What is pseudomembranous colitis?
pseudomembranous colitis is a potentially serious colon infection. This is due to excessive levels of very common bacteria called Clostridium difficile ( c. Difficile ) in the intestines. In most cases, people gain pseudomembranous colitis after using antibiotics for other conditions, leading to bacteria imbalance. Doctors can usually treat the infection by stopping the use of antibiotics and providing fluids to prevent dehydration.
c. Difficile is usually a harmless class of bacteria that lives in large intestines of almost all people. However, if other bacteria are destroyed by antibiotics, c. Difficile can proliferate and cause a toxic response. The result is usually a serious inflammation of the intestinal lining that causes to bleed and leakage. Any antibiotic may potentially cause pseudomembranous colitis, but penicillin and other drugs for Staphylococcus aureus are most Common as possible. ActiveThe infections are highly contagious and it is common for outbreaks to occur in hospitals.
The symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis may start shortly after the first dose of antibiotics, but it usually takes several days to experience physical distress. A person who has an active infection is likely to suffer from frequent, bloody diarrhea, stomach cramps, fever and nausea. Dehydration due to fluid loss in diarrhea is a common complication. Untreated, irritation on the intestinal lining can cause it to tear. The perforated large intestine is potentially life -threatening, as bacteria can migrate throughout the body through an opening in the intestine.
Most people who acquire pseudomembranous colitis are already hospitalized for another condition that required antibiotic care. If a person who uses antibiotics for prescription, he or she should look for care as soon as possible. A doctor can diagnose a pSEUomembranous colitis by analyzing the stool samples and examining the intestine through colonoscopy. If the doctor suspects a tear in the large intestine, he can also take X -rays.
The treatment of pseudomembranous colitis depends on the severity of the symptoms. Most patients must be admitted to hospital rooms and administer intravenous fluids to treat dehydration symptoms. The use of antibiotics for other disorders is immediately stopped to avoid deterioration. Specialized antibiotic drugs containing metronidazole or vancomycin may be administered to reduce the toxicity c. Difficile . During immediate treatment, the condition improves over 10 days.
Surgery may be required in the event of serious damage to the large intestine. The surgeon can try to repair the tissue and possibly remove part of the intestine. The prognosis after surgery is generally good when most of the large intestine can be repaired. Patients usually need to take medication and plan regular checks to avoid the oppositewith the infections.