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Clostridium Difficile Colitis
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Diarrhea, induced
diarrhea, or
colitis
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Normal |
Abnormal |
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- Clostridium difficile is a bacterium that can be found in the colon. It can cause low-grade Diarrhea or severe
colitis. It most commonly occurs when an individual is
placed on antibiotics. The antibiotics kill off the good
bacteria in the colon, and allow room for Clostridium
difficile bacterium to grow. In addition, it can be
contagiously spread from one person to another, especially
in hospital and nursing
homes.
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- Watery Diarrhea
- Lower abdominal cramps
- Abdominal tenderness
- Fever, lethargy, heart racing, and
severe abdominal pain in severe
infections
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- Stool test for Clostridium
difficile toxin
- Flexible Sigmoidoscopy with
biopsy for severe cases (to make immediate diagnosis)
- X-Rays in severe cases to
rule out severe colon dilation
(megacolon)
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- Discontinue antibiotic therapy if
possible
- Metronidazole by mouth
- Metronidazole intravenously if
unable to take by mouth
- Vancomycin by
mouth
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-
Seek
immediate medical attention. If left untreated, this can
progress to electrolyte imbalances, colon perforation, and
death.
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