C. Difficile or C. Diff can cause severe abdominal issues.

Clostridium Difficile, also called C. Difficile or C. Diff, is one of thousands of micro-organisms that live within your intestines. It’s a part of the normal balance of bacteria living within your body. For most people, C. Difficile never causes any health troubles.

When something throws off the balance of your intestines, however, C. Difficile bacteria can grow to excess and cause you to become ill.

If C. Difficile grows out of control, the bacteria can release toxins that attack the lining of your intestines, leading to a variety of symptoms and, in some cases, a life-threating inflammation of the colon.

Symptoms of C. Difficile

Most people who suffer from C. Difficile experience only mild symptoms. C. Difficile is a common cause of diarrhea with more than two million cases diagnosed each year. Other symptoms include:

  • Inflammation of the colon.
  • Fever.
  • Abdominal pain.
  • Loss of appetite.
  • Bloody or watery stool.
  • Nausea.

Risk Factors for C. Difficile

C. Difficile can affect otherwise healthy people but it is most common in people who have been in the hospital or long-term care facility. As a result, the spread of C. Difficile is a major health concern for health facilities.

Patients who have been on antibiotics for an extended period are especially at risk, as some antibiotics kill other helpful bacteria that usually keep C. diff in check. The elderly tend to be most affected by this condition.

Additional risk factors include individuals who have:

  • Received chemotherapy.
  • Had abdominal surgery.
  • Had stomach or intestinal problems.

How C. Difficile Can Spread

C. Difficile bacteria spread easily when hands or surfaces are contaminated.

  • This bacteria is spread through contact with fecal matter or contaminated surfaces or materials.
  • Once C. Difficile contaminates a surface, the bacteria can stay alive for a long time and be transferred to other people.
  • It is important to always thoroughly wash your hands for 20 seconds with soap and water, especially after using the bathroom and before eating.
  • Clean and disinfect surfaces before and after use by someone with C. Difficile.
  • Refrain from taking an antibiotic unless absolutely necessary.

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C. Difficile Treatment Options

Doctors typically treat C. Difficile with antibiotics, probiotics, and fecal matter transplants. If you have been diagnosed with C. Diff you will likely be asked to drink plenty of water and other fluids to guard against dehydration. Probiotics are a form of healthy bacteria that will line your gut and fight off any infections that are present.

Editor's Note: This gallery was originally published on , and was last reviewed on .