An E. coli 0157:H7 infection often causes hemorrhagic colitis (bleeding colon). Bloody diarrhea is a symptoms of this condition. This is a very serious complication of the infection that can cause colon tissue to be eaten away. When this happens, the victim may need a colectomy (surgery to remove all or part of the colon).
Deadly Food Causes Hemorrhagic Colitis
We don’t think of food as deadly, but it can be when it is contaminated with E. coli bacteria. The food is consumed and processed by the body. The waste ends up in the colon. E. coli bacteria make the trip from the stomach to the colon and then “make a home” for themselves in the colon, wreaking havoc on the body.
E. coli bacteria can find their way into most foods, raw and processed. This can happen on a farm field irrigated with water that has cow manure in it, or at a restaurant when a sick food handler does not wash his or her hands well. There are a many ways that food can be contaminated.
Past E. coli outbreaks have been caused by the following:
- Ground beef and other beef products, even steak served at a restaurant;
- Lettuce and spinach;
- Sprouts, often those served on a fast food sandwich or salad;
- Raw milk and raw milk cheese (unpasteurized);
- Frozen pizza;
- Flour;
- Cookie dough;
- Nuts; and
- Unpasteurized apple cider.
Don’t Blame Yourself
If you bought contaminated food at a grocery store and it made you or someone in your family sick, you are not to blame. Like most everyone else, you assumed that the food you bought was safe to eat. Our lawyers have helped many people like you hold food companies and retailers accountable for selling deadly food.
Symptoms of E. coli Colitis
- Bloody diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Severe abdominal cramps
- Fever.
If you or your child has bloody diarrhea, get to the doctor immediately. This is the primary sign of colitis.
Hemorrhagic Colitis Treatment
Treatment for this complication is mostly supportive and includes extra fluids to prevent dehydration, and a bland diet. Antibiotics are not recommended because they can lead to a serious condition called hemolytic uremic syndrome, a type of kidney failure.
Help with Your Hemorrhagic Colitis Lawsuit
Attorneys Fred Pritzker and his team of E. coli lawyers have extensive experience with E. coli lawsuits and have recovered millions for E. coli victims. Call them at 1-888-377-8900.
