How might HUS progress?
The first stage of HUS frequently lasts from 1 to 15 days and may include gastrointestinal symptoms such as: • abdominal pain • bloody diarrhea • vomiting Severe problems in the bowel and colon may develop in some cases. In these cases, even if the gastroenteritis has stopped, a child may still exhibit the following symptoms: • irritability • fatigue • small, unexplained bruises or small clot-sized hemorrhages visible in the mucosal lining of the mouth • paleness The child may produce little urine because damaged red blood cells and other factors may clog the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys or cause lesions in the kidneys, making the kidneys work harder to remove wastes and extra fluid from the blood. The body’s inability to rid itself of excess fluid and waste may, in turn, cause: • high blood pressure • swelling of the hands and feet • generalized fluid accumulation (edema) The symptoms of HUS may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult a physician for diagnosis.
