What are the Signs and Symptoms of HUS?

The first stage of HUS frequently lasts from 1 to 15 days. It 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 only small amounts of urine because damaged red blood cells and other factors may clog the tiny blood vessels in the kidneys or cause lesions in the kidneys. These factors make the kidneys work harder to remove waste 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.