Rarely, diarrhea caused by bacterial food poisoning may be accompanied or followed by nose bleeding, body swelling, painful joints, muscle paralysis due to exaggerated body reaction to harmful bacteria.
Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome (HUS)
Hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS) may appear in children having diarrhea caused by food poisoning with Escherichia coli 0157:H7 or other bacteria. From the intestine, bacteria may enter the blood and break down red blood cells (hemolysis) that clog kidney vessels what may result in kidney failure. (Uremia refers to increased blood urea (a product of protein breakdown), which can not be successfully removed by impaired kidneys, so it builds up in the blood). Symptoms of HUS include: nose bleeding, pale skin with bruises, profound fatigue, fever, swelling of the face or limbs and decreased urination or blood in the urine usually develop several days after the start of diarrhea, mostly in children under 10 years of age. A child with the mentioned symptoms has to be admitted to hospital promptly. Diagnosis is made by blood test that reveal low level of red cells and platelets, and presence of bacteria. Treatment with blood transfusion and kidney dialysis usually results in full recovery (1). Without proper treatment, permanent kidney damage or even death may occur.
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