Symptoms of Clostridioides Difficile Infection
C. diff infections primarily cause problems in the digestive system. The two most common symptoms are diarrhea and stomach pain or cramps. Diarrhea is not just any diarrhea but occurs multiple times a day and is usually very watery. And people with C. diff often experience significant discomfort in their abdomen. Other (common) symptoms include:
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Fever
- Bloating
How Is This Infection Diagnosed?
Treatment Options of C. diff Infection
Treating C. diff infections involves a few different approaches depending on the severity of the infection. The two most common treatments are:
- Antibiotics: Specific antibiotics are prescribed that target the C. diff bacteria. These aren’t the same antibiotics that might have triggered the infection; they are chosen specifically to fight C. diff.
- Stopping the use of other antibiotics: If the person is currently taking other antibiotics that may have allowed C. diff to flourish, doctors will often stop those, if possible, to help restore the balance of healthy bacteria in the gut.
Other treatment options include:
- Probiotics: These can help restore the natural balance of bacteria in the gut.
- Fluids and electrolytes: To combat dehydration caused by diarrhea and ensure the body has the necessary salts and minerals.
- Fecal microbiota transplant (FMT): In severe or recurring cases, this involves transplanting stool from a healthy donor to restore healthy bacteria to the gut.
- Surgery: In very severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged parts of the intestines.
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