E coli enteritis
Alternative names:
traveler's diarrhea
Treatment:
Cases usually resolve themselves in 1 to 3 days, and no
treatment is required. Antidiarrheal medication may delay
the elimination of the organism from the digestive tract,
and therefore may not be recommended. Rehydration with electrolyte
solutions may be necessary if dehydration
from diarrhea occurs.
People with diarrhea (especially in young children) who are
unable to take oral fluids because of nausea
may need medical attention and intravenous
fluids.
People taking diuretics need to be cautious with diarrhea,
and may need to stop taking the diuretic during the acute
episode, as directed by the health care provider.
Expectations (prognosis):
The illness usually runs its course without treatment in
a few days.
Complications:
Calling your health care provider:
Call for an appointment with your health care provider if
diarrhea does not resolve
in 3 to 4 days or blood in
stools is noted.
Call your health care provider if symptoms of dehydration
develop, symptoms worsen or do not improve with treatment,
or new symptoms develop.
Updated Date: 02/09/00
Updated By:J. Gordon Lambert, MD, Associate Medical Director,
Utah Health Informatics and adam.com
editorial
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