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.
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.
1. Diarrhea
One of the most prevalent and common signs that shows up when a person has C diff is diarrhea. 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.
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.
