How serious is an E.coli infection?
Patient: My grandson has been diagnosed with Ecoli, how serious is this?  He has been having severe cramps after eating for about 5 weeks and has been in and out of Childrens' Hospital during that time,  they just kept sending him home saying he was impacted. Doctor: Hello,My answer is as follows:Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacteria that colonizes human intestine. They can cause diarrhea or intestine related diseases but also urinary, pulmonary and other infections (more rarely).Among the 6 types of E.coli, one is of particular importance: Enterohemorrhagic E. coli. In children, this E. coli sub-type might produce hemorrhagic colitis, hemolytic-uremic syndrome (anemia, acute kidney failure, dangerous lowering of blood platelets).Hemorrhagic colitis manifests with bloody diarrhea following non-bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. Signs and symptoms are dedicated to potent toxins released by this type of E.coli.In this particular disease, the use of antibiotics is contraindicated because this increases the risk of hemolytic-uremic syndrome, which is a medical emergency. The use of antibiotics has been shown to not impact the course of illness or prevent future sequelae (permanent effects of infection).Therefore, the treatment of the disease is done by offering excellent supportive care, according to signs and symptoms.This is why your doctors ask you to visit often the hospital: due to the need for careful assessment and treatment according to the state of the child.Fortunately, in most cases the infection is self-limited and will be successfully managed by the medical team.Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.Regards,Dr. Ervin Toçi