The signs and symptoms of Clostridium difficile (C. diff) infection can vary depending on the severity of the infection, but some common ones include:
- Diarrhea: This is the most common symptom of C. diff infection, and it can range from mild to severe. The diarrhea is often watery and may be accompanied by abdominal cramps and pain.
- Fever: Some people with C. diff may have a fever, which is a sign that the body is trying to fight off the infection.
- Nausea and vomiting: Some people may experience nausea and vomiting as a result of the infection.
- Loss of appetite: C.diff infection can cause loss of appetite and weight loss.
- Fatigue: Some people may feel tired and weak as a result of the infection.
- Dehydration: Diarrhea can cause dehydration, and people with C. diff may experience symptoms such as dry mouth, dark yellow urine, and dizziness.
- Blood in the stool: In severe cases, C. diff can cause inflammation of the colon, and this can lead to the presence of blood in the stool.
Complications of C. difficile infection include:
- Dehydration. Severe diarrhea can lead to a significant loss of fluids and electrolytes. This makes it difficult for your body to function normally and can cause blood pressure to drop to dangerously low levels.
- Kidney failure. In some cases, dehydration can occur so quickly that kidney function rapidly deteriorates (kidney failure).
- Toxic megacolon. In this rare condition, your colon is unable to expel gas and stool, causing it to become greatly enlarged (megacolon). Left untreated, your colon may rupture. Bacteria from the colon may then enter your abdominal cavity or bloodstream. Toxic megacolon may be fatal and requires emergency surgery.
- A hole in your large intestine (bowel perforation). This rare condition results from extensive damage to the lining of the colon or after toxic megacolon. Bacteria spilling from the colon into your abdominal cavity can lead to a life-threatening infection (peritonitis).
- Death. Rarely, mild to moderate C. difficile infection — but more commonly, serious infection — can quickly progress to fatal disease if not treated promptly.
It is important to note that some people may have mild or no symptoms of C. diff infection, or the symptoms may be mistaken for other conditions such as food poisoning or the flu. If you suspect that you have C. diff, it is important to see a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment.