Hemolytic Urremic Syndrome
Hemolytic uremic is a serious condition that can occur when low blood counts, including low levels of platelets in the body, are caused by gastrointestinal tract infections. The condition occurs when blood vessels in the kidneys are damaged or inflamed by a bacterial infection. The immune system of the body reacts to the toxins released by a bacterial infections, causing damage to the red blood cells. As the toxins circulate through the blood, they cause permanent death. The red blood cells are destroyed and the platelets die. The common bacteria that cause these infections in the United States and Europe are different types of E.coli. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including eating undercooked beef or swimming in lakes contaminated with feces. Shiga toxin can cause kidney damage due to the Shiga toxins secreted by this intestinal infection. This condition can lead to extreme fatigue, shortness breath, high blood-pressure, and unusual bleeding in the nose and mouth. The situation can become severe and lead to heart disease, stroke, seizures and kidney failure.
