Difficile Colitis

What is C. Difficile Colitis?

According to experts, C. difficile colitis is an infection that is caused by a type of bacteria called Clostridium difficile. C. difficile colitis can vary in severity; in some cases, it causes a bout of diarrhea, but sometimes, it can lead to a serious colon infection, which can be life-threatening.

Symptoms of C. Difficile Colitis

C. difficile colitis can cause a variety of symptoms, ranging from mild to severe. Typically, symptoms begin five to 10 days after a person starts using an antibiotic medication, but they can appear as soon as a day after, or as long as two months after beginning an antibiotic.

In mild to moderate cases, C. difficile colitis symptoms include the following:

Mild abdominal cramps
Tenderness in the abdomen
Watery diarrhea at least three times per day for two or more days

In severe cases, symptoms of C. difficile colitis include:

Severe pain and cramping in the abdomen
Elevated heart rate
Watery diarrhea occurring as many as 10-15 times daily
Blood or pus in the stool
Lack of appetite
Fever
Nausea
Dehydration
Weight loss
Swelling in the abdomen
Elevated white blood cell count
C. difficile colitis can even cause life-threatening complications, such as kidney failure, enlarged colon, severe intestinal inflammation, and sepsis.

Causes of C. Difficile Colitis

There are several potential causes of C. difficile colitis, but one common cause of this condition is antibiotic use. When a person uses antibiotics, these medications kill some of the healthy bacteria found in the body, which can cause C. difficile to grow quickly.

Other risk factors for C. difficile colitis include:

Staying in a healthcare facility, such as a hospital or nursing home
Having abdominal surgery
Having a weakened immune system
Having serious medical conditions like colorectal cancer or inflammatory bowel disease
Being age 65 or older
Having had C. difficile colitis in the past
How is C. Difficile Colitis Treated?

If you think you may have C. difficile colitis, it is important to seek treatment, because this condition can cause complications such as kidney failure, bowel perforation, and even death if left untreated.

The first part of treatment for C. difficile colitis is to stop taking the antibiotic that triggered the infection. While it may seem counterintuitive, treatment for C. difficile colitis usually involves taking another antibiotic.

In severe cases of C. difficile colitis, surgery may be necessary to remove the unhealthy portion of the colon. If C. difficile colitis is recurring, a doctor may perform a procedure called fecal microbiota transplant, in which stool from a healthy donor is implanted in an infected colon.

Treatment is important to prevent complications from C. difficile colitis, so you should seek medical care promptly if you have had watery diarrhea three or more times per day for two days or symptoms like bloody stool or severe abdominal cramping.

Applicable Procedures

Colonoscopy

Can you die from C. difficile colitis?

In some cases, C. difficile colitis is mild and causes a quick bout of diarrhea. Other times, it is severe and can cause life-threatening complications like kidney failure, enlarged colon, or sepsis.

Is treatment necessary for C. difficile colitis?

Since C. difficile colitis can lead to life threatening complications in some cases, it is important to seek treatment if you think you have symptoms of this condition. If you have had watery diarrhea for two days, you should seek medical care as soon as possible.

How is C. difficile colitis treated?

The first line of treatment for C. difficile colitis is typically an antibiotic. If symptoms are serious, you may need surgery to remove part of the colon, or a fecal microbiota transplant, in which you receive stool from a healthy donor to be implanted into your colon.

Common Symptoms

“I had watery diarrhea multiple times per day for days on end.”
“About a week after taking an antibiotic for an ear infection, I noticed that my stomach was tender, and I started to have diarrhea repeatedly throughout the day.”
“After I went through a course of antibiotics, I suddenly developed severe cramps and stomach pain, and I was having diarrhea hourly throughout the day.”

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What They Are Saying

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Excellent

Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

Based on 6243 reviews

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nancy V.

This was my first visit and everthing was explained completely and I was taken right pn time.

Riley P.

I have had some stomach issues for the last few months, and was able to connect with Dr. Khan via telehealth as I live an hour away. Over our initial phone call we discussed my issues and she listened attentively. She addressed my concerns and scheduled me for a colonoscopy within the next few weeks. I was surprised by how fast my appointment was scheduled! When I went to my appointment, everything was SO quick and efficient. The nurses explained every step of the way to me in great detail, and calmed my nerves a ton. I would highly recommend this center and Dr. Khan to any person who is experience changes with their GI health.

Chris Z.

From start to finish I was treated professionally and with such kindness. I highly recommend this office!

Jo Ann P.

Great people! The experience of a colonoscopy can be quite undaunting but the system at Center for Digestive help made me feel very comfortable. The prep is the worst part but the procedure was easy! The staff and Doctors are great people with a light demeanor and are upbeat in all areas! Overall, It is a must procedure for your health and the Center for Digestive Health in my estimation is the best place to go.

M Ruth C.

I had a great experience at my last visit. Dr. Bakken and staff were very kind, friendly and they treat you like a family. They explained how the procedure will go, and how long it will take and what to expect. Discharge nurse were very clear with Discharge instructions and follow ups.

Mark D.

Great staff.

Jamal K.

Excellent service. Dr. Nandi is the best. Highly recommended for adult GI issues.

Kristopher D.

A very professional and caring staff.

Jere R.

Prompt. Professional. Extremely Friendly. Caring. Doctor explained what was done, next steps and follow-up visit.

Susan A.

Dr. Wille is so nice and professional. The visit was for mom my who is elderly, and he never rushed her. Was very patient.

