Clostridium Difficile
Symptoms of a C. difficile infection
Source: NHS
In this topic (8)
Symptoms of a C. difficileinfection usually develop when you're taking antibiotics, or when you've finished taking them within the last few weeks.
The most common symptoms are:
- watery diarrhoea , which can be bloody
- painful tummy cramps
- feeling sick
- signs of dehydration , such asa dry mouth , headaches and peeing less often than normal
- a high temperature (fever) of above 38C (100.4F)
- loss of appetite and weight loss
Insome cases, serious complications can develop, such as damage to the bowel or severe dehydration , which may causedrowsiness, confusion, a rapid heart rate and fainting .
Articles for Clostridium Difficile
How to stop C. difficile spreading
C.difficileinfections canbe passed onvery easily. You can reduce your risk of picking it up or spreading it by practising good hygiene, both at homeand in healthcare settings. The following measures
How you get C. difficile
C. difficile bacteria are found in thedigestive systemof about 1 in every 30 healthy adults. The bacteriaoften live harmlessly because the other bacteria normally found in the bowel keep it under cont
Introduction
Clostridium difficile, also known as C. difficile or C. diff, is a bacterium that can infect the bowel and cause diarrhoea. Find out what the symptoms are, who's most at risk and how it's treated.
Looking after yourself at home
If you're well enough to be treated at home, the following measures can helprelieve your symptoms and prevent the infection spreading: make sure you finish the entire course of any antibiotics you'r
Symptoms of a C. difficile infection
Symptoms of a C. difficileinfection usually develop when you're taking antibiotics, or when you've finished taking them within the last few weeks. The most common symptoms are: watery diarrhoea , w
Treatment for C. difficile
Your GP will decide whether you need hospital treatment (if you're not already in hospital). Ifthe infection isrelatively mild, you may be treated at home. If you're in hospital, youmight be moved to
When to get medical advice
Visiting your GP surgery with a possible C. difficile infectioncan put others at risk, so it's best to call your GP or NHS 111 if you're concerned or feel you need advice. Get medical advice if: yo
Who's most at risk of C. difficile?
C. difficile mostly affects people who: have been treated with broad-spectrum antibiotics (antibiotics that work againstseveral types of bacteria) or several different antibiotics at the same time,
