Pseudomembranous colitis: symptoms, causes, drugs, etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is pseudomembranous colitis?

Pseudomembranous Colitis is inflammation of the large intestine associated with an overgrowth of bacteria Clostridium difficile (C. diff). This infection is a common cause of diarrhea following antibiotic use. Pseudomembranous Colitis is also called antibiotic-related or colitis C. difficile colitis,

How common is pseudomembranous colitis?

This condition is very common and can occur in patients of any age. Pseudomembranous Colitis can be treated by reducing risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis?

Common symptoms of Pseudomembranous Colitis are:

• Diarrhea that is watery or bloody
• Abdominal cramps, pain or tenderness
• Fever
• Pus or mucus in the stool
• Nausea
• Dehydration

Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis can appear 1-2 days after you take antibiotics, or up to several weeks after you finish the antibiotics.

There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about a particular symptom, consult your doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

If you are taking or have recently taken antibiotics and you experience diarrhea, contact your doctor, even if the diarrhea is mild. See a doctor whenever you have serious diarrhea accompanied by fever, stomach cramps or blood or pus in the stool.

Cause

What causes pseudomembranous colitis?

Usually, your body has a lot of bacteria in the colon in a natural, healthy balance. However, antibiotics and other drugs can upset this balance. Pseudomembranous colitis occurs when certain bacteria - usually C. difficile - growing fast to beat other bacteria that keep these bacteria. The poison produced by C. difficile, which are usually only small in number, increase rapidly and damage the large intestine.

Although nearly every antibiotic can cause pseudomembranous colitis, some antibiotics are more likely to cause pseudomembranous colitis:

• Fluoroquinolones, such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) and levofloxacin (Levaquin)
• Penicillins, such as amoxicillin and ampicillin
• Clindamycin (Cleocin)
• Cephalosporins, such as cefixime (Suprax)

Other drugs besides antibiotics can also cause pseudomembranous colitis. Chemotherapy drugs used to treat cancer can upset the normal balance of bacteria in the colon.

Certain diseases that can affect the colon, such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, can also cause pseudomembranous colitis.

Spores C. difficile resistant to many disinfectants and can be passed from the hands of a medical professional to a patient. C. difficile it has also been reported to have increased in people with no known risk factors, including people without medical contact or antibiotic use. This condition is called community-acquired C. difficile.

Risk factors

What increases my risk for pseudomembranous colitis?

There are many risk factors for Pseudomembranous Colitis, namely:

• Take antibiotics
• Be in a hospital or nursing home
• Increasing age, especially over 65 years
• Have a disease of the colon, such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer
• Perform intestinal surgery
• Receiving chemotherapy treatment for cancer

Medicines & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor.

How is pseudomembranous colitis diagnosed?

Some of the tests and procedures used to diagnose pseudomembranous colitis and to check for complications include:

• Stool sample. There are a variety of stool sample tests that are used to detect infection C. difficile in the large intestine.
• Blood test. This test can show a white blood cell count that is too high (leukocytosis), which can indicate pseudomembranous colitis.
• Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy. In both tests, the doctor uses a tube with a miniature camera at the end to look at the inside of the colon for signs of pseudomembranous colitis - raised, yellow plaque and swelling.
• Imaging tests. If you have severe symptoms, your doctor may order an X-ray or CT scan of your abdomen to look for complications such as a toxic megacolon or tearing of the colon.

What are the treatments for pseudomembranous colitis?

Treatment strategies can include:

• Stopping antibiotics or other drugs that can cause signs and symptoms, if possible. Sometimes, this can resolve the condition or at least the symptoms, such as diarrhea.
• Take antibiotics that are effective against C. difficile. If you still experience signs and symptoms, your doctor may use other antibiotics to treat them C. difficile. This can help normal bacteria to grow back, restoring the balance of bacteria in the colon. You may be given antibiotics by mouth, through a vein or through a tube that is inserted through the nose into the stomach (nasogastric tube). Depending on your condition, your doctor may use metronidazole (Flagyl), vancomycin, fidaxomicin (Dificid) or a combination.
• Performing a fecal microbial transplantation (FMT). If your condition is very severe, you may be given a faecal transplant (fecal transplant) from a healthy donor to restore the balance of bacteria in the colon. Donor stool can be given through a nasogastric tube, which is inserted into the large intestine or placed in a capsule that is swallowed. Often doctors use a combination of antibiotic treatment followed by FMT.

Once you start treatment for pseudomembranous colitis, signs and symptoms may begin to improve within a few days. Researchers are looking for new treatments for pseudomembranous colitis, including alternative antibiotics and vaccines.

The emergence of derivatives C. difficile newer and more aggressive ones, which are more resistant to antibiotics, make treatment for pseudomembranous colitis increasingly difficult and relapses occur more frequently. Treatment options may include:

• Repeating antibiotics. You may need a second or third round of antibiotics to treat your condition.
• Operation. Surgery may be an option for people who have progressive organ failure, tearing of the colon and inflammation of the lining of the stomach wall (peritonitis). Surgery generally involves removing all or part of the colon (total or subtotal colectomy). The newer surgery which laparoscopically makes a loop in the colon and cleanses it is less invasive and has had positive results.
• Fecal microbial transplantation (FMT). FMT is used to treat recurrent pseudomembranous colitis. You will receive healthy, cleaned stool in capsule form, nasogastrically or inserted into the large intestine.

Home remedies

What are some lifestyle changes or home remedies that can be done to treat pseudomembranous colitis?

Here are the lifestyle and home remedies that can help you deal with Pseudomembranous Colitis:

• Drink lots of fluids. Water is the best option, but fluids with added sodium and potassium (electrolytes) can also be helpful. Avoid drinks that are high in sugar or contain alcohol or caffeine, such as coffee, tea, colas, which can worsen your condition.
• Choose foods that are soft and easy to digest, such as applesauce, bananas and rice. Avoid high-fiber foods, such as nuts and vegetables. If you feel your symptoms are improving, gradually return to high-fiber foods.
• Eat several small portions, rather than a few large portions. Share food throughout the day.
• Avoid irritating foods. Avoid spicy, fatty or fried foods, and other foods that make symptoms worse.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.