So YOU HAVE IT?! The treatments and what to expect in the hospital

(image from  http://dialysispostings.com/laboratory-tests-blood-levels-dialysis-patients%20)

Today we will go over what treatments will be necessary if it turns out that you do have E. Coli, and what you should expect on your stay in the hospital if it is necessary.
The Treatment: Amazingly, for E. Coli itself there is no specific treatment. Your best bet is to drink a lot of fluids to maintain your hydration, as the diarrhea and vomiting may cause dehydration from the rapid release of fluids.  Although Escherichia Coli is a bacteria, DO NOT take any antibiotics.  Do not take any anti-diarrheals as well, as this will slow the process of the bacteria leaving your body. It is believed that antibiotics increase the chances of developing Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS), which increases the likelihood of death.  Most people will recover within 5-10 days if properly hydrating themselves and if they do not develop HUS or other E. Coli related diseases.
So let's Review the Treatments for E. Coli:

• Drink plenty of fluids to properly maintain hydration 
• Stay Away from Antibiotics and Anti-Diarrheals!

However, if you do so happen to develop HUS or D+HUS (post-diarrheal hemolytic uremic syndrome), the treatments may range from moderate to intensive, and may require that you stay in a hospital from 2 weeks to 3 months.  During your hospital stay, you will be administered Nutrition via a peripherally inserted central catheter, as your colon may be inflamed from the diseases. If even after intestinal function has been regained, some patients may continue to have reduced appetite for up to 2 weeks.  In this case nutrients would then be administered via a nasogastric tube.(1)

Dialysis may also be required as treatment to cleanse the body of toxins and maintain a balance of fluids and electrolytes.  This will be necessary if reduced urine output occurs.  Younger children will undergo Peritoneal Dialysis, which involves inserting a catheter through the abdominal wall, and into the peritoneal cavity.  Adults and older children will be treated via Hemodialysis.  This circulates the blood through a hemodialysis machine to remove the uremic toxins and normalize blood chemistries. This would require a catheter being inserted into a major vein to gain access to blood.  

HUS may also cause severe anemia, and blood transfusions will be necessary to correct this. Platelet Transfusions will be required in those with thrombocytopenia to reduce the risk of bleeding.

In patients who develop High Blood Pressure, anti-hypertensive drugs will be used to equalize blood pressure levels. These treatments will be necessary to rid your body of the diseases caused by E. Coli.

Now, lets have one last re-cap of the treatments of the E. Coli-caused diseases, HUS:

• Nutrition administered via peripherally inserted central catheter, and if necessary a nasogastric tube.
• Dialysis to cleanse the body of uremic toxins. Peritoneal Dialysis in young children, and Hemodialysis in older children and adults.
• Blood Transfusions to correct sever anemia, and Platelet Transfusions to reduce risks of bleeding for those with thrombocytopenia. 
• Anti-hypertensive drug use for those who develop high-blood-pressure. 

As you can see, treatments for diseases caused by E. Coli are much more intense then treating E. Coli itself.  For a better understanding on the diseases HUS and Thrombocytopenia and not just their treatments, view the post "E. Coli, it can only be the beginning... of the end!".

References:

1. "Treatment of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome- Diagnosis - Uremic Poisoning." Personal Injury Lawyer MN in Best Lawyers Minnesota Wrongful Death Attorneys Minneapolis - PritzkerOlsen, P.A. Web. 16 Apr. 2011. http://www.pritzkerlaw.com/hemolytic-uremic-syndrome-treatment/.