Clostridioides difficile, also known as C. difficile or C. diff, is a bacteria that causes diarrhea and colitis, which is an inflammation of the colon. When the bacterial balance in the colon is disrupted, these bacteria thrive. Over time, they start taking over, and the bacteria release toxins. These toxins irritate the lining around the large intestine, triggering C. difficile symptoms such as nausea, diarrhea, etc. Primarily, the suggested treatments revolve around defeating the bacteria.

Symptoms
Typically, C. diff inflames the large intestine lining. Symptoms often develop in people taking certain prescription treatments, but if some prescription treatments cause C. diff, the symptoms will begin to show within six weeks of the therapy.

Some common signs one may notice are:

1. Tenderness or pain in the stomach

2. Nausea

3. Reduced appetite

4. Watery stools

5. Fever

6. Frequent bowel movements

7. Blood in the feces

8. Pus in the feces

9. Dehydration

10. An urge to use the bathroom ten or more times

While not life-threatening, it can be potentially dangerous in seniors with existing health conditions.

The condition may also result in complications like:

1. Blood poisoning

2. Colon perforation

3. Abdomen lining infection

However, such complications are rare.

When should one visit a doctor?
Often, people may get loose stools while undergoing a treatment plan. It usually hints at C. difficile. One must consider consulting a healthcare expert when one notices any of the below-listed signs after a prolonged treatment:

1. Extreme belly ache

2. Fever

3. Bloody stool

4. Symptoms that go on for more than two days

5. Watery stools

Causes
The immune system protects the gut from bacterial infection by monitoring bacteria levels. However, if gut immunity is compromised, it can lead to C. difficile infection. Bacteria typically enter the body through the mouth, multiply in the small intestine, and release toxins as they enter the large intestine. This can cause tissue damage and cell death and result in watery diarrhea.

While the bacteria remain inactive outside the colon, they may reside in places like:

1. Water

2. Food

3. Unwashed hands

4. Soil

5. Animal feces

6. Room surfaces

7. Human feces

As these bacteria enter the digestive system, they become active, causing an infection. People who do not wash their hands frequently are at a high risk of getting infected.

Risk factors
C. difficile risk is more in:

1. People aged 65 or more

2. Those with compromised immunity

3. People undergoing a treatment plan for a while or those who have recently started using certain prescription options

4. Those who have had the infection in the past

5. People with a colon condition

6. Anyone who recently underwent gastrointestinal or abdominal surgery

7. Individuals who recently spent time in a hospital

8. Those taking different kinds of prescription treatments that target various bacterial infections

9. Those residing in a nursing home

10. Those who lived in a care facility

Diagnosis
When a doctor suspects a C. difficile infection, they may order one of the following tests for diagnosis:

1. Stool test to assess if bacteria produced toxins

2. Flexible sigmoidoscopy to check for signs of colon infection

3. Imaging scans such as a CT scan to check for complications related to the condition

Treatment
The type and duration of treatment a healthcare provider may suggest will depend on the severity of the condition and one’s overall state of health. The treatment options include:

1. Prescription treatments
Even though certain prescription options lead to C. diff, a doctor may recommend other prescription treatments that help treat the infection resulting from certain treatment plans.

2. Surgery
A healthcare provider may recommend a surgery when:

– All organs fail

– One has severe symptoms

– One experiences abdominal wall lining perforation

During the surgery, doctors will remove the affected part of the colon.

3. Hygiene
One can keep the bacteria from spreading or re-infecting through good hygiene practices. It involves:

– Keeping the nails short

– Disinfecting the bathroom regularly

– Washing hands frequently

4. Hydration
Electrolyte replacement is also a suggested treatment for C. difficile. These fluids can either be administered intravenously to an individual or taken orally at home.

5. Fecal microbiota transplantation
Individuals suffering from recurrent infections may undergo this treatment, in which healthy colon bacteria from a donor is transferred to a person with an infected colon.

Prevention
To prevent the spread of C. difficile, one can take the following measures:

1. Quarantine oneself if one has the infection.

2. Caregivers must wear disposable gloves anytime they are around the patient.

3. Wash hands frequently with soap and water.

4. Ensure every medical equipment is well-sanitized before use.

5. Reduce the intake of prescription treatments.

6. Use chlorine disinfectants on surfaces an infected person has touched, such as bathrooms.