Can The Clostridium Difficile (C. Diff) Bacteria Be Serious? Things To Consider

There are many types of bacteria that cause infections, but Clostridium difficile is considered one of the most severe. This bacterium is known to cause a lot of problems and might cause inflammation of the colon.

Clostridium difficile (C. Diff) Bacteria usually develop when you’ve recently used antibiotics. The bacteria are rather resistant and can survive on the surface for a long time and it is very difficult to contain their spread.

In this post, we will educate and inform you about C. diff bacteria, the serious conditions that result from the infection, and how you can seek early treatment to avoid emergencies.

What is Clostridium Difficile (C. Diff) Bacteria?

C. diff is a bacteria that can implant into your colon and form a colon infection. It is a gram-positive aerobic, non-sporing bacteria that is known to thrive well in locations where the oxygen limit is quite low. 

At times, you may be having C. diff in the intestines and nothing happens because these Clostridia are surrounded by the rest of the friendly bacteria. However, when the ratio of the good bacteria in the large intestines is flipped-for example when the human body is treated with Colostridium difficile just expands and grows.

It overgrows in the intestines and forms toxins that cause new effects on the mucosal lining of the intestines and result in symptoms ranging from mild diarrhea to colitis. These bacteria are very resilient, and the spores that the bacteria shed can live for extensive periods on surfaces, hence making it very hard to contain and prevent C. diff infections.

What Does Clostridium Difficile Bacteria Cause?

C. diff bacteria can cause several diseases that are associated with the gastrointestinal tract of an individual with the most frequent being the CDAD. The condition develops with the passage of loose stool and may extend to other severities. In some cases, the infection can escalate into more serious complications, such as:

Sepsis 

If the bacteria are not localized in the intestines, it causes Sepsis. This is because your immune system is at times affected in instances where you’re ill or have undergone surgery.

Recurrent Colitis due to C.Diff

Today’s rate of Recurrent C. diff infection stands between 20% to 30% in patients who have already received treatment. This makes patients suffer from multiple cases of diarrhea and colitis which can trigger poor health.

Toxic Megacolon

Several complications may arise from Pseudomembranous Colitis, although they are rare. The most serious infection is toxic megacolon in which the colon dilates and becomes toxic. This may lead to a sudden discharge of the colon or a septicemia, and possible death if the situation is not rectified.

Increased Risk of Mortality

C. diff infection is well known to be severe among old people with weakened immune systems and worse if the infection is acquired in the hospital. This condition when combined with dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, severe infection, and all sorts of other complications can be fatal.

Peritonitis

The C. diff infection is associated with colon perforation, where the bowel content spills into the abdomen and peritonitis develops. This condition needs surgery and if not operated early on, it may lead to death.

Electrolyte imbalance 

If you have a loose bowel movement all the time, the outcome can be severe dehydration, dysfunctions of muscles, uncomfortable palpitations, and all metabolic processes happening within your body. It could cause muscle cramping, weakness, or rarely, cardiac dystopia in the form of arrhythmias.

Dehydration

The cottage cheese-like diarrhea associated with C. diff recurs very often and this causes severe losses in body fluids and, therefore, causes dehydration. It may be accompanied by some side effects, including dryness of the mouth, dizziness, palpitation of the heart, and in the worst-case scenario, renal failure. Extreme cases are more hazardous to your health, particularly to the geriatrics and other patients with other ailments.

Ileus

C. diff infection affects the intestines, for instance, intestinal paralysis or ileus. It is a condition whereby weakness is witnessed in the muscles of the intestines and the muscles do not perform their usual functions.

It may progress to develop a severe acute abdomen and starts developing symptoms such as ross distension, lump, and vomiting, and may require admission and in some instances surgery.

Intestinal Perforation

Intestinal perforation is the substance that C. diff synthesizes that can pass through the intestinal wall and make a hole. This is a medical emergency that if not attended results in peritonitis, which is a general infection in the abdomen and sepsis.

