoms while you recover:

• Drink a lot of clear liquids. Water, broth or drinks with minerals, called rehydration solutions, may help replace fluids. Don't drink apple and pear juices, caffeine, or alcohol.
• Don't eat certain foods. Dairy products, fatty foods, high-fiber foods or salty or spicy foods can make symptoms worse.

When you start feeling better, you can return to your usual diet.

Preparing for your appointment

Most people don't see a healthcare professional for E. coli infections. If your symptoms are bad, you may want to visit your main healthcare professional or go to an emergency room.

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms and when they began.
• Key personal information, including any recent life changes or travel and other medical conditions you have.
• All medicines, vitamins and supplements you take, including dosages.
• Questions to ask your healthcare professional.

For an E. coli infection, some questions to ask include:

• What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• Are there treatments?
• Will I have lasting effects from this illness?
• How can I keep this from happening again?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you suggest?

What to expect from your doctor

Your healthcare professional may ask:

• How often do you pass loose stools?
• Are you vomiting? If so, how often?
• Does your vomit or stool have bile, mucus or blood?
• Have you had a fever? If so, how high?
• Does anyone at home have the same symptoms?

What you can do in the meantime

If you or your child has an E. coli infection, don't use an antidiarrheal medicine. Having loose stools is one way the body gets rid of toxins. Taking an antidiarrheal medicine slows that process. As you're able, take small sips of fluid to replace fluid lost while you have diarrhea.