Escherichia coli is a gram-positive, facultative anaerobe, rod-shaped bacteria of the genus Escherichia which is typically found in the intestinal tract of healthy mammals. This organism is also responsible for causing diarrhea in human beings but this disorder is usually associated with the consumption of food items which are contaminated by this bacterium.
In its normal state, the organism remains unaffected by antibiotics and its survival can be maintained through the generation of large numbers of E. coli. The normal population of the organism is maintained at less than 500 in a body of 100 ml, where the organism resides in a well-defined layer.
However, if the organism does not die naturally after a while it can mutate into an organism capable of producing toxins that can damage the intestinal wall and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract. These toxins can be released through absorption of food particles that have entered the bloodstream and cause infection of the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract. Thus the formation of diarrhea and abdominal cramps may result.
Treatments are often based on antibiotics, which will kill all the bacteria in the intestines, including the beneficial bacteria but this is only temporary as there may still be some bacteria that survive in these places. The organism can then mutate into another form of E. coli and cause diarrhea again.
Food products containing raw eggs or milk, or meat which has not been cooked properly can lead to this disorder
It is not just food items that can be contaminated by this bacterium but also some of our personal items like diapers and towels. The most common forms of diarrhea are abdominal cramps, watery stools, constipation, bloating, nausea, and vomiting.
When a child is infected with Ecoli, he/she is usually given antibiotics to eliminate all traces of this organism and prevent further infections. If the infection is mild, oral antibiotics may be used. However, if the disease is more severe and the diarrhea is severe, the patient may need to be hospitalized and given intravenous fluid and oral rehydration fluids.
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Children who suffer from acute diarrhea should not be fed with solid foods until their condition has subsided and their symptoms subside, otherwise, the diarrhea might recur. and the child might get dehydrated and be unable to absorb the nutrients, which can result in dehydration.
One way to prevent diarrhea is to maintain a healthy lifestyle, for example, regular exercise and a balanced diet. One must ensure that the child is not exposed to sources of contamination like raw eggs and milk or meat and must also avoid consumption of foodstuffs that are prepared by non-native species.
For a child with diarrhea, feeding him/her with a combination of food such as boiled or raw vegetables, fruits, nuts and grains is important in the fight against Ecoli. Avoiding milk products is also recommended. Avoiding meat and eggs, which are said to have been the source of infections are also necessary to ensure a healthy childhood.
In order to control diarrhea in children, one can try some natural remedies that can also help prevent this disease. Yogurt, yoghurt, apples, and papaya juice can be used for diarrhea relief. Some people like to add tea tree oil to these foods to alleviate the symptoms. It is important to drink lots of water to prevent diarrhea.
To prevent or reduce the frequency of Ecoli caused diarrhea, the child should be allowed to eat fruits and vegetables, which are rich in fiber. Some foods that are rich in fiber are beans, peas, rice, whole grain breads, bananas, and green leafy vegetables, beans, carrots, asparagus and whole grain cereals.
Drinking plenty of water is essential for the body to be able to absorb the nutrients that are needed by the intestines. Eating plain yogurt can also make the digestive system function well and help prevent this disease from happening.