All About C diff Colitis

C diff colitis is an inflation of the colon caused by the toxins released by clostridium difficile. C diff is carried in the intestines tract by a small minority of adults. Normally the Clostridium Difficile is kept in check by the other bacteria in the system. But should they  take a course of antibiotics it may damage much of the bacteria and lead to cdiff infection. Should that happen it may lead to colitis.

It should be noted that c diff infection is extremely contagious. That can lead to other people becoming infected and succumbing to c diff colitis. Colitis is the most common ailment caused by c diff infection. It is particularly prevalent in hospitals, where typically patients have their immunity weakened by illness and stress. It is estimated that in the United States alone 10 per cent of patients become infected with Clostridium Difficile.

So how does c diff colitis develop? The cdiff can lie dormant in the colon. Once a course of antibiotics is taken the other bacteria is affected, enabling the cdiff to become infectious and produce toxins. The toxins may then cause the colon to be inflamed. The inner lining of the colon falls off and after mixing with white blood cells forms something which looks like a white membrane patch. In its most severe form this is known as pseudomembranous colitis.

At its worst c diff colitis can be life threatening. Megacolon, a severely dilated colon, can develop, but thankfully such occasions are rare.

There are several treatments for cdiff colitis. One is to counter the effects of the infection, namely the dehydration and electrolyte deficiencies, changing the course of antibiotics which caused the c diff to release toxins and become infective, and by prescribing antibiotics that will  eradicate the c diff bacterium.

Its important that the infection is eradicated to avoid a relapse and recurrence of c diff colitis. If the patient suffers a relapse they can be treated with another course of antibiotics over six weeks with the dosage being  steadily decreased. Alternative treatments include an oral resin such as Questran, or a non-pathogen yeast such as Florastor which is taken orally.