What is Clostridium difficile infection?
Clostridium difficile, also known as c. Diff or c. Difficile, is a bacterium commonly found in the digestive tract. Clostridium difficile infection usually occurs in people who have recently undergone antibiotic treatment of the disease. Antibiotics can kill "good" bacteria in the intestine and allow "bad" bacteria such as Clostridium difficile, take over and cause digestive diseases and infection. The degree of Clostridium difficile infection began to increase in previously healthy individuals.
These bacteria are most common in healthcare such as hospitals. Clostridium difficile bacteria are durable and can survive on the surface for a longer period of time. The unconscious individuals could affect and subsequently ingestion of bacteria. Individuals are most at risk of Clostridium difficile infections, if they are over 65 years of age, use antibiotics, live in long -term care facility or have prolonged hospitalization. Those weak immune systems, colon diseases or medical historyAnd Clostridium difficile infections are also endangered. In the case of more serious infection, the large intestine may be inflamed and the symptoms are more serious. They may include blood or pus into stools, diarrhea examples up to 15 times a day, fever, pain and nausea. This serious diarrhea can lead to weight loss and dehydration. Although Clostridium difficile infection may develop shortly after antibiotic therapy, symptoms may not occur only weeks or months later.
Doctors sometimes test Clostridium difficile infection if the patient complains of diarrhea and spasms after antibiotic treatment. The doctor can use a stool test to determine the presence of bacteria toxins. The patient would be required to submit the colon examination or scan computer tomography (CT) to confirm the diagnosis.
The first step of treatment is that the patient stops taking antibiotics. With mild infections could solve the symptomst without further intervention. If the infection does not disappear, the physician may prescribe another antibiotic so that the Clostridium difficile bacteria multiply. The doctor could also recommend probiotics that can help balance bacteria in the digestive tract. In very serious cases, surgery may be required.
Clostridium difficile infection can cause serious complications if not treated. Dehydration caused by repeating diarrhea can lead to kidney failure. Infections could even lead to perforated intestine or toxic megacolone. With toxic megacolone, the large intestine extends and can burst. The most serious complications of infection can even lead to death.
Although Clostridium difficile infection can be a serious prognosemy good for individuals who receive treatment. The transmission of Clostridium difficile can also be prevented with certain preventive measures. Reducing unnecessary use of antibiotics can help reduce the risk to some people. Individuals in medical facilitiesHOU also reduce the spread of infection by monitoring instructions for washing and cleaning hands.