Table of contents:
- Definition
- What is clostridium difficile infection?
- How common is clostridium difficile infection?
- Signs & symptoms
- What are the signs and symptoms of clostridium difficile infection?
- When should I see a doctor?
- Cause
- What causes clostridium difficile infection?
- Risk factors
- What increases my risk for clostridium difficile infection?
- Medicines & Medicines
- What are my treatment options for clostridium difficile infection?
- What are the usual tests for clostridium difficile infection?
- Home remedies
- What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat clostridium difficile infection?
Definition
What is clostridium difficile infection?
Clostridium difficile infection is an infection caused by the bacteria clostridium difficile (C. Diff), which is a bacterium that causes minor illnesses such as diarrhea to dangerous inflammation in the large intestine. Infections usually appear after antibiotic use and are the most common illnesses when people are in the hospital.
How common is clostridium difficile infection?
Clostridium difficile infection is a disease that is more common in people aged 65 and over and in people who are admitted to hospitals and long-term care facilities. Even so, even healthy people may develop this disease after prolonged antibiotic therapy.
Signs & symptoms
What are the signs and symptoms of clostridium difficile infection?
The typical signs and symptoms of clostridium difficile infection are:
- Watery diarrhea 10-15 times a day
- Abdominal cramps and pain that can worsen
- Fever
- Bloody stools
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dehydration
- Decreased appetite
- Weight loss
More severe disease can be an inflamed colon (colitis) or a part of the colon tissue that may bleed or fester (pseudomembranous colitis).
Some of the other symptoms or signs may not be listed above. If you feel anxious about these symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.
When should I see a doctor?
Call your doctor if you have watery diarrhea more than 3 times a day and if symptoms last more than 3 days. If you have any of the signs or symptoms above, especially fever and severe stomach pain, consult a doctor. Every body acts differently from one another. Talk to your doctor about the best solution for your situation.
Cause
What causes clostridium difficile infection?
The most common cause of clostridium difficile infection is due to long-term use of antibiotics such as clindamycin, penicillins, fluoroquinolones and cephalosporins. When you take these antibiotics to fight the bad bacteria that cause infection, the good bacteria in the intestines are also attacked. This makes the bad bacteria C.diff multiply abnormally. The uncontrolled growth of C.diff bacteria produces toxins that attack the lining of the intestine. As a result, the intestines experience inflammation which causes watery diarrhea.
C. Diff bacteria can be found anywhere, such as in soil, water, human and animal waste, and food products such as processed meat. Some healthy people also naturally carry C. Diff bacteria in the gut, but they don't have any ill effects from the bacteria.
In addition, exposure to bacteria and spores can also be spread through contact with dirt and contaminated surfaces or food including potty, furniture, linen, and toilet seats.
Risk factors
What increases my risk for clostridium difficile infection?
Some of the risk factors for clostridium difficile infection are:
- Take more than one type of antibiotic
- Taking antibiotics for a long time
- Take medications to reduce stomach acid, such as proton pump inhibitors
- Elderly people
Medicines & Medicines
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.
What are my treatment options for clostridium difficile infection?
The various treatment options for clostridium difficile infection are:
- Stop using antibiotics that trigger infections.
- Treatment with new antibiotics (metronidazole or vancomycin). This antibiotic blocks the growth of C. diff, while allowing normal bacteria to grow in the intestines.
- Get plenty of fluids if you are dehydrated.
- Other treatments are probiotics or, in more severe cases, surgery to remove the affected colon. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria and yeast that help restore a healthy balance of microorganisms in the large intestine.
This disease can generally recur and require more treatment. Always consult a doctor if your condition does not improve.
What are the usual tests for clostridium difficile infection?
The doctor can diagnose if he can find if there is a history of antibiotic use and the onset of typical symptoms. The diagnosis is confirmed by blood and stool tests. Sometimes, examination of the colon uses flexible sigmoidoscopy and computed tomography (CT).
Home remedies
What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be used to treat clostridium difficile infection?
Some lifestyle options and home remedies that may treat clostridium difficile infection are:
- Always wash your hands with soap and water
- Use antibiotics for C. diff until they run out
- Drink lots of fluids that contain water, salt, and sugar, such as diluted fruit juices, canned drinks, and broth
- Eat foods that contain carbohydrates if you have watery diarrhea. Potatoes, noodles, rice, wheat, oatmeal, and saltine crackers are all good choices
If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.
