What does c diff diarrhea look like?
If you’ve ever wondered what c diff diarrhea looks like, first of all, congratulations on being a curious and inquisitive individual. Second of all, congrats on avoiding the urge to vomit just at the mere thought of it. So let’s dive right into this shitty topic.
Understanding C Diff
Before we get to the juicy details (excuse my choice of words), let’s quickly go over what C.diff is so that we can understand why its diarrhea is different from regular run-of-the-mill diarrhea.
Clostridioides difficile or C.diff for short, is a type of bacteria that lives in our gut. It doesn’t cause any harm unless there’s an imbalance in our gut microbiome – typically due to antibiotics killing off too many “good” bacteria which makes room for this particular bacteria to grow uncontrollably and take over. When this happens, it causes inflammation in your colon leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain and diarrhea (the famous c diff kind).
Defining ‘C Diff’ Diarrhea
So what does c diff diarrhea look like? Here goes:
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Frequent Bowel Movements – This will likely be one of the earliest indicators that something isn’t quite right with your digestive system (as if explosive farts weren’t enough indication). Initially, it might be easy to dismiss because everyone has diarrhea now and then but when coupled with other signs/symptoms such as fever or cramps; perhaps consider getting checked out by a healthcare professional.
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Loose Stool Texture – The texture could range from soft-formed stools resembling mashed potatoes (yum!), mushy consistency similar to pudding (less yum) or even liquid-y like plain old water (not good).
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Uncontrollable Urgency/Incomplete Evacuation – You might be minding your own business at work, grocery shopping or even traveling and BAM it hits you; there’s an urgent need to rush to the bathroom. And when you get there, it feels like something is still left after wiping multiple times (awkward!).
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Bloody Stools/Mucus Discharge – With severe cases of c diff diarrhea, visible blood may appear in a person’s stool (which signals for the immediate need to call your healthcare provider….like right now!). On other occasions (as if this wasn’t enough already) small amounts of mucus may accompany each episode.
Comparing C Diff Diarrhea with Other Types
So how does c diff diarrhea compare with other types? Essentially, if you have diarrhea due to another reason such as food poisoning or viral gastroenteritis aka “stomach flu” then chances are that although they feel similar; their respective presentations will differ somewhat.
For instance:
Type | Color | Texture | Smell |
---|---|---|---|
C. difficile | Green-Yellow-Brown | Watery-Mush-Pudding-like | Mild-Sulfuric/Odorless |
Salmonella | Yellow-Green-Brown | Whole/In parts/Loose/Ketchup-like | |
Rotavirus/Stomach Flu | Yellow-Light Brown-Dark Brown |
As we can see from the above table where I’ve neatly organized and compared different types of poopstogether…… wait what??
Okay let me try that again
…As evidenced by my professional comparison chart, depending on what type of cause led you down poopy lane; texture, color,scent and general appearance is likely to vary.
Who Can Get C Diff?
Anyone can sHOWL ugh GET c diff
Although anyone can contract C.diff; older adults and those with weakened immune systems or underlying conditionsare at a higher risk since their bodies have less resistance. Patients who’ve undergone surgeries or had prolonged hospital stays might also be more susceptible as they are exposed to environments that facilitate bacterial transmission – of which c diff is included.
As previously mentioned, antibiotics (especially broad-spectrum ones)can throw off the balance of your gut microbiome thereby paving a road for bacteria such as this one to thrive.
How Is It Treated?
So what do you do if/when you get hit by an unfortunate bout of c diff diarrhea? You contact your healthcare provider right away! I know,riveting stuff but it’s crucial that the bacterium doesn’t cause any further damage or spreadto others around you.
Here comes my popular catchphrase
Don’t panic until instructed otherwise because self- medication usually makes matters worse than before!
C.diff treatment typically involves specific antibiotics ‘Targeted therapy’,which means not all antibiotics will work.Some providers prescribe milder drugs in comparison whenever possible. Depending on how severe your symptoms are,you may need additional medical attention like Intravenous fluid infusions(IV). In some instances where the patient’s health has severely deteriorated; fecal matter transplants–yes, I said faecal matter transplants–can become useful when fighting harder battles against this pretty penitent pearl pestilent peculiar pathogen…phew!
There we go folks; now that you have officially obtained enough knowledge about something no one ever talks about in public (unless poop talk happens during meal times too)you’re well-equipped when conversing at family gatherings/friend meetups etc . Until then stay safe and try not to fall down into high poopy waters.
Hey there, I’m Dane Raynor, and I’m all about sharing fascinating knowledge, news, and hot topics. I’m passionate about learning and have a knack for simplifying complex ideas. Let’s explore together!
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