Clostridium difficile or C. diff is a type of bacteria. About 3% of the population may have the bacteria in their GI tract without an infection. But, if certain factors upset the balance of the gut bacteria, it can lead to excess growth of C. diff, leading to an infection. Then, C. diff irritates the large intestine lining, causing issues like diarrhea. The symptoms can be managed, but even then, the infection may return. 

Signs
C. diff causes inflammation in the lining of the large intestine, resulting in gastrointestinal issues similar to food poisoning or stomach flu. However, unlike flu and food poisoning, C.

• Reduced appetite
• Nausea
• Fever
• Watery stool and diarrhea
• Tenderness or pain in the stomach
• Frequent bowel movements
• Tenderness or pain in the stomach
• Pus or blood in the stool
• Increase in body temperature
• Abdominal cramps
• Dehydration

While rare, the following complications may also be observed:

• Colon perforation
• Blood poisoning
• Infected abdominal lining

C. diff infection symptoms can often develop in the weeks following a treatment undergone to treat a different bacterial infection. If one notices persistent signs and symptoms, they should consult a doctor. In particular, symptoms like fever, blood in stool, cramping and extreme pain, and three or more watery stools in a day should prompt one to seek medical intervention.

Causes and risk factors
Normally, the immune system guards the gut from the C. diff infection by keeping the bacteria levels in check. However, when something compromises gut immunity, the balance of gut bacteria is thrown off, and C. diff can begin turning harmful at that point. There are two main causes of C. diff.

• Undergoing treatment for bacterial infection can sometimes upset the balance of gut bacteria, which can make C. diff grow out of control and cause inflammation.
• Alternatively, one can inhale the bacteria spores, which travel to the small intestine and begin reproducing. They also release toxins there, causing tissue damage and diarrhea. The bacteria can be present in one’s immediate environment, for instance, in food, water, soil, and other surfaces. However, the microbes are inactive outside the colon. 

One is more likely to contract the bacteria due to poor hygiene. For instance, not washing hands after using the bathroom and touching contaminated surfaces can allow bacteria to enter the body while eating or touching the face. Other risk factors are:

• Being 65 or older
• Having reduced immune activity
• Undergoing treatment to fight bacterial infections
• Undergoing gastrointestinal surgery or abdominal surgery
• Having stayed recently at a hospital
• Living in a nursing home or a care facility
• Dealing with a colon condition
• Having been infected with C. diff in the past

Recurrent C. diff causes
Some people can get a C. diff infection more than once. This is usually associated with undergoing treatment for bacterial infections, but the following factors may also increase the risk of recurrent C. diff infections: 

• Being over 65
• Being resistant to antibacterial treatments
• Exposure to a stronger strain of C. diff

Management options
The treatment for a C. diff infection can vary based on the cause. For an infection brought on by an anti-bacterial prescription, one may have to stop undergoing the ongoing treatment to relieve C. diff symptoms. Other options are:

Prescription treatment: Certain options can target and kill C. diff bacteria, relieving inflammation and gastrointestinal issues caused by the infection.

Probiotics: This usually helps restore healthy gut bacteria after one has undergone prescription treatment for C. diff. This is a common management option for recurrent C. diff infections.

Surgery: This is usually an option reserved for severe cases of infection. Surgery is suggested when complications such as organ failure or perforation of the abdominal wall lining are observed due to C. diff infection. Surgery can help remove the affected part of the colon.

Fecal microbiota transplantation: Doctors may recommend fecal transplantation for recurrent C. diff infections. Here, bacteria from a healthy person’s colon are transferred to the colon of the person dealing with the infection.

A few at-home remedies can also help in managing the infection and preventing relapse.

Good hygiene: One can prevent the bacteria from re-infecting or spreading by maintaining excellent hygiene. To do this, one should wash their hands, disinfect bathrooms, and cut their nails frequently.

Hydration: Doctors may suggest fluids for electrolyte replacement to manage the infection. 

Prevention
One can make a few lifestyle changes to prevent contracting C. diff and spreading the infection:

• Stay in isolation when diagnosed with a C. diff infection. 
• Wear disposable gloves when coming into contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.
• Frequently wash hands with soap and water.
• Use chlorine-based disinfectants to sanitize surfaces, especially in bathrooms.
• Reduce the intake of prescription treatment if possible.
• If undergoing treatment at a hospital, ensure all medical equipment is sanitized before use.