I'll assume you have already failed a course of Flagyl (metronidazole) since that is the preferred first line therapy for C difficile colitis. A typical course of oral Vancomycin is usually 10-14 days. Many people respond to therapy relatively promptly, sometimes in one or two days, however others respond more slowly. If you have had no improvement in symptoms by the end of a week, you may need to discuss with your doctor whether or not this course of therapy is appropriate for you.
Most people are, indeed, carriers of the C difficile bacteria, however normal intestinal bacteria keep it in check. It is when it is allowed to multiple freely when these other healthy bacteria are low in numbers (such as after taking an antibiotic for another reason) that the C difficile bacteria produce toxins which harm the intestinal lining, thus causing a profuse, watery diarrhea. The purpose of therapy is to decrease the number of C difficile to the point that it is again suppressed by the normal gut bacteria.
Although probiotics (like yogurt or activated cultures), may be of some added benefit in slowing down the diarrhea and re-equilibrating the normal intestinal flora, antibiotics are required to prevent the more serious complications of C difficile colitis - Toxic Megacolon, intestinal perforation, sepsis, etc. - which can be fatal if untreated.
2007-03-07 14:56:25
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answer #1
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answered by melnd99 2
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According to an Infectious Disease Specialist that I took my son to:
We all have C-Diff (Clostridium)It is when it gets out of hand that it becomes a problem .Treatment should consist of taking (orally) a Thickener to absorb watery stools until stools are no longer watery. About 10 days. Benefin? or similar. Antibiotics should not be taken they really don't work well and upset intestinal flora. Take yogurt to restore.
This worked well for my adult son
2007-03-07 17:15:20
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answer #2
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answered by nana 2
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At a minimum, those measures are counseled: * well being facility team placed on disposable gloves — and disposable robes if soiling of clothing is probable — whilst treating those with C. difficile infections. They wash their hands thoroughly with cleansing soap and heat water until now and after treating each and every affected person, after eliminating gloves, and after touching surfaces which may be contaminated. Alcohol-based hand gels, that are frequently utilized in well being care institutions, would possibly not effectively wreck C. difficile spores. * travelers wash their hands with cleansing soap and heat water until now entering and after leaving the room of a affected person with a C. difficile an infection. * people who've a C. difficile an infection have a private room or share a room with somebody who has the comparable ailment. * All room surfaces are heavily disinfected with a product that is composed of chlorine bleach. * in case you have a pal or kinfolk member in a well being facility or nursing abode, don't be afraid to remind caregivers to stick to an infection administration precautions. And be diligent approximately washing your very own hands often with cleansing soap and heat water. Please see the internet pages for further info on Clostridium difficile.
2016-12-18 08:10:28
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answer #3
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answered by ? 4
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C-Diff is a bad one...do everything the doctor says. A good friend of mine (a nurse) where I worked as a respiratory therapist had it. She didn't know she was positive and felt like &%$ @, lost wieght the whole 9 yards. She kept on working and one night she was on a smoke break downstairs and said "I feel dizzy", her eyes rolled back and she just dropped dead...a fatal arrythmia from C-diff. We coded her for hours...literally. Shocked her over 36 times...It was horrible...I had to tube my own friend...and we lost her. I still mourne. PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF...IT"S VERY SERIOUS!
2007-03-07 15:02:25
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answer #4
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answered by fuzzbutt 4
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There is no cure for C-Diff You will have it forever. See the web site below.
2007-03-07 14:55:47
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answer #5
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answered by Brian 2
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