Warning Signs Of A C. Difficile Infection

A C. difficile infection is a digestive illness that occurs due to Clostridioides difficile bacteria. This illness occurs most often in older individuals in long-term care facilities and hospitals. It is also common after using antibiotics. C. difficile bacteria are present in the air, water, soil, feces, processed meat, and other food products. C. difficile bacteria colonize the large intestine and produce toxins that damage the lining. This damage causes the formation of plaque and the accumulation of decaying cellular debris that produces numerous symptoms indicative of a C. difficile infection.

C. difficile infection treatment involves a course of antibiotics and well as surgery. Individuals trying to cure a C. difficile infection will also take probiotics and may require intravenous fluids. Treatment to combat malnutrition may be necessary too. Some patients may need a fecal microbiota transplant to cure the infection.

Watery Diarrhea

Watery diarrhea describes when an individual has stools that contain a large amount of water and are very loose. This symptom becomes concerning when it occurs at least three times a day. Watery diarrhea can occur as a symptom of an infection by several different parasites, viruses, bacteria, and fungi. This includes a C. difficile infection. When watery diarrhea is caused by the colonization of a harmful pathogen in the digestive tract, it is typically accompanied by other symptoms. These signs include fever, cramping, appetite loss, vomiting, and nausea.

An individual dealing with a C. difficile infection tends to have watery diarrhea with an abnormally strong odor. This type of diarrhea that occurs at least three times a day for a minimum of two days can indicate a C. difficile infection that requires medical treatment to prevent dangerous complications.

Continue reading to reveal most C. difficile infection symptoms now.

Abdominal Cramps

When C. difficile bacteria gets into an individual's digestive system, it can begin to reproduce and colonize in these tissues. The bacteria invade the large intestinal lining and tissues as it grows. They cause extensive damage to the lining of the colon. This damage results in swelling and inflammation in the large intestine, which can progress into raw patches of tissue that produce pus and bleed. The nerves in the smooth muscle tissues that make up the intestines become irritated by the inflammation and swelling. The irritated nerves transmit pain signals to the brain, which causes patients to feel pain in their abdomen. The irritated nerves also induce the inappropriate and abnormal contraction of the smooth muscles that surround and form the organs of the digestive tract. This produces abdominal cramps.

Get more details on the symptoms of a C. difficile infection now.