Enteritis is inflammation or swelling of the intestines. One of the most common causes of enteritis is the bacterium Escherichia coli, or E. This bacterium is the most common cause of traveler’s diarrhea. This condition is marked by loose stools, abdominal cramping, nausea, and bloating. There are many strains of E. coli, some of which are harmless. In fact, hundreds of strains live in your digestive tract as “good” bacteria. However, certain toxic strains may lead to serious illness. If you’re exposed to a toxic strain, you can develop food poisoning and enteritis. This infection is sometimes called traveler’s diarrhea because when you travel you’re exposed to new strains of E. Some strains are more dangerous than others. They produce a toxin called Shiga, or verocytotoxin. This toxin causes severe illness and bleeding that can be fatal, especially in children. Shiga-producing toxic E. coli, often called “STEC” for short, may also be referred to as E. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source, an estimated 265,000 STEC infections occur each year in the United States. What Are the Symptoms of E. coli Enteritis? You will typically develop symptoms of enteritis 24-72 hours after being exposed. The main symptom is severe, sudden diarrhea that’s often bloody. Other symptoms include:
fever
sweats
intestinal gas
severe cramps
loss of appetite
nausea
vomiting
fatigue
lethargy
Certain strains of E. coli release a toxin that can trigger the destruction of red blood cells in children. This rare but severe infection is called hemolytic uremic syndrome. Symptoms include pale skin, easy bruising, bloody urine, and a reduced amount of urine due to kidney damage. If you have any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately:
high fever, over 101˚F in adults and over 100.4˚F in children
blood in your stool or urine
dehydration
fatigue
vomiting
inability to keep fluids down
diarrhea for more than five days, or two days for children
pain that doesn’t go away after a bowel movement
What Causes E. You can be exposed to disease-causing strains of E. coli by eating or drinking something contaminated with the bacterium. This often occurs because of unsafe food handling. Many infections result from eating meat that has come in contact with bacteria and waste from animal intestines during processing. Infections are also caused by food that has been washed in water polluted with human or animal waste. Raw or undercooked meats and eggs can also be hazardous. Drinking untreated water from a stream or well can likewise cause exposure. Leaving dairy products or mayonnaise out of the refrigerator too long can promote bacterial growth and can also lead to food poisoning. coli is rarely spread without food or drink, but it can happen. If someone neglects to wash their hands after a bowel movement and then touches something that others will use, it can lead to exposure and illness.
