Can C. diff cause Megacolon?
Toxic megacolon is a severe complication of Clostridium difficile (C. difficile) colitis. As the prevalence of C. difficile colitis increases and treatments become more refractory, clinicians will encounter more patients with C.
What Clostridium causes diarrhea and colitis?
C. diff (also known as Clostridioides difficile or C. difficile) is a germ (bacterium) that causes severe diarrhea and colitis (an inflammation of the colon).
Can C. diff cause constipation?
an atypical but significant consequence of C. difficile is that some who become infected do not get diarrhea, but rather the symptoms manifest as bloating and constipation.
Can C. diff cause bowel obstruction?
C. difficile colitis is a complication that may develop after colorectal operation in geriatric patients, patients with suppressed immunity, and patients associated with bowel obstruction. The frequency is up to 21% [2].
What is a megacolon?
Megacolon, as well as megarectum, is a descriptive term. It denotes dilatation of the colon that is not caused by a mechanical obstruction. [1, 2] Although the definition of megacolon has varied in the literature, most researchers use the measurement of greater than 12 cm for the cecum as the standard.
What is toxic megacolon?
Toxic megacolon occurs when swelling and inflammation spread into the deeper layers of your colon. As a result, the colon stops working and widens. In severe cases, the colon may rupture.
Can C. diff cause stomach distention?
It is also common in older people in hospitals and nursing homes. Severe disease could cause the colon to swell to many times its normal size (toxic megacolon). This can cause death and needs emergency treatment. You may have a swollen belly that is painful or tender, a rapid heartbeat, and a fever.
Can C. diff lead to constipation?
Can C. diff cause perforated colon?
More commonly, C difficile toxins produce diarrhea and abdominal discomfort. Unfortunately, it is resistant to most antibiotics. Complications of C difficile colitis include bowel perforation (a hole in the colon) and pseudomembranous colitis (patches of severe inflammation and pus in the colon).
What is the most common cause of toxic megacolon?
Inflammatory bowel disease, or IBD, is the most common initial cause of toxic megacolon. There are two main forms: ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease. Both these conditions involve an overreaction by your immune system.
Is C. diff life threatening?
And, since C. diff is an infection, it can cause sepsis. And sepsis can be fatal. The biggest risk factor for contracting Clostridioides difficile is taking antibiotics.
Does C. diff make you bloated?
difficile infection, may experience: Watery diarrhea—at least 3 times within 24 hours. Abdominal pain or cramps. Bloating.