Symptoms of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome

Related Information: Symptoms of hemolytic uremic syndrome, HUS signs, hemolytic uremic syndrome symptoms

The symptoms of Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome occur in two phases. These phases are similar to that of E. coli infection. E. coli infection, the food-borne illness, is mostly the reason behind HUS. Phase one of HUS includes gastrointestinal illnesses along with any or all of the following symptoms

• Bloody diarrhea

• Painful cramps

• Lethargy

• Fever

• Irritability

Phase two of HUS includes rigorous complications like

• Reduced or no output of urine

• Pale skin or skin rashes (red spots in skin)

• Easy bruising

• Jaundice (yellowing of skin)

• Lower consciousness

• Seizures

Even after the first phase of HUS, there are chances for the bacteria to hang about in the digestive system excreting toxins which enters the bloodstream. In case of these toxins destructing a large number of RBCs, the advanced stages of HUS become obvious by showing up more severe symptoms. In addition, the toxins destroy the platelets leading to damage of the clotting factors. Hence small bruises or clot-sized hemorrhages can be seen in the mouth layers.

An impaired blood supply may lead to red dots of skin rashes along with paleness or yellowing of skin. This is especially due to the damage and destruction of RBCs in a process known as hemolysis. This is different from anemia that in anemia, there is a reduced production of RBCs from the bone marrow but in hemolysis, the RBC count decreases due to destruction by the bacterial toxin.

Besides, it causes neurological symptoms, associated with a reduced awareness to stay conscious and seizures at rare conditions. Especially the arteries near the kidneys are small and prone to be damaged by the bacterial toxins leading to kidney damage. After sufficient damage to kidneys, its function to remove unwanted substances from the blood as urine is severely impaired. When the kidney damage starts, the most probably seen symptom is abnormally small urine.

HUS is most probably the result of E. coli infection. Hence it is good to be aware of the symptoms of the infection. E. coli mostly causes food poisoning. After being infected by E. coli, it is essential to carefully observe the signs of HUS.

Symptoms of E. coli strain O157:H7 can vary between mild diarrhea and severe abdominal cramps or bloody stools but sometimes no symptoms shows up. In reality, E. coli is the main reason behind bloody diarrhea. And the symptoms occur severely in children, elder people and those who are immune-suppressed. It may easily affect a person who is already under another infection since their immune system will be weak.
Infection by E. coli is prevalent in summer. Symptoms start to show off within seven days of infection. The very first one is severe abdominal cramping. And in a few more hours, watery diarrhea begins, which can last for a day. This makes the body lose fluids leading to dehydration. This makes the patient feel weak and nauseated.

Diarrhea changes from watery to bloody due to the formation of sores in the intestines caused by infection. Bloody diarrhea can exist for a period of 2-5 days in addition to ten or even more number of bowel movements in a day. The stools may have more blood than the waste stool.

A mild fever can also exist at times along with vomiting and nausea. In case of having any of the above symptoms, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor as soon as possible to avoid serious complications.