{"id":2534,"date":"2018-08-10T04:19:58","date_gmt":"2018-08-10T04:19:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=2534"},"modified":"2021-10-13T00:24:24","modified_gmt":"2021-10-13T00:24:24","slug":"12-most-common-c-diff-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/12-most-common-c-diff-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"12 Most Common C Diff Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"

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C diff, C. difficile, refers to clostridium difficile. This is a bacterium that most commonly affects individuals that are older and may be in the hospital or in a long term care facility. who are in the hospital or in a long term care facility. C diff often occurs after the use of antibiotic medication. However, recent studies have shown that there is an increasing rate of C diff infections among individuals who are not considered as high risk.<\/p>\n

This includes people who are younger and healthier and do not have a history of exposure to health care facilities or the use of antibiotics. Every year in the United States there are about a half-million people who become sick from C diff. In recent years, this type of infection has become more severe and more difficult to treat. Here are 12 of the most common C diff symptoms to consider so that you know what to look for when you are feeling ill.<\/p>\n

1. Diarrhea<\/h3>\n

One of the most prevalent and common signs that shows up when a person has C diff is diarrhea<\/a>. According to medical professionals, diarrhea consists of stools that are loose and watery. This occurs quite frequently. A person who is suffering from C diff may experience these types of stools up to ten times each day.<\/p>\n

Any person that has been exposed to the bacteria spores and is suffering from loose and watery stools more than three times in a day should visit their doctor for testing. If diarrhea lasts for more than a day, it is important to go to your doctor as soon as possible. The testing of the stool will determine whether or not the bacteria is present and if there is an infection in the bowels or digestive tract. These both need to be treated right away so that the symptoms do not become worse. <\/p>\n

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2. Stomach Ache<\/h3>\n

Another symptom of C diff is a severe stomach ache. The bacteria create toxins and these toxins can cause damage to the lining of the colon. This damage can cause a person to develop colitis. Colitis<\/a> is a medical term to describe inflammation in the lining of the colon. Colitis can cause a person to experience a stomach ache if they are suffering from C diff.<\/p>\n

Stomach pain may be very mild or extremely severe. It can also fluctuate from mild to severe quite frequently. Typically, stomach cramps are not a single symptom of C diff. Most often, a stomach ache or stomach cramps will be accompanied by diarrhea or fever or one of the other symptoms on this list. However, this does not mean that you should rule out C diff as the cause of the condition. Anyone that is experiencing a severe stomach ache should see their doctor as soon as possible. <\/p>\n

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3. Fever<\/h3>\n

One of the body\u2019s first lines of defense when it comes to infections is a fever<\/a>. This is a sign that something is not quite right within the body. In order to fight off the infection, the internal temperature of the body is raised. This is in hopes to create a hostile living environment for whatever it is that is making you ill. When a person is suffering from C diff it is quite common for them to develop a fever.<\/p>\n

The fever may rise to over 101 degrees Fahrenheit. While a fever may be caused by a number of different issues occurring within the body, if you are suffering from some other symptoms on this list in combination with a fever, it is a good idea to schedule an appointment with your doctor to get checked out as it could be that C diff is the cause of the fever and other symptoms that you are experiencing. <\/p>\n

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4. Chills<\/h3>\n

Another symptom that a person who is suffering from C diff may experience is chilling. Chills<\/a> are often accompanied by a fever and occur in the body because it is trying to adjust the internal temperature. Just like a fever is the body heating things up, chills are the body\u2019s way of cooling things down. Both fever and chills may occur interminably in a person who is suffering from C diff.<\/p>\n

Essentially, the body is trying to regulate the temperature as a way to decrease the rapid growth of bacteria that the victim is experiencing. When suffering from chills a person may shiver, feel like they cannot get warm, break out into a cold sweat, clench their teeth, and experience other symptoms of being cold as well. A fever accompanied by chills is a sign that there is something wrong in your body. If it lasts for more than a day or two it is best to see your doctor find out what is wrong. <\/p>\n

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5. Bloating<\/h3>\n

When the bacteria that cause C diff enters the body a person may feel a bit bloated<\/a>. This symptom of the illness is caused by the inflammation that is occurring in the colon. The bloating may be experienced along with several other symptoms on this list. It can also cause the person to experience pain.<\/p>\n

Some foods can make bloating become worse. In order to improve the bloating situation, there are a few things that a person may do such as cutting out carbs, spicy foods, raw vegetables, and acidic drinks. In many cases, the urge to eat is likely non-existent because of the symptoms of the illness. However, it is a good idea to be careful with certain foods if the individual is eating anything. Bloating can be quite uncomfortable, so doing what you can to help alleviate this symptom is a good idea. <\/p>\n

