C.difficile enteritis, or Clostridium difficile, is also known as C.diff. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, this is a bacteria that naturally grows in our intestines and normally causes no problems. When the internal balance of the intestines is altered, either by prolonged antibiotic use, gastrointestinal surgery, or colon problems, C.difficile can grow rapidly and uncontrollably, causing watery diarrhea and abdominal pain.
Antibiotics and Probiotics
Although C.difficile can be caused by prolonged use of antibiotics, one treatment option consists of taking more antibiotics, according to the Mayo Clinic. Typical drugs prescribed include metronidazole, or Flagyl, and vancomycin, or Vancocin. These medications arrest the growth of C.difficile, which helps normal, healthy bacteria to grow again. Some side effects of vancomycin and metronidazole can include a bitter taste in the mouth and nausea. Drinking alcohol while on these drugs should be avoided. Although these antibiotics are effective, the American Academy of Family Physicians notes that in 15 to 35 percent of patients, another round of antibiotics is needed to fully clear up the infection. Probiotics, naturally occurring bacteria that help balance a healthy digestive tract, are also beneficial. The Mayo Clinic states that Saccharomyces, a natural yeast, is effective at preventing C.difficile from recurring.
Surgery
Surgery is rarely used in treating C.difficile, but the Mayo Clinic explains that if the infection gets to the point where it causes severe pain, organ failure or inflammation of the lining of the abdomen, surgical removal of the affected part of the colon may be the sole feasible option.
Home Remedies
Since C.difficile causes watery diarrhea and abdominal pain, home remedies can include staying hydrated with fluids that have salt, water and sugar like sports drinks, soup broths and diluted fruit juices. Eating starchy foods like potatoes, rice, oatmeal, bananas and noodles can help lessen the diarrhea, says the Mayo Clinic. The American Academy of Family Physicians suggests avoiding milk-based products because these can irritate already-sensitive digestive tracts.
Reducing Your Risk
C.difficile bacteria can live for prolonged periods of time on various surfaces, but there are things you can do to reduce your risk of becoming infected. The American Academy of Family Physicians lists actions like frequent and thorough hand washing with soap and water, using disposable gloves if you care for someone with C.difficile, using chlorine bleach-based products to clean surfaces that may have been in contact with C.difficile exposure, and not using antibiotics unless they are specifically prescribed to you by your doctor.
