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Could Your Antibiotics Be Causing That Diarrhea?
Published: Mar 28, 2024
Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) is a serious gut issue linked to antibiotic use, and it's causing big problems, especially for older adults. Learn about its symptoms and how it's diagnosed.
The Hidden Enemy: What is C. difficile?
C. difficile is a bacterium that can cause severe colitis, a type of inflammation in the colon, particularly after antibiotic use. Antibiotics can disrupt your normal gut flora, making room for C. difficile to thrive. It's one of the most common healthcare-associated infections, posing a significant risk to patients, especially older adults in hospitals.
Symptoms: From Mild to Severe
CDI symptoms range from mild diarrhea to life-threatening colitis. Nonsevere cases often feature watery diarrhea and abdominal pain. Severe cases can lead to serious conditions like toxic megacolon, characterized by extreme abdominal pain and distension. In some cases, CDI can even lead to organ failure.
Diagnostic Tests: How is CDI Identified?
Diagnosing CDI involves testing stool samples for C. difficile toxins. The nucleic acid amplification test (NAAT) is commonly used due to its high sensitivity. Other tests include enzyme immunoassays for toxins A and B. These tests help differentiate between active infections and harmless carriers of the bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Antibiotic use is a major trigger for C. difficile infection.
CDI can range from mild diarrhea to life-threatening colitis.
Diagnosis involves stool tests for C. difficile toxins.
Key Takeaways
Recognizing and diagnosing CDI early can prevent severe complications.
References
- McDonald LC, et al. Clinical Practice Guidelines for Clostridium difficile Infection in Adults and Children: 2017 Update. Clin Infect Dis 2018; 66:e1.
- Kelly CP, LaMont JT. Clostridium difficile--more difficult than ever. N Engl J Med 2008; 359:1932.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
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