Should I Be Worried About E. Coli?

Romaine lettuce, beloved for its crispy crunchiness, mild flavor and nutrients, has taken a bit of a hit thanks to a recent E. coli outbreak that has spread across 16 different states (Georgia is now one of them).

While at first you may have thought it worth the risk to enjoy eating this leafy green, by now you know that even restaurants and grocery stores are steering clear of romaine lettuce (all varieties), just to be safe. So, as the number of E. coli cases continues to grow you’re likely wondering if you’re at risk for E. Coli?

But before we tackle that question, we have a few truth bombs to drop on you.

First, what you think you know about E. Coli may be all wrong. For instance, did you know that E. Coli, the abbreviation for Escherichia coli, isn’t just one type of bacteria, it’s actually an entire group of diverse bacteria (with the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli being the culprit for many outbreaks)? Or that E. coli isn’t all bad and that it actually lives in the intestines of healthy people and plays an important role in the digestive process?

So, now that we have some of the misconceptions cleared up about E. Coli, let’s get a better understanding of what your overall risk may be.

The truth is, while this recent romaine lettuce recall is top-of-mind, there are E. Coli outbreaks every year (causing nearly 265,000 cases annually) that you may not have heard anything about (in the last 5 years there have been 12 different outbreaks).

But before you worry that the Shiga toxin-producing E. coli is lurking in your favorite lettuce mix, fresh produce, or any food for that matter, here is some reassuring information to keep in mind: most cases of E. Coli clear up in 5 to 7 days with minimal treatment. With that being said, it’s still important to know the key symptoms to watch for, so you don’t worry every time you have a stomach ache.

The most common symptomsto watch for include:

·         Persistent diarrhea (oftentimes bloody)

·         Severe stomach cramps

·         Nausea and/or vomiting

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if you’ve eaten romaine lettuce 2 to 8 days before then, it is best to see your primary care provider—just to be safe. In rare cases, Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome, a serious complication that causes kidney failure. And not to state the obvious, but for the time being, opt for a different type of lettuce (e.g., iceberg, spinach, arugula…etc.) in place of romaine.

In the event that you experience symptoms and need urgent care, ChoiceOne Urgent Care is prepared to offer complete care, 7 days a week, from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Everyone Has Diarrhea: 7 Things You Should Know

The runs. The squirts. Or just plain ol’ diarrhea. Whatever name you give it, there’s simply no denying that it stinks—in more ways than one. Between the cramping, pain, urgency and discomfort, having diarrheais just downright miserable.

And thanks to a variety of different causes—ranging from infections and food allergies to medication reactions and IBS—it may seem impossible to avoid that next, looming episode of tummy torture. But that doesn’t mean you can’t make the most of a bad situation.

So, while it may feel like your stomach hates you, diarrhea is usually just a temporary condition that will pass in a day or 2. But, depending on your symptoms, a day or 2 may feel like an eternity. Here are 7 things to keep in mind the next time it strikes (some of them will help you find the relief you need ASAP):

  1. The most common causes of diarrhea:

·         Contaminated food or water (bacteria that may contaminate food or water include campylobacter, salmonella, shigella and E. coli)

·         Viral infection (viruses that can cause diarrhea include rotavirus (especially in children), Norwalk virus (found in some shellfish), cytomegalovirus and viral hepatitis)

·         Food intolerance (people who are lactose intolerant are not able to digest the sugar found in milk and frequently have diarrhea if they drink milk or other dairy products)

·         Medications (medicines such as antibiotics and antacids that contain magnesium)

   2. Chronic diarrhea is common and these are the top causes:

·         Celiac disease is a digestive disease caused by the body's abnormal response to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. In people with celiac disease, the gluten causes a loss of the villi, the finger-like projections in the intestine that absorb nutrients and fluids. This leads to chronic diarrhea, gas and other gastrointestinal problems.

·         Irritable bowel syndrome is a disorder that interferes with the function of the large intestine (colon). Diarrhea is one symptom of IBS; others include abdominal pain, bloating and constipation.

·         Diabetes can also cause constipation or diarrhea.

   3. Diarrhea and children:

·         More than 55,000 children in the US will have a Rotavirus infection, which oftentimes causes severe diarrhea. Many of the cases occur in the winter and early spring, and are common in day-care centers and children's hospitals. Rotavirus diarrhea usually goes away in 3 to 8 days.

