What are the symptoms of a C diff infection?
The most common initial symptoms of an infection are mild abdominal cramping and tenderness along with diarrhea (C. diff stool appearance is watery) that occurs three or more times per day for two or more days. Why does this happen?
When does a Clostridium difficile infection get better?
It usually gets better when the antibiotics are stopped. Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is due to a toxin-producing bacteria that causes a more severe form of antibiotic associated diarrhea.
How long is the incubation period for C diff?
However, when something (most often antibiotic usage) throws off the balance of bacteria in the body, this is when a problem can occur and C. diff can start growing rapidly. What is the typical C. diff incubation period? Three days is considered to be the median incubation period of C. difficile.
What happens when you swallow C difficile bacteria?
If you touch a surface contaminated with C. difficile spores, you may then unknowingly swallow the bacteria. Once established, C. difficile can produce toxins that attack the lining of the intestine. The toxins destroy cells, produce patches (plaques) of inflammatory cells and decaying cellular debris inside the colon, and cause watery diarrhea.
Statins, often prescribed for a variety of conditions are thought to make you less vulnerable to extreme c difficile. The first c diff symptoms may include diarrhea and cramping. This might occur up to 15 times a day. Usually however the diarrhea happens between 3-5 times a day. C Diff infection often produces foul smelling stool.
When to go back to doctor for C diff?
One in 6 people who’ve had C. diff will get it again in the subsequent 2-8 weeks. If you start having symptoms again, go back to your doctor. For those with repeat infections, innovative treatments, including fecal microbiota transplants, have shown promising results (see the “Life After C. diff “ page).
How to keep from spreading C diff to others?
To keep from spreading C. diff to to others: Wash hands with soap and water. Try to use a separate bathroom if you have diarrhea. Take showers and wash with soap. Can I get C. diff again? Some people get C. diff over and over again. One in 6 people who’ve had C. diff will get it again in the subsequent 2-8 weeks.
How often do people die from C diff?
One in 11 people over age 65 diagnosed with a healthcare-associated C. diff infection die within one month. C. diff can infect anyone. Most cases of C. diff occur when you’ve been taking antibiotics or not long after you’ve finished taking antibiotics.