Clostridium Difficile

CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE

Clostridium difficile. The highly contagious bacterium Clostridium difficile, or C. diff, is responsible for colitis and diarrhea. People who have recently taken antibiotics are frequently infected. Antibiotics that destroy other gut bacteria but leave C. diff unchecked let it spread rapidly. To treat C. diff, you must use a different antibiotic. The majority of bacterial infections in the colon are not life-threatening.

CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE

However, an infection with C. diff might be more severe and detrimental to your intestines. Toxins released by C. difficile harm the gut lining’s cells. This results in colitis, or inflammation of the colon and intestinal walls. The degree of the harm caused by these poisons will determine whether you experience any symptoms and how bad they are.

Signs

Watery diarrhea is the most prevalent symptom and typically the first to show up. At least three episodes of diarrhea per day, frequently accompanied by cramps in the abdomen, are indicative of a moderate infection.
Diarrhea increases with the severity of a C. diff infection. It could happen ten or fifteen times every day. Other signs, such as blood traces in your stool, include:
Chronic discomfort in the abdomen
Abdominal swelling and distension
Vomiting and feeling queasy
Appetite loss
Fever
elevated heart rate

Causes

A robust immune system often keeps C. diff levels under control, protecting your stomach from infection. The equilibrium between “useful” and “unhelpful” germs has been upset if they become out of control. Everybody’s intestines contain microorganisms. Beneficial kinds of live bacteria aid in controlling other bacteria, such as C. diff. Antibiotic use is the most frequent cause of C. diff infections. By using them, you encourage C. diff to overgrow and take over your gut microbiota by upsetting the delicate balance between beneficial and harmful bacteria.

Treatment

The severity of a C. diff infection determines the course of treatment. Your doctor may start by simply quitting antibiotics if you had a C. diff infection while taking them.
This is sufficient for certain individuals. The virus is defeated by their innate gut immunity. Your doctor will give drugs that can stop C. diff if this doesn’t occur.
The following antibiotics are used to treat C. diff:
Metronidazole
Fidaxomicin with Vancomycin
You will take the medication home with you if your infection is not too bad. In a few days, the majority of patients will begin to get well. You may need to stay in the hospital if your infection is more serious.
Your doctor may administer antibiotics by intravenous (IV) while you are in the hospital, along with fluids to keep you from becoming dehydrated.

Prevention

Isolation. The best course of action if you have the virus is to remain in isolation in your own room. Disposable gloves should be worn by anyone entering the room to tend to you and taken off when they are finished. Additionally, since the virus spreads through your feces, you should refrain from sharing toilets. If you have to share a toilet, use a bleach-based cleaner after each use to clean the handle, seat, and surrounding area.
Handwashing. Since hand sanitizer has no effect on C. diff, it is extremely vital to wash your hands often with soap and warm water. It’s crucial for everyone you come into contact with.
Disinfection. Products that contain bleach can combat C. diff, although many conventional disinfectants don’t. Any surface you’ve touched should be cleaned, especially in the restroom.

Summary

Inform your doctor if you experience diarrhea after taking antibiotics. Anti-diarrhea drugs won’t help and may even make the condition worse. Get in touch with your provider immediately if you think you may have C. diff.