C-Diff Cures

Clostridium difficile is also known as C. difficile or "C-diff," which is an infection caused by a bacterium. There are a number of symptoms, which may vary from diarrhea to severe colon inflammation. To treat C-diff it is essential to discontinue the use of any antibiotic that may trigger this infection. In some cases this may be the only method needed. More severe cases will require further treatment such as antibiotics, probiotics or surgery.

Medication and Treatments

• In mild to moderate cases you may be prescribed metronidazole (Flagyl), which is another form of antibiotic. Severe cases will required an antibiotic called Vancomycin (Vancocin). These antibiotics work to hinder C.difficile from growing in the intestine, which in turn allows good bacteria to begin to grow in the intestine. There are two known side effects associated with these antibiotics: nausea and an unknown bitter taste. While taking metronidazole, it is important to avoid alcohol.
  Probiotics may be needed to treat C.difficile infection. Probiotics consist of bacteria and yeast organisms that work to repair the intestinal tract's natural balance. Antibiotics are taken with Saccharomyces boulardii, which is a natural yeast. This works to fight against C.difficile infection and prevent reoccurring.
  In certain cases, surgery may be required to remove the infected part of the colon. When there is inflammation in the abdominal wall or organ failure, surgery may be the best and only option to cure C.difficile infection.

Recurrent

• An average of one-fourth of patients with C.difficile will have a recurrent infection. This occurs when the infection lays dormant or you are reinfected with another bacteria strain. To treat a recurrent infection you will be prescribed either another form of antibiotic, a longer course of treatment or more frequent dosages. In certain cases your doctor will prescribe antibiotics medication in conjunction with a probiotic, if this was not your originally prescribed method of treatment.
  A stool transplant is not preformed regularly for recurrent C.difficile but is may be helpful in some cases. A donor's stool, typically from a relative, is placed in your colon to restore the healthy bacteria in your intestinal wall.

Prevention

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is important to wash your hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based sanitizer when treating a patient with C.difficile infection. When using antibiotics for other illnesses be sure not to overuse them and to take medications with a narrow range to treat your exact illness. It is important to drink plenty of fluids to flush out your system daily.