The media is full of reports of people getting e-coli from foods or from drinking contaminated water. The name E.Coli is a type of bacteria that thrives in the digestive systems of animals and humans. Several types of E. Coli are completely harmless, but the types of E.coli that cause so many problems are the ones that create bloody stools, anemia, and kidney. Some other types of E. coli can also cause uncomfortable urinary tract infections.
The Causes of E.Coli Infections
Usually, E. coli infections are caused by eating food that is contaminated with feces from other animals or from other humans. This is why beaches are occasionally shut down from E. coli infections from too many feces from birds or other animals. If you do not cook meat properly, fecal bacterial can still thrive and cause infections that way.
If you prefer to drink milk that is not first pasteurized, you can develop E. coli because cow udders can have bacteria on them. Pasteurized milk has been treated with high heat to destroy the dangerous bacteria. There are also come fruits and vegetables that can spread E. coli because animal feces can come in contact with them.
Another disgusting way to spread E.coli is when people do not wash their hands after they use the restroom. They can then spread the bacteria by shaking people’s hands and touching common objects. This is one of the reasons why you should always wash your hands after using the restroom so that you do not become a health hazard.
Unfortunately, there is not a medical cure for E. coli infections. The only want to treat the infection is to let it go away on its own time. However, if you have other health issues, E. coli can lead to other problems. If you have become infected with E.coli, you will develop diarrhea that is usually bloody, as well as stomach cramping, along with nausea and vomiting. If the bacteria have spread into the kidneys, the problem becomes much more serious and the symptoms will include fever, pale skin, weakness, bruising, and limited urination.
One of the worse complications from E.coli infections is dehydration. Young children and the elderly are more susceptible to dehydration than other groups and they should be closely observed to be sure they are drinking and urinating on a regular basis. Otherwise, they need to be brought to the hospital to receive intravenous hydration.
How to Treat E.Coli
E. coli is best treated by drinking small sips of water. Doctors do not recommend taking any antidiarrheal or antibiotic medications because they will slow digestion and make the E.coli remain in your body for a longer period of time. If E. coli gets into your kidneys, you might have to be treated with dialysis to help the kidneys filter out the waste that contains the E.coli.
The best way to avoid getting E.coli is to eat food that is cooked properly and to always wash your hands before you eat. You should only drink water that is treated with a chlorination filter and if you must travel outside of the country, drink bottled water, avoid using ice, and do not drink water in the shower.