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how can I tell if 1 year old has e coli?

Sent to Health Experts May 31, 2006 6:31 p.m.

My 1 year old ate some bedding from our hedgehog cage, when I fished it out of her mouth it smelled foul, like there had been feces on it. Her breath smelled the same way. I called poison control and they said to watch her for the next 5 days to see if she exhibits any signs of e coli. It has been 5 days and she HAS been incredibly cranky, gassy, has loose stools (but is still nursing) and is not sleeping well. She also has a runny nose and low grade fever, so I can't figure-out if she has a cold or e coli!!! Help?

Optional Information:
Female , Age: 1

Already Tried:
I nursed her the instant I noticed what she had in her mouth. Other than that, all I can do is watch her and wonder.

Customer (name blocked for privacy)

Status: Closed Value: $30

Answer
May 31, 2006 6:48 p.m. (17 minutes and 53 seconds later)

ACCEPTED

Hi Mom,

You'll know if it happens. Baby will have massive diarrhea, very watery, so fierce that it's scary.

Then, the problem is dehydration. You can try Pedialyte and other replacement fluids, but you won't be able to keep up with the fluid loss. She should be hospitalized FAST for IV fluids and antibiotics.

Have I scared you enough? Good! Now check this link: http://familydoctor.org/242.xml

There are other beasties in animal (and human) feces besides E. coli that can cause the same picture. It will be up the hospital lab to figure out which it is.

Right now, it sounds like a cold.

Good luck. I hope she gets better soon. You don't need any problems.

Teaching Doc

http://familydoctor.org/242.xml

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