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6. Abdominal Pain<\/h3>\n

C diff is a bacterium that mostly affects the digestive system<\/a>. For this reason, it makes sense that the majority of the symptoms associated with the disease include issues with this area of the body. Pain in the abdominal area is extremely common when it comes to invasions of bacteria. The pain that occurs in the abdominal area will vary from person to person. It also depends on the severity of the infection caused by c Diff.<\/p>\n

The pain that occurs can be quite mild and allow a person to participate in many of their normal activities. However, abdominal pain for some can be so severe that it is difficult to even get out of bed. Any individual who has pain in the abdomen along with any of the other symptoms on this list, especially diarrhea, has a high probability of carrying C diff and should see their doctor right away. <\/p>\n

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7. Vomiting<\/h3>\n

A person who has been exposed to the C diff infection may begin to vomit quite frequently. Vomiting<\/a> refers to the expulsion of foods from the digestive system. This act is involuntary and typically occurs when a person is suffering from any type of illness that affects the digestive system. If a person is suffering from C diff, vomiting may occur along with frequent bouts of diarrhea that is quite painful.<\/p>\n

Expulsion of food through the mouth and the rectum may occur at the same time and it can be quite an awful experience and is not something anyone wants to experience. A person who is suffering from vomiting and diarrhea along with any of the other symptoms on this list needs to seek medical attention immediately as it is quite likely that they are suffering from C diff and need medical treatment to help rid the body of this unwanted bacteria. <\/p>\n

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8. Cramping<\/h3>\n

Once again, C diff is an illness that really affects the digestive system. Along with vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, stomach aches, and bloating, a person may also experience severe cramping if they have been exposed to C diff. Cramping differs from a regular stomach ache as a cramp is defined as being a spasm in the gut.<\/p>\n

These cramps<\/a> can be very painful for individuals. A person who is suffering from C diff may experience a stomach ache, abdominal pain, as well as cramping all at one time. When this occurs the person may have no idea what is causing the issue or what to do about it. Any and all of these symptoms are indicative that the person is a victim of C diff making an attack on their body. When pain is severe, medical attention is often necessary to help rid the body of the bacteria that has overtaken it. <\/p>\n

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9. Loss of Appetite<\/h3>\n

It is easy to see when reading through the common symptoms of C diff why a loss of appetite<\/a> is also on the list. When suffering from digestive issues such as vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain, it is quite difficult to even think about eating. However, it is important to try to get something into your system, even if it is just a few crackers or a piece of toast.<\/p>\n

Something that is not too heavy, but will still provide some nutrients for the body as it is trying to fight off the illness is important. Even if a person cannot keep any food down it is important to make sure to continue to drink fluids, especially water. Making sure to drink plenty of fluids is important as it can help avoid becoming dehydrated. Staying hydrated is extremely important for a person\u2019s health overall, especially someone who is suffering from C diff. <\/p>\n

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10. Dehydration<\/h3>\n

When a person is struggling to keep food and liquids down it can cause the body to become dehydrated. Dehydration<\/a> is often a side effect of C diff because a person who is suffering from the illness has difficulty eating as they are having any issues with their digestive system. It is important to try to stay hydrated when suffering from gastrointestinal issues as dehydration can cause many health issues.<\/p>\n

Headaches, further nausea, aches, and pains, are just a few of the symptoms that dehydration may cause. If you are suffering from any of the symptoms on this list and start to feel lethargic and have not urinated in more than twelve hours, it is a good idea to seek professional help. A medical professional will likely administer an IV of fluids to help rehydrate the body. In addition, testing and treatment for C diff will be given if it is determined to be the cause of the symptoms. <\/p>\n

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11. Blood in Stool<\/h3>\n

When going to the bathroom, a person suffering from C diff may notice that there is blood in his or her stool. In order to determine whether or not there is blood in the stool a person needs to closely examine the color of the feces. Feces that are blood-tinged will have a dark or tarry color as opposed to being bright red.<\/p>\n

A bright red colored stool is more indicative of the person having eaten something such as beets or a carrot<\/a>. These foods can play a role in the color of the feces. Most people think that stool that has blood in it will be a red color. However, the blood as it is coming out of the anus will transform and then mix with other substances, causing it to be a darker color. Seek medical attention right away if you notice that there is blood in your stool. <\/p>\n

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12. Weight Loss<\/h3>\n

Not eating for a long period of time because of the symptoms of C diff may cause a person to lose weight. This weight loss<\/a> is caused by the expelling of everything in the digestive system in combination with not taking in enough food. A person who has been experiencing digestive issues and notices a significant reduction in weight should see their doctor right away.<\/p>\n

If you are suffering from any of the symptoms that are on this list, it is likely that C diff is the cause. It is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible because if C diff is left untreated it can cause many health issues including damage to the bowels, kidneys, and large intestine. Weight loss that is quick, such as that brought on by C diff is not normal or healthy and needs to be discussed with your doctor.<\/p>\n\r\n

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