Pseudomembranous colitis
Pseudomembranous colitis is inflammation of the colon in patients receiving antibiotics Pseudomembranous colitis is also called antibiotic-associated colitis The inflammation developed during the disease is almost always associated with the reproduction of the bacterium Clostridium difficile
A severe form of pseudomembranous colitis can be life-threatening However, treatment is usually successful
Pseudomembranous colitis develops in the colon when harmful bacteria, usually Clostridium difficile, release powerful toxins that irritate the colon. Harmful bacteria are usually kept in check by healthy, helpful bacteria in the digestive system However, this balance can be disturbed as a result of the destruction of helpful bacteria after taking antibiotics or other medications
Any antibiotic can cause pseudomembranous colitis The most common drugs causing the disease:
- Quinolones such as fiprofloxacin and levofloxacin (Lavaquin)
- Penicillins such as amoxicillin and ampicillin
- Clindamycin (Cleocin)
- Cephalosporins, Chemotherapy, in some cases, causes the destruction of bacteria in the intestines of patients, which sometimes results in the development of pseudomembranous colitis. The pathology is also formed in some diseases that damage the colon, such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease.
Clostridium difficile spores are resistant to many disinfectants Spores are easy to spread from the hands of medical personnel to patients In some cases, Clostridium difficile is found in people with no risk factors, including people who have not received medical care or antibiotics recently.
Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis:
- Diarrhea that may be loose or bloody
- Abdominal cramps and pain
- Fever
- Pus and mucus in the stool
- Feeling sick
When to see your doctor
If you have recently taken antibiotics and develop symptoms typical of pseudomembranous colitis, including persistent diarrhea, abdominal pain, blood and pus in your stool, see your doctor
