Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a rare condition caused by E. coli bacteria, primarily affecting children under 15. Symptoms include diarrhea, abdominal pain, and kidney failure. Immediate medical attention is necessary for diagnosis and treatment, which may include blood transfusions, dialysis, or kidney transplant.
Hemolytic uremic syndrome is a rare medical condition that can cause severe kidney failure, anemia, and dangerously high blood pressure. The condition is almost always the result of eating foods that contain a particular strain of Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria. Hemolytic uremic syndrome primarily affects children under the age of 15 whose immune systems have not yet fully developed and are unable to control E. coli infections. Individuals over the age of 15 are much less susceptible, although it is entirely possible to suffer from the condition in adulthood. A person experiencing diarrhea, fever, abdominal pain, and difficulty urinating should seek immediate medical attention to get tested for E. coli and recommend medical procedures.
Most cases of hemolytic uraemic syndrome occur when E. coli infections go untreated for several days. Strands of E. coli bacteria in the digestive tract introduce toxins into the bloodstream that disrupt the functioning of red blood cells, destroy platelets, and eventually infect the kidneys. Children and adults run the risk of contracting E. coli when they consume undercooked meat or unclean produce. Individuals who are directly exposed to human feces are also prone to infections. Other forms of hemolytic uraemic syndrome occasionally result from ingestion of other types of foodborne bacteria or from the onset of rare autoimmune diseases.
Individuals who have hemolytic uraemic syndrome usually exhibit a number of different symptoms. Chronic diarrhea, fatigue, nausea, and abdominal pain are usually the first signs of E. coli infection and may or may not precede more serious kidney problems. Extreme tiredness, difficult or decreased urination, irregular bruising, nosebleeds, swelling of the limbs, and pale skin are indicators of kidney failure and possible hemolytic uraemic syndrome. It is extremely important to visit a doctor when some or all of these symptoms occur so that a correct diagnosis can be made.
Doctors can diagnose the condition by asking patients about their symptoms and ordering blood and urine tests. It is usually necessary for an individual with hemolytic uraemic syndrome to have a blood transfusion to rid the body of toxins and restore healthy levels of platelets and red blood cells. If acute kidney failure is already underway, the patient may need emergency dialysis to stabilize kidney function and restore important nutrients. In severe cases, a kidney transplant may be needed to provide relief. When hemolytic uremic syndrome is diagnosed and treated immediately, the patient is likely to start feeling better immediately and enjoy a full recovery in about a week.
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