Question 1

how serious is c-diff?

Accepted Answer

Can be very serious: C. Difficile, when pathologic, is a bacterial infection and as such warrants specialized antibiotic treatment with documentation of eradication following such appropriate therapy. That being said, a special probiotic (florastor = sacchromyces boulardes) can help inhibit growth of c.Diff, can help reduce recurrence in at risk populations, and may possibly prophylax against c.Diff infection.

Question 2

how do people get c diff?

Accepted Answer

Usually antibiotics: C.Difficile is a common bacteria that can cause problems when the normal bacteria of the gut/intestines is wiped out. This can happen with any antibiotic, and the more antibiotics used, and the longer used, the more likely a problem will occur. Probiotics(friendly bacteria) can help when taking antibiotics, but may not be enough. Pain, blood, diarrhea, fever are warning signs and need evaluation.

Question 3

how is c-diff transmitted?

Accepted Answer

Stool contact: You generally acquire it by taking antibiotics, but it can also be transmitted from person-to-person (contact with stool).

Question 4

how long does c-diff last?

Accepted Answer

Depends: In most cases, c diff is treated with 2 weeks of antibiotics. This is effective around 85% of the time, but 15% can "relapse" after their antibiotics. This requires more antibiotics. After that, an even higher % will have a 2nd relapse. Treatment is with even more antibiotics. And so on. Some patients have had relapsing diff for years! we can often cure them with a stool transplant.

Question 5

how long for c diff symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Depends: The severity of disease at time of onset, the appropriateness of therapy, the immune status of the individual, and other factors will help to determine the speed and efficacy of response.

Question 6

can c diff go away on its own?

Accepted Answer

Rarely: Yes, but not often.  Most of the time c. Diff needs to be treated with an antibiotic (there are a few) before it improves.

Question 7

does c diff cause mental loss?

Accepted Answer

No: C. Diff infects the colon and causes inflammation, or "colitis, " whih leads to diarrhea. It does not have any direct effect on the brain, if that is what is meant by "mental loss.".

Question 8

how can i treat c. diff myself?

Accepted Answer

Many cases can : Resolve but there are really no 'home remedies'.

Question 9

what is success rate of curing c.diff?

Accepted Answer

C diff: About &gt; 80% are cured, though it may recur. There a number of drugs and strategies. metrrnidazole, Vancomycin, Fidaxomicin, probiotics ( important ) and recently fecal transfer.

Question 10

please advise how to slow down my c-diff?

Accepted Answer

C. diff: It is difficult to know what you mean by "slow down." if you have recurrent c. Diff colitis, chronic diarrhea may be one major problem. Treatment is by eradication w/ antibiotics (eg, flagyl, vancomycin, rifaximin). I do not recommend anti-diarrheal meds. If your c. Diff is recurrent, seek a referral to an md experienced in treating resistant cases, as options may include fecal transplant.

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Doctor answers about:

C diff

A member asked:

How serious is c-diff?

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How do people get c diff?

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How is c-diff transmitted?

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How long does c-diff last?

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How long for c diff symptoms?

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Can c diff go away on its own?

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Does c diff cause mental loss?

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How can i treat c. diff myself?

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What is success rate of curing c.diff?

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Please advise how to slow down my c-diff?

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