What is clostridioides difficile colitis?

Clostridioides Difficile Colitis

What is Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) colitis?

Clostridioides difficile (also called C. diff) are bacteria that can cause swelling and irritation of the large intestine, or colon. This inflammation, known as colitis, can cause diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps.

You may get C. diff colitis if you take antibiotics. C. diff also can be passed from person to person. But the infection is most common in people who are taking antibiotics or have taken them recently. It is also common in older people who are in hospitals and nursing homes and in people who are getting chemotherapy for cancer.

Colitis caused by C. diff can be mild or serious. In rare cases, it can cause death.

What are the symptoms of Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) colitis?

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) colitis may cause diarrhea, belly cramps, fever, or dehydration. You also may have an abnormal heartbeat, especially if you become dehydrated. Symptoms usually begin 4 to 10 days after you start taking antibiotics. But they might not start until a few weeks after you stop taking antibiotics.

How is Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) colitis diagnosed?

Your doctor may think you have Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) colitis if both of the following are true:

  • You are taking, or you recently took, antibiotics.
  • You have symptoms of the illness. These may include:
    • Watery diarrhea (which may contain blood or pus).
    • Swelling, cramps, pain, or tenderness in the belly.
    • Fever.
    • Dehydration.

To confirm the diagnosis, a sample of your stool will be tested. The test will check for the bacteria by looking for its DNA. Another test may be done to look for the toxins that C. diff produces.

Your doctor may look at the inside of your colon through a thin, lighted tube called a colonoscope. In the most serious cases, the doctor may see patches of yellow and white tissue on the inside of the colon.

How is Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) colitis treated?

If possible, your doctor will have you stop taking the antibiotic that caused the infection. Your doctor may then treat Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) colitis with an antibiotic other than the one that caused the infection.

If you have severe diarrhea, you also may be given fluids to prevent dehydration and to make sure you have the right amount of minerals (electrolytes) in your blood. Or you will be given medicine to control diarrhea.

If C. diff is severe or comes back a few times, fecal transplant may be done. This treatment places stool from a donor into the colon of a person who has C. diff infection. The good bacteria in the donor stool help heal the colon.

How can you care for your child who has Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) colitis?

  • The doctor will give your child antibiotics to treat the colitis. But it will be a different kind than the kind that caused the colitis. Give the antibiotics as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
  • To prevent dehydration, give your child plenty of fluids. Choose water and other clear liquids until your child feels better.
  • Give your child small amounts of mild foods, if your child wants to eat.
  • To prevent the spread of C. diff, practice good hygiene. Help your child keep their hands clean by washing them well and often with soap and clean, running water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill C. diff.

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) colitis: When to call

Call 911 if:

  • You passed out (lost consciousness).

Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

  • You have a fever over 101°F or shaking chills.
  • You feel lightheaded or have a fast heart rate.
  • You pass stools that are almost always bloody.
  • You have signs of needing more fluids. You have sunken eyes, a dry mouth, and pass only a little urine.
  • You have severe belly pain with or without bloating.
  • You have severe vomiting and cannot keep down liquids.
  • You are not passing any stools or gas.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

  • You do not get better as expected.

©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated

The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.