Overview

Causes

Antibiotics can kill good bacteria in the large intestine. They do not kill C. diff . Instead, C. diff grows with no control and makes toxins. This bothers the lining of the intestine and causes swelling.

Risk Factors

This problem happens in people who use antibiotics. It is also more common in older adults and people staying in care centers.

Other things that may raise the risk are:

  • Being very sick
  • Having a weak immune system
  • Using medicines that reduce stomach acid
  • Having other digestive problems, such as Crohn disease or ulcerative colitis
  • Past surgery on the digestive system
  • Chemotherapy

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Problems may be:

  • Watery stools (poop) that may have mucus in it
  • Belly pain
  • Fever
  • Lack of hunger
  • Nausea

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done.

Tests may include:

  • A stool sample to look for signs of infection.
  • Blood tests to look for signs of infection
  • A colonoscopy to see inside the large intestine (rarely needed)
  • A CT scan to view the large intestine

Treatments

Treatment

The goal is to treat the infection. Options are:

  • Stopping antibiotics—or switching to one that treats this infection
  • Having a stool transplant from a healthy donor—to balance bacteria in the intestine
  • Surgery to remove intestine that has a lot of damage

Prevention

Some steps that may help to lower the risk of this infection are:

  • Taking certain probiotics—if advised by the doctor to do so
  • Using antibiotics only as the doctor advises

    • This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

    Edits to original content made by Denver Health.