If you have recently been in a hospital or around someone who has finished a round of antibiotics, you may have heard about clostridium difficile (C. diff). It is an organism that routinely resides in the human gut, in the soil, water, and the air. When the organism is confronted with a normal set of bacteria in the intestines, its growth is controlled. However, when the intestine has experienced a series of antibiotic therapy, normal bacteria are killed, giving C. diff the upper hand.
C. diff is most commonly presents as diarrhea. This overgrowth happens more frequently to the elderly but can occur in anyone who has had a lengthy antibiotic regimen. The elderly are more likely to get C. diff because they have less immunity in general. They are often the ones that receive antibiotics because of this lessened immunity. Diarrhea can be deadly leading to inflamed colon, colitis, and dehydration. Diarrhea and infection need to be managed effectively.
If someone has C. diff, we use contact isolation. That means that if they are in a facility, they are confined to their room. Visitors must put a gown and gloves on. The bacteria can be airborne and is on surfaces in the room including sheets, bedding, clothing, and surfaces that have been in contact with stool or feces. The bacteria enter the body through your mouth or nose. Visitors must wash their hands before and after entering the room.
If you have been on an antibiotic in the past several weeks and have the onset of large diarrhea stools that are smelly, call your doctor immediately. Tests can be done to see if you have a C. diff infection. You may not want to go the doctor’s office, because of the potential contamination you may bring with you. Your healthcare provider can order the tests as an outpatient. If you begin to experience signs of dehydration like dizziness, lightheadedness, weakness and concentrated urine go to the emergency room for treatment.
C. diff can be treated with antibiotics that are effective against this organism, but the best way to eliminate it is not to get it in the first place. That means vigilant and appropriate use of antibiotics. Contact me for more information on how to avoid C. diff.