Edward V.

Everyone there was friendly, professional, and took the time to answer my questions. There was very little wait time and I was taken into the prep area within 10 minutes of arriving. I would highly recommend this facility.

Anne G.

I was so impressed with my visit for my procedure. From the moment I arrived all the staff I encountered were so friendly! They really put me at ease during a time that I was very nervous and didn’t know what to expect. From start to finish, everything was just great. Without a doubt I would encourage anyone to make an appointment!

Heiner S.

Everything about the procedure went flawless, it was quick and on time. Everyone was very professional and kind.

Karl B.

Dr Bakken is caring. attentive & very professional.

Karen O.

I had an absolutely excellent experience! I was there for a Colonoscopy and I was nervous. Everyone was friendly and happy! Sorry I can't remember all the names, I remember Chris who set me up. Dr. Bakken was fabulous and really made me comfortable. It went quickly, I got there at 6:40 and was on my way home by 7:50. I would highly recommend this place!

Lisa M.

Dr. Wille has been my gastroenterologist for several years. I recently had a procedure and found he and his staff to be the most professional and caring, making sure you’re comfortable throughout your stay. Thank you for your thoughtfulness! Don’t ever retire!!

Robyn M.

Great office!

Brian C.

Been a patient for years. Great patient care. Highly recommended.

Daryl R.

Had an appointment with DR. Willie at 2:45 on Feb 27. Did not have to wait very long to see DR., The nurse and receptionist were very polite and helpful.

Lorrie C.

The staff is awesome and dr.weber is on top of his game. Would recommend to my own family! Been going there 25 yrs. Consider them my answer for my chronse disease!!!!

Lanny B.

The entire staff was very engaging and informative throughout my procedure. I would highly recommend this office to anyone requiring the services they offer.

Heidi M.

Dr Weber and his team are just amazing! I was treated with the upmost care from beginning to end by the front desk crew, to the Nurse Anesthetist, the pre-op and post-op Registered Nurses, and Dr Weber himself. I truly felt confident and at ease each step of the way. Can’t thank you all enough!

asmahan R.

Very professional and caring. Thank you.

Mindy A D.

Excellent appt via- Video with Dr Abadir He is so incredibly kind and lets me ask questions and voice my thoughts or concerns. He never rushes over me- he takes his time to care for my medical needs. Highly recommend this Dr Abadir and The Center for digestive specialist

robbie G.

Excellent staff and Doctors. They treated me very well. I would highly recommend this facility.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

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Patrick C.

Very thorough and professional staff. Dr. met before and after procedure to inform me what was happening.

michael R.

I am having moderate gut issues. I made an appointment with Karen. I followed the information Karen shared with me on how to improve my gut health. I followed Karen’s instructions and I am improving.

Judy K.

Dr. Bakken is wonderful! And the whole team was kind, professional and very helpful.

Ellen C.

Efficient, punctual and professional - always. Dr Wille is the best!

Our Doctors

We’re proud of our team here at Digestive Health Institute. Our health care providers include some of the very best colorectal surgeons, gastroenterologists and physician assistants. To learn more about our qualified team of specialists, please visit our providers page.

Amir Abadir MD, FRCPC

Anezi E. Bakken MD, MS

Sante D. Bologna MD, FACP

M. Emin Donat MD, FRCPC

Partha S. Nandi

Jack Tocco DO

John R. Weber MD

Richard T. Wille MD

Tusar Desai MD

Aalia Saeed, MD

FAQs

What happens during my first visit?

If you are a new patient, you can expect to have a complete physical exam. You will also be asked detailed questions about your current problems and your past medical history, your current medications, allergies, your family history and other pertinent medical information. If you are taking medications, please bring a completed medical history form with you to your appointment. Once the physician has reviewed your medical information and completed the physical examination, a plan of care will be developed. You may need to be seen again in the office, be referred back to your family physician for follow-up care, or require additional testing. If additional tests are needed, we will assist you in scheduling these tests.

What if I need to schedule an endoscopic procedure?

An endoscopic procedure allows the physician to visualize a part of your gastrointestinal tract with a special instrument called an endoscope. If your family physician has ordered testing, you will be contacted by telephone by one of our staff members. If a physician orders testing and you are in the office, the procedure can generally be scheduled during the course of your visit. You will be given a date, time, and location for the test, as well as written instructions telling you how to prepare for the test. If you have any questions about the procedure, please feel free to ask one of our staff members or the physician.

How do I get test results?

We ask that you wait 10 to 14 days before contacting us for results. Often results come from several different sources. This information needs to be compiled and reviewed by your physician before you can be appropriately advised.

What insurances do you accept?

We accept payment from most insurance companies including Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Blue Care Network, Physicians Health Plan, Cofinity, Sparrow Professional Health Network, Medicaid, McLaren, Health Plus, and several others. Accepted insurances are subject to change at any time without notice.

If your insurance requires an authorization from your primary care physician, you may be asked to assist us in obtaining this authorization.

All patients are responsible for all copays and deductibles at the time of service.

If you have any questions regarding your benefits or insurance coverage, please contact our Billing Department at 248-844-9710.

What if I need to contact the doctor?

To contact your doctor during business hours please call our main number 248-844-9710. If you have an urgent need to speak with the doctor after hours, you will be rerouted to our after hours answering service, and your doctor will be paged. In the case of a medical emergency please proceed directly to the nearest hospital emergency room.

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