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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Center For Digestive Health, Rochester Hills4.8

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Richard D.

Pleasant and efficient

Shirlee

Everyone is always professional things go on time, couldn’t get a better Dr, or health Service office

Sue P.

Dr Weber has bee my doc for years. He always has a solution. Office staff was very pleasant!

Christine L.

The procedure was done very timely. Staff explained everything completely before and after. They did a excellent pre and post assessment.

Jill V.

Dr. Weber and his staff makes you feel comfortable. The process was easy from the checkin desk to recovery. I would highly recommend Dr. Weber.

denise B.

Took me in on time. Staff very attentive. They made me feel comfortable in my vulnerable state. If I ever need another procedure done I would like it to be here.

Sandra P.

when i arrived i was greeted and sinned in a few minuets the office was clean i did not have long to wate long i was taken to a room and the rest went pretty fast my appointment was 7:40 and i was out at 8:29 grate

Shannon S.

Everyone was wonderful and professional! I appreciate the friendly staff and the Dr.was great.

Sandra L.

Friendly, professional and informative.

William S.

These folks are on top of their game. Outstanding professionalism with everyone I interacted with. Roger my RN was amazing. Got my IV started painlessly and was a pleasure to talk with. Highly recommend

William K.

Very professional

Nicolino T.

Very Good Experience! Going in I was worried about the whole thing, but staff was pleasant and they got me in and out of there faster than I expected. I would recommend this staff and location.

David B.

They did a great job made me feel comfortable from the start smooth procedure and it was over

Charlotte Y.

Very caring doctor and friendly staff

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I see Neolle M who is a remarkable health care practitioner and has made a difference in my life. Thee entire staff is very helpful.

Marlo S W.

As a 1st time patient of CDH Staff and Dr. Bakken, I want to share high accolades regarding my experience: check-in, procedure, recovery & check-out. All staff is to be commended. I chose Dr. Anezi Bakken based on 5-star reviews and this team did not disappoint. The nurturing environment makes patients feel welcomed, comfortable, appreciated and safe.

Susan H.

My experience went extremely well. The staff was kind and professional from check in to check out. Dr. Bakken is exceptional! Shannon I believe was my anesthesiologist and addressed any questions as well as the check-in nurses. Exceeded my expectations. Thank you to all the staff

Lori L.

Dr Noelle was very thorough and helpful

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LORI B.

I had a great experience from the staff at the front desk to the person walking me out the door. All the stall had a great attitude and liked where they worked. I like to go to places when the employee morale is high, then I know I am going to get excellent care.

Ronald S.

Entire staff from receptionist to nurses was outstanding. Dr Abadi was very informative and assuring. While I find the preparation for the test horrible the actual medical procedure went smoothly due to the personnel and facility.

Christine W.

The people were all friendly and professional. The service was timely.

Diane M.

Dr. Weber and his staff are efficient, professional, thorough while maintaining a very friendly atmosphere. Thank you to every one of you for your endless efforts.

April Joy S.

Kind staff. Nice atmosphere.

Carmetia M.

From check in to being assisted safely to my driver the staff was so kind and professional. They have gotten a 5 stars but I need 1 question answered. I think my awesome Doctor did inform me but coming from under anesthesia I don't think I recall- this is my only reason I'm withholding 1 pron of the 5 star in my mind lol 😊 no doubt they are fivevstar. Dr. John Webber and team was soooo wonderful and positive. Thanks to the entire staff from check in to check out at the Surgical Center of Michigan.

The Center for Digestive Health4.8

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Ronald C.

Entire visit was outstanding. The staff at desk, nurses that prepped me along with staff in procedure room could not have been better. Thank you all very much.

carla C.

I had previously wrote a review on your website but more than happy to do it again. I had a great experience which made this procedure much easier. The private room for prep/recovery was so much better than being in a room with curtains separating numerous other patients. The entire staff were very friendly and helpful and had a heated sheet waiting for me which felt great! Dr.Wille was extremely supportive and very pleasant man.I will recommend any family/friend in need of a colonoscopy to go to the clinic on Romeo Plank in Macomb and ask for him

Willie H.

Service was quick and the staff was courteous

Edyee S.

Dr Quallich is a great doctor, the staff at the Macomb branch were fantastic

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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