E. Coli Diarrhea - Traveler's Diarrhea

What are the treatments for the disease?

Oral fluids, including rehydration solutions, are important to prevent dehydration. In most cases, antibiotics are not needed. However, they may be useful in the treatment of very young infants or with certain types of E.coli. They may also be recommended for immunocompromised individuals, or those with weak immune systems.

Medicines to control diarrhea should not be administered to children with diarrhea, especially if the diarrhea is bloody. They could cause the diarrhea to last longer or to make it worse.

Traveler's diarrhea may be treated with the same drugs used to prevent it. In addition to the medicines listed earlier, loperamide may reduce the diarrhea.

What are the side effects of the treatments?

The medicines used to treat traveler's diarrhea can cause allergic reactions. They may also make the person more sensitive to sunlight and increase the risk of sunburn. Drugs for diarrhea may also cause nausea.

What happens after treatment for the disease?

Traveler's diarrhea usually goes away, with or without treatment, within 1 week. Hemorrhagic colitis is more serious and lasts longer, especially if HUS develops. Kidney failure may develop in as many as 50% of children. Severe kidney failure can lead to high blood pressure. HUS may recur with repeated infections but not usually after the first year. Most children with HUS have a nearly complete recovery. Up to 1/3, though, have lasting evidence of some kidney damage.

How is the disease monitored?

Persons with severe diarrhea or HUS need to be monitored closely to be sure their blood chemicals remain in balance. Elderly people who are receiving fluid replacement are watched closely for congestive heart failure. If kidney failure develops, fluid intake and output must be measured carefully to keep them in balance. Tests are sometimes used to be sure the E. coli toxin is no longer in the stool. Any new or worsening symptoms should be reported to the healthcare provider.