How to Recognize Symptoms of a C. diff Infection

C. diff, formerly known as Clostridium difficile, is a germ (bacterium) that causes colitis (inflammation of the colon) and diarrhea. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it’s estimated to cause almost half a million infections annually in the United States. In the subsequent 6-8 weeks, about 1 in 6 patients with C. diff will get it again. Moreover, one in 11 people in the age of 65 die within one month due to getting diagnosed with a healthcare-associated C. diff.

The bacterium of C. diff is found naturally in the gut of around 3% of healthy children and adults, but it can become perilous when it overgrows because of gut flora changes. It’s best to look out for the following symptoms to determine if you already have a C. diff infection before consulting your doctor:

Painful tummy cramps

The bacteria produce toxins that can irritate the lining of the intestine, resulting in cramping and inflammation. Studies revealed that 90% of people experience this symptom due to C. diff. The cramps range from mild discomfort and severe pain, which may be accompanied by other gastrointestinal symptoms such as bloating, diarrhea, and nausea.

It depends on the severity of the infection and the individual in terms of the severity of the cramps. These cramps may feel like sharp stabbing pains or a dull ache. You can locate cramps anywhere in the abdominal region, from the upper part of the belly button to the lower part of the pelvis. If these tummy cramps become persistent, seek help from your doctor immediately for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

Weight loss

While this is an uncommon symptom of C. diff, it can still appear in some cases. The overgrowth of C. diff can cause inflammation and damage to the lining of the intestine. This interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food. If the infection persists, the malabsorption can lead to weight loss.

The body may be unable to absorb proper food nutrients during a C. diff infection. Moreover, constant vomiting and diarrhea can lead to a loss of electrolytes and fluids, which can cause immediate weight loss. This infection can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as loss of appetite, diarrhea, and nausea.

Dehydration

If you have this symptom due to the C. diff infection, this may be the cause of severe and frequent diarrhea. C. diff infection is associated with diarrhea, which is often watery and can occur several times daily. This can result in a significant loss of electrolytes and fluids from the body, becoming the product of dehydration.

Along with the decrease in blood pressure, this can lead to either localized or global intestinal ischemia. This accelerates the possibility of developing a systemic inflammatory response syndrome with a more acute presentation. Young children, the elderly, and people with vulnerable immune systems can most likely experience dehydration as a symptom of C. diff infection.

Blood or pus in the stool

Research shows that up to 50% of patients with C. diff infection experience blood or pus in the stool. This symptom can occur when C. diff can cause the colon (or the large intestine) to get inflamed. When this happens, tissue in the colon can bleed or make pus. The overgrowth of the C. diff bacteria in the gut produces toxins that can damage the intestinal lining.

The severity of the bleeding may range from mild to severe and can vary from person to person. The presence of blood or pus in the stool can be alarming, so it’s important to seek help from your medical doctor right away. Your doctor can perform tests to provide appropriate treatment and determine the cause of the bleeding.

Watery diarrhea

Antibiotics are a frequent side effect of diarrhea, which occurs 10-20% of the time. C. diff causes a more severe form of antibiotic-associated diarrhea. The disease can be fatal, ranging from mild diarrhea to severe colon inflammation. Diarrhea is the most well-known symptom of C. diff. It’s usually bloody and waterly and can be associated with crampy abdominal pain.

Studies have shown that people who have diarrhea due to C. diff have a unique type of diarrhea. This unique type may also contain mucus (aside from being watery and bloody). Some people even experience approximately 15 episodes of diarrhea in just one day.

Fever

According to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, the researchers encountered a patient with a C. diff infection complicated with symptoms of high fever. The results of the study show 95 fever episodes from the study cohort of the researchers. This makes fever a possible symptom of C. diff.

It’s important to take note that your fever can range from a low-grade fever to a high fever above 101 Fahrenheit. Fever can also be accompanied by other symptoms such as cramping, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. If your fever continues to be persistent, it’s better to seek medical assistance as soon as possible.

Rapid heart rate

While a rapid heart rate may not directly be a symptom of C. diff, it can occur with severe diarrhea and dehydration. This can result in electrolyte imbalances in the body. Electrolytes are significant minerals that regulate various bodily functions; this includes the heart rate.

When potassium and sodium as levels of electrolytes become imbalanced because of dehydration, it can result in a fast heart rate or even an irregular heartbeat. Young children, people with vulnerable immune systems, and the elderly can experience rapid heart rate as a complication of severe C. diff infection.

Increased white blood cell count

This is a possible symptom of C. diff because the body may produce more white blood cells in response to the bacteria’s production of toxins. The increase in white blood cells is also known as leukocytosis, which can be detected through a blood test.

However, investigators from the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle noted that only limited evidence connects increased white blood cell count with the results of Nucleic Acid Testing (NAAT) for C. diff. But the authors managed to measure an increase in white blood cell count at >15 thousand/μL as an established prognostic marker for C. diff patients. Even though small observational studies support this finding, further research needs to be done about the link of increased white blood cells to C. diff infection.

Kidney failure

This only occurs in rare cases wherein C. diff infections can lead to complications like sepsis, electrolyte imbalances, and dehydration that will affect the kidneys. The condition can cause vomiting and severe diarrhea. This can lead to the loss of electrolytes such as sodium and potassium, which are essential for normal kidney function.

Additionally, sepsis can affect the kidneys, resulting in acute kidney injury, a condition in which the kidneys will stop functioning appropriately. Suppose you or you know someone with a C. diff infection and experience symptoms of kidney failure such as fatigue, decreased urine output, and swelling in the legs or ankles. In that case, it’s essential to seek immediate medical attention.

Swollen abdomen

A swollen colon may have the symptom of a tender or painful stomach area. In some cases, C. diff can lead to an enlarged colon, toxic megacolon, and inflammatory bowel disease. What’s worse, if not treated right, is that toxic megacolon can result in shock, sepsis, color perforation, blood loss, and death.

Moreover, a swollen abdomen can also be contributed by the infection that can cause bloating and gas accumulation. But it’s important to remember that not all people with the C. diff infection experience this symptom. However, this shouldn’t stop you from seeking medical advice or help from your doctor.