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C.difficile colitis (pseudomembranous colitis)

Diseases and Conditions C.difficile colitis (pseudomembranous colitis)
Overview Types Causes & Risk Factors Symptoms Preventions Treatment
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Overview

Pseudomembranous colitis, also known as antibiotic-associated colitis or C. difficile colitis, is an inflammation of the colon caused by an overgrowth of the bacterium Clostridioides difficile (C. difficile). This condition is often associated with recent hospital stays or antibiotic treatments and is more common in people over 65 years old.

Types of C.difficile colitis (pseudomembranous colitis)

There are two main types of Pseudomembranous colitis:

  1. Healthcare-associated: This type is most common in people who have recently been in healthcare settings, where the bacteria may spread.
  2. Community-associated: This type occurs in individuals who have not been hospitalized or had a medical procedure recently.

Causes of C.difficile colitis (pseudomembranous colitis)

The primary cause of Pseudomembranous colitis is an overgrowth of C. difficile bacteria in the colon. This overgrowth can be triggered by:

  • Use of antibiotics
  • A recent stay in a healthcare setting
  • A weakened immune system

Risk Factors of C.difficile colitis (pseudomembranous colitis)

Several factors can increase the risk of developing Pseudomembranous colitis:

  • Age over 65
  • Recent use of antibiotics
  • Hospitalization
  • A weakened immune system

Symptoms of C.difficile colitis (pseudomembranous colitis)

1. Diarrhea: This is often watery and may contain blood or pus. It can range from mild to severe, with some people experiencing up to 15 bowel movements a day.
2. Abdominal cramping and pain: This can be mild to severe and is often located in the lower part of the abdomen. The pain may be constant or it may come and go.
3. Fever: A high body temperature, often accompanied by chills, can indicate an infection such as C. difficile.
4. Blood or pus in the stool: This can be a sign of damage to the lining of the colon.
5. Nausea or vomiting: This can be accompanied by a loss of appetite and weight loss.
6. Dehydration: Symptoms can include thirst, dry mouth, infrequent urination, lightheadedness, and fatigue. This can be a result of severe diarrhea.

Preventions of C.difficile colitis (pseudomembranous colitis)

Prevention strategies for Pseudomembranous colitis include:

  • Judicious use of antibiotics
  • Good hand hygiene
  • Regular cleaning of surfaces in healthcare settings

Diagnosis of C.difficile colitis (pseudomembranous colitis)

Diagnosis of Pseudomembranous colitis typically involves:

  • A review of medical history
  • Physical examination
  • Stool tests
  • Colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy

Treatment for C.difficile colitis (pseudomembranous colitis)

Treatment for Pseudomembranous colitis usually involves:

  • Stopping the antibiotic causing the problem
  • Starting a course of antibiotics to kill the C. difficile bacteria
  • Probiotics to restore the balance of bacteria in the gut
  • In severe cases, surgery may be required

When to seek medical attention ?

Seek medical attention if you experience symptoms such as severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood or pus in your stool, or signs of dehydration like thirst, infrequent urination, or lightheadedness.