Hamburger Lovers: Beware of E. Coli Poisoning

Hamburgers i guess has already gained its popularity worldwide as it became one of the favorite foods,  loved not only by children but by young people to the aged ones. This wouldn’t be a surprise because the food is somewhat considered a complete food since it comprises of not only carbs but it has protein and some vitamins and minerals from the veggies. Hamburgers originated from The U.S. but today its not only the Americans who loved this popular food but also is being loved by almost all people around the world. In India while most of the people are purely vegan hamburgers are also in the list of their fast foods menus. ( Burgers are made with chicken instead ). A healthier option i guess.

Hamburgers aren’t hard to find for they can be located in almost every corner of the street. In some countries where the influence of the Americans are great it is most likely that burger stores, stands and fast food chains are scattered. People like us who has already used to eating this kind of stuff has somehow helped us in our daily lives. When schedules are so tight we can just give a ring to our favorite fast food chain and viola!, we can have our lunch or dinner or a midnight snack in an instant. Or whenever snacking out is required or just snacking for fun burgers are just the perfect meal for everyone because its not only done in minutes but is also budget friendly.

Now after some talks on burgers, let’s take a look on the connection of hamburgers to E. Coli poisoning. What is E. Coli? E. coli is a bacterium that settles in animal intestines, cattle in particular. E. coli is generally quarantined to the intestines. but bacterium may spread to other areas if the intestines are punctured during slaughter. People of all ages can be infected with E.Coli, but children and the older ones are affected more severely because of a low immune system.

E. coli symptoms are very similar to other gastrointestinal conditions. Symptoms are nausea, vomiting, fever, cramps, diarrhea, or bloody stools which can be present from day one through day 7 of ingesting contaminated foods or drinks. Upon seeing these signs and symptoms it is a wise decision to have yourself checked by a health professional especially a medical doctor at once to prevent those deadly complications. Complications from E. coli poisoning may include anemia, Hemolytic uremic syndrome, kidney failure, and dehydration.

Hemolytic uremic syndrome is one of the dreadful complications that occurs once a child has been infected with E. coli bacteria. Little children with ages 10 and below are primarily affected. This is a serious condition that could lead to kidney failure. Similar to E. coli poisoning, there is no cure for Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS). The disease must be allowed to run its course. Sadly, there is little that can be done to stop the disease from progressing. Hemolytic Uremic syndrome is life-threatening, thus children will require round-the-clock monitoring. In more acute cases, patients undergoes blood transfusion or kidney dialysis. Kidney failure is another dreadful complication of E. Coli bacteria poisoning. Kidney failure is an extremely serious complication of E. coli poisoning.
Stool samples are required to confirm diagnosis. Early indicators of kidney failure include fatigue and problems urinating. This condition must not be left untreated because it will worsen and cause more grave symptoms such as seizures, loss of consciousness, vomiting, and irreversible coma.

Dehydration is also a fatal complication of the E. Coli bacteria poisoning. Since diarrhea is so much involved in E. Coli bacteria poisoning it is just wise to watch out water loss from the body. Water loss is monitored from the waste that goes out of the body through the vomitus, urine and fecal products. Replenishing the body with liquids is vital to recovery. Soup, juices and water can be given to rehydrate the body. Signs of dehydration include dry mouth, tongue, infrequent urination, dry skin, and confusion. And though dehydration seemed to be insignificant compared to those fatal complications mentioned above bear in mind that severe dehydration requires hospitalization since when left untreated it poses a high risk of fatality.

Reports said that 2 dead, 28 sick from E. Coli outbreak in some cities in America. These are the things we should do to prevent E. Coli poisoning.
1. Make sure that milk and juices consumed are pasteurized.
2. Getting into a habit of washing fruits and vegetables prior to eating.
3. Public pools and beaches also put us at risk for E. coli poisoning. So kids should be properly advised to avoid
ingesting the water.
4. Washing of hands thoroughly especially after every visit to the C.R. because E. coli bacteria may be passed
through fecal matter.
5. Beef should be cooked thoroughly.
Hamburger lovers must take so much precaution especially the young and the older ones. For the moment perhaps avoidance is the best thing to do till all beef are cleared from E.Coli bacteria contamination. If avoidance is not possible, then just make sure you have your burgers overly done to avoid the disease.