8 E. Coli Symptoms (& Online Symptoms Quiz)

E. coli symptoms typically include diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, burning when urinating, or frequent urge to urinate. These symptoms can vary depending on where the bacteria is present.

E. coli, or Escherichia coli is a bacteria that is naturally found in the gut, but it can spread and overgrow, causing an intestinal infection or a UTI. This bacteria is most commonly transmitted through contaminated water or food.

E. coli symptoms appear about 3 to 4 days after initial contact with the bacteria. Infectious that present with symptoms should be treated, with specific treatment depending on the type of infection.

Common symptoms

E. coli symptoms include:

• Frequent, watery diarrhea;
• Stools with blood;
• Frequent abdominal pain or cramps;
• Nausea and vomiting;
• Weakness;
• General malaise and fatigue;
• Fever over 38ºC or 100.4ºF;
• Loss of appetite.

E. coli symptoms like diarrhea or vomiting can be caused by an intestinal infection and can lead to dehydration. This is especially more common in children and the elderly. Dehydration can be noted through symptoms such as severe headaches, fatigue, intense thirst, a dry mouth and little urine output.

E. coli symptoms with a UTI

Some of the symptoms of a UTI caused by E. coli are:

• Pain or burning when urinating;
• Cloudy urine with a strong smell;
• Frequent urge to urinate;
• Feeling of pressure or pain in the bladder;
• Persistent low fever;
• Feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely;
• Blood in the urine.
• Discomfort.

UTIs caused by E. coli are more common in women as the anus is anatomically close to the vagina, making it easier for the bacteria to be transmitted to the urinary tract.

UTI symptoms quiz 

If you suspect you may have a UTI, enter your symptoms below: 

Please note that this quiz is only a guidance tool, and does not serve as a diagnosis or replace an assessment with a general practitioner or urologist.

Confirming a diagnosis

A UTI caused by E. coli is diagnosed by a doctor with a urine R&M and culture test, which will help to confirm the presence of the bacteria and determine the best antibiotic to treat it.

Intestinal infections caused by by E. coli, also known as bacterial gastroenteritis, are diagnosed by a doctor by first assessing your symptoms. The doctor may order further testing, like a complete blood count, electrolyte levels, and a stool test. 

Treatment options

It is important to consult a general practitioner, urologist, or gastroenterologist if symptoms of an Escherichia coli infection appear, so that the type of infection can be identified and the most appropriate treatment can be recommended.

In the case of E. coli in the urine, the urologist usually recommends the use of antibiotics, such as nitrofurantoin or ciprofloxacin, for example, and increased fluid intake to help eliminate the bacteria.

For intestinal infection by E. coli, the treatment usually recommended by the gastroenterologist is rest, light food and drinking plenty of fluids. In some cases, the use of antibiotics may be recommended.

In addition, if the person is dehydrated, hospitalization may be necessary to receive intravenous serum. Learn more about E. coli treatment that you doctor may consider.