   4. What’s normal and what’s not:

·         There’s more to diarrhea than meets the eye. Oftentimes, these episodes will be accompanied by a variety of other symptoms, such as: abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, dehydration and fever.

·         You should call your doctor if your diarrhea continues for more than 3 days; you have severe pain in your abdomen or rectum; you have a fever of at least 102° F (39° C); you have blood in your stool or have black, tarry stools; or you have signs of dehydration.

   5. You should definitely not drink this:

·         Avoid beverages that contain caffeine such as coffee, tea, and soda. Fruit juice, sugary drinks, and sports drinks can make diarrhea and dehydration worse. For infants and children with more than mild diarrhea, a doctor usually recommends special beverages that contain electrolytes.

·         Instead, opt for water or broth.

   6. Foods to have in your pantry: (your stomach will thank you)

·         It's best to eat soft, bland foods until your diarrhea goes away—think bananas, rice, applesauce, eggs, crackers and plain toast.

·         Make sure to avoid milk and milk products, as well as foods that are greasy, high in fiber or very sweet.

   7. Don’t suffer through it, instead try this:

·         There are a variety of different remedies that can help to soothe stomach suffering—that bright-pink, chalky liquid comes to mind, right? But, if that isn’t working, you may start to feel desperate for some much needed relief (trust us, we get it). That’s why Gwinnett Medical Group Primary Care offers the care you need exactly when you need it.

·        And with a convenient new location in Suwanee, you can enjoy one-stop access to primary care and gastroenterology services—not to mention cardiology, OB/GYN and rheumatology care.

Appendicitis vs. Pancreatitis: What You Need To Know

On the one hand, your digestive tract does some amazing stuff—like breaking down food and liquid to help nourish cells and provide you with energy. However, on the other hand, your digestive tract also does some not so amazing stuff—like producing gallstones, acid reflux, bloating, gas and constipation—and that’s just the beginning. In all seriousness, though, you likely experience one or more of these tummy troubles daily.

But when is that daily stomach struggle actually something more? (Like it is for millions of people). And what should you do about it?

When it’s not just stomach pain…

While appendicitis may not be your first thought when your stomach hurts, there’s a reason it’s still the most common type of stomach emergency, right along with acute pancreatitis. Now, if you thought these conditions were basically the same thing, you’re not alone. Here’s a quick look at their key differences:

What is appendicitis?

Your appendix is just a little guy—about the size of your finger—with a purpose that’s TBD (to be determined). When this hollow structure, which is attached to the colon, becomes blocked, it becomes infected and swollen. The result of infection is—you guessed it—appendicitis.

What is pancreatitis?

Your pancreas can be found on the left side of your belly, behind your stomach. Unlike your appendix, though, your pancreas 2 big jobs—making enzymes to help break down food and making insulin to help regulate your blood sugar. However, when these enzymes attack the pancreas, instead of going into the digestive tract, the outcome is acute pancreatitis.

So, if the anti-acids, anti-gas medications and other stomach-soothers don’t seem to be doing the trick, watch for these key signs and symptoms:

How can I tell if it’s appendicitis?

·         You’ve likely heard this before, but pain in the abdomen is the most common symptom.

o   Oftentimes, you’ll feel the pain around your belly button, but it may begin to move to the lower right side of your belly.

o   Unfortunately, pain typically worsens as time goes on.

·         Appendicitis doesn’t just cause the typical stomach pain, though, you may also notice:

o   Nausea and/or vomiting

o   Loss of appetite

o   Fever and chills

o   Trouble having a bowel movement (constipation)

o   Loose stool (diarrhea)

o   Trouble passing gas

o   Swollen belly

How can I tell if it’s pancreatitis?

·         Severe belly pain that may spread to your back or chest (it may feel worse after you eat)

·         Nausea

·         Vomiting

·         Rapid heart rate

·         Fever

·         Swelling and feeling sore or tender in your upper belly

·         Fluid buildup in your belly

·         Lowered blood pressure

·         Yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice)

What should I do?

Because stomach pain is (far too) common, it’s easy to talk yourself out of going to get personalized medical care. Maybe it’s just something you ate the other night, or the intense workout you did over the weekend—but why chance it? When it comes to stomach pain, a thorough diagnosis, effective treatment options and peace of mind are never a bad thing. In fact, it’s exactly what the doctorordered.