Long-term Colon Damage 

If the infection is chronic or recurrent, it will exert on the colon, which means that a form of colitis may develop, primarily including IBS or chronic colitis. They are not very pleasant and will significantly limit your movement especially due to pain and digestive problems.

Pseudomembranous Colitis 

C. diff causes severe colitis which in due course results in the destruction of the colon mucosa. It results in the formation of pseudomembranous causing severe pain, and diarrhea and may lead to colon perforation.

When Should I be Concerned?

If you have the symptoms and you fall in any of the above categories, then go to the doctor immediately. C. diff infections are severe; however, if spotted and treated, the impact of these bacteria on your body will not be severe. The symptoms include:

• Fever: You are likely to have a severe pus-producing or gram-negative infection, or an inflammatory disease. You may have any of it together with high fever, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

• Severe Weakness or Fatigue: If you are very tired and get very tired easily or if you have diarrhea, vomiting, or tummy acne it could be that you have an infection or you are dehydrated.            

• Persistent or Recurrent Symptoms: Sometimes you may develop diarrhea and abdominal pain and if it gets worse or recurs it may be a sign the C. diff infection is not honoring the treatment or is a relapse.

• Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting may be present if it is accompanied by diarrhea and abdominal pain.

• Dehydration Symptoms: Some of the signs that may require you to see a doctor include, dry lips, tongue, abdomen, high fever, dark colored strongly smelling urine as well as weakness, dizziness, and fainting in adults.

• Abdominal Pain: New onset, severe crampy abdominal pain or discomfort should be considered as pointing towards C. diff infection or colitis.

• Presence of Blood or Mucus in Stool: The presence of blood or mucus is an indication that the inflammation or injury of the mucous membrane of the intestine is of a sufficient degree that the case needs medical attention.

Ways You Can Get Early Help or Treatment for Clostridium Difficile Bacteria?

It is important to identify and diagnose a C. diff infection as early as possible for the right kind of care to be administered. This biscuit-forming Clostridium difficile can provoke severe, and in extreme cases, life-threatening complications, if left unnoticed. You must be able to distinguish between various symptoms and the appropriate measures to take to begin the healing process.

Seek Medical Attention: If you have persistent diarrhea, or develop it after the antibiotic course, seek medical advice. Early diagnosis for the condition’s management is admissible.

Stay Hydrated: As a result of the watery and loose stool (diarrhea), the stool removes water from the body hence suffering from dehydration. Therefore, in the course of the treatment, it is advisable that you drink a lot of water if not oral electrolyte solutions when required.

Discontinue Triggering Antibiotics: If your symptoms occur after taking the medication, your doctor may advise you to discontinue the current medication that has let C. diff grow.

Start Specific Antibiotic Therapy: To mitigate the infection aim at antibiotics that have an affinity for this bacterium such as vancomycin or fidaxomicin. Usually, your doctor will inform you which medicine has to be taken, based on the intensity of the infection.

Consider Probiotics: Probiotics can be taken to assist in achieving a normal population of bacteria in your stomach but it is not an alternative to medical antibiotics.

Practice Good Hygiene: Cleanliness can help you avoid contracting C. diff since the spores do not go away quickly. Wash your hands with soap and water each time possible if you come into contact with a surface you suspect has C. diff. 

Conclusion

Clostridium difficile bacteria are dangerous to your health as they compromise the ecosystem of your gut. It ranges from simple diarrhea to severe forms such as colitis and toxic megacolon. This infection should be managed by recognizing the early signs and rushing for medical treatment.

Understanding what C. diff is, the conditions it brings, and how early help and treatment can be sought are vital as a way of avoiding the nasty effects of a C. diff infection. Practicing good hygiene also ensures the body has a natural defense against diseases. Getting informed about C. diff infections, acting fast, and adhering to the doctor’s advice will also help the body recover faster without complications.