What is Pseudomembranous Colitis?

What anaerobic bacteria found in stool specimens is the etiological agent pseudomembranous colitis?

Clostridium difficile

Colitis is it contagious?

a family member was diagnosed with this illness. the gi dr. stated that this was contagious via fecal and/or oral route can taking only one round of antibiotics cause you to have pseudomembranous colitis

How are bacteria in the large unstestine helpful to the human body?

The bacteria in the large intestine are very useful. You will not survive in the absence of these bacteria. Some times these bacteria are killed by broad spectrum antibiotics. The patient gets severe loose motion. The condition is called as pseudomembranous colitis.

Pseudomembranous colitis?

DefinitionPseudomembranous colitis is infection of the large intestine (colon) with an overgrowth of Clostridium difficilebacteria.Alternative NamesAntibiotic-associated colitis; Colitis - pseudomembranous; Necrotizing colitisCauses, incidence, and risk factorsThe Clostridium difficile bacteria is normally present in the intestine. However, it may overgrow when antibiotics are taken. The bacteria release a powerful toxin that causes the symptoms. The lining of the colon becomes inflamed and bleeds, and takes on a characteristic appearance called pseudomembranes.Ampicillin, clindamycin, and cephalosporins are the most common antibiotics associated with this disease in children. Pseudomembranous colitis is rare in infants younger than 12 months old because they have protective antibodies from the mother and because the toxin does not cause disease in most infants.Most cases of pseudomembranous colitis happen when a person is in the hospital, because the bacteria can spread from one patient to another.Risk factors include:Advanced ageAntibiotic useChemotherapyMedications that suppress the immune systemRecent surgeryPersonal history of pseudomembranous colitisSymptomsAbdominal cramps (mild to severe)Bloody stoolsFeverUrge to have a bowel movementWatery diarrhea(often five to 10 times per day)Signs and testsEither or both of the following tests will confirm the disorder:Colonoscopy or flexible sigmoidoscopyImmunoassay for C. difficile toxin in the stoolTreatmentThe antibiotic or other medicine causing the condition should be stopped. Metronidazole is usually used to treat the disorder, but vancomycin or rifaximin may also be used.Electrolytesolutions or fluids given through a vein may be needed to treat dehydration due to diarrhea. In rare cases, surgery is needed to treat infections that get worse or do not respond to antibiotics.Expectations (prognosis)If there are no complications, the outlook is generally good. However, up to 20% of infections may return, requiring additional treatment.ComplicationsDehydration with electrolyte imbalancePerforation of (hole through) the colonToxic megacolonCalling your health care providerCall your health care provider if the following symptoms occur:Bloody stools after taking antibioticsFive or more episodes of diarrhea per day for more than 1-2 daysSevere abdominal painSigns of dehydration (dry skin, dry mouth, glassy appearance of the eyes, sunken soft spots on top of head in infants, rapid pulse, confusion, excessive tiredness)PreventionPeople who have had pseudomembranous colitis should inform their doctors before taking antibiotics again.ReferencesAslam S. An update on diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of Clostridium difficile-associated disease. Gastroenterol Clin North Am. Jun 2006;35(2):315-335.Bartlett JG. Clostridial infections. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa : Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 319.Thielman NM, Wilson KH. Antibiotic-associated colitis. In: Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R, eds. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Elsevier Churchill Livingstone; 2009:chap 96.

What is colitis nonspecific mean?

It means that it may not be a true ulcerative colitis but may be colitis related to some infection or antibiotic induced colitis

What are some factors of a colitis diet?

There are several sites that have information about colitis and diets for colitis. Here are two websites that might be able to help you: http://colitis.emedtv.com/ulcerative-colitis/ulcerative-colitis-diet.html AND http://www.webmd.com/ibd-crohns-disease/ulcerative-colitis/creating-an-ulcerative-colitis-plan

Does geri halliwell have colitis?

she has colitis of the mouth :(

What is systemic colitis?

No such thing as systemic colitis

What is the difference between colitis and ulcerative colitis?

Colitis is a general term referring to inflammation of the colon, which can be caused by various factors such as infection or autoimmune conditions. Ulcerative colitis is a specific type of colitis that is a chronic inflammatory bowel disease characterized by ulcers in the colon and rectum. Ulcerative colitis is a subset of colitis.

Bacterium induced colitis and pH?

Changes of pH in the bowel is an effect of colitis, and not the cause of colitis.

What is colitis called in the throat?

There is no such condition as colitis of the throat. Colitis means inflammation of the colon. Inflammation in the throat is called tonsillitis and pharyngitis.

Can only men get colitis?

Men and women get colitis.