Pseudomembranous colitis is an inflammation of the final portion of the intestine, the colon and the rectum, and is frequently associated with the use of moderate to broad spectrum antibiotics, such as Amoxicillin and Azithromycin, and proliferation of the Clostridium difficile bacteria, which releases toxins and leads to symptoms such as diarrhea, fever and abdominal pain.
Pseudomembranous colitis is more common in patients with weakened immune systems and, therefore, can occur in the elderly, children, patients with autoimmune diseases or who are undergoing chemotherapy. This condition is curable, and it is usually indicated for that to change or suspend the antibiotic and use of probiotics to balance the intestinal microbiota.
Main symptoms
The symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis are related to the proliferation of Clostridium difficile and the production and release of toxins, leading to the appearance of the following symptoms:
- Diarrhea with very liquid consistency; Intense abdominal cramps; Nausea; Fever above 38ºC; Stools with pus or mucus.
The diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis is made by a gastroenterologist through the evaluation of the signs and symptoms presented by the person and carrying out some tests, such as colonoscopy, stool examination or biopsy of the material collected from the intestinal wall.
How the treatment is done
Treatment for pseudomembranous colitis should be guided by a gastroenterologist and is usually done only by suspending the intake of the antibiotic that caused the problem. However, in cases where the colitis does not disappear after finishing the antibiotic, the doctor may recommend the use of another antibiotic, such as Metronidazole or Vancomycin, as they are specific to eliminate the bacteria that is developing in the intestine.
In the most severe cases, where no previous treatment helps to alleviate the symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis, the doctor may recommend treatment with surgery to remove a small portion of the affected intestine or try a stool transplant to balance the intestinal microbiota. See how the stool transplant is done.
