Clostridium Difficile is sometimes misdiagnosed as Peritonitis

It has been reported that some patients have been misdiagnosed with Peritonitis , when in fact the correct diagnosis in their specific case was Clostridium Difficile.

Clostridium difficile is only treated when there are symptoms. If a patient is a latent carrier with no signs or symptoms, treatment is not required. Clostridium difficile is mostly related to an antibiotic so the use of the antibiotic must stop. If the antibiotic is needed to treat an infection, a different antibiotic is given, Clostridium difficile itself is also treated by antibiotics. In some cases, surgery may be required to remove the affected section of the colon. Diagnosis is by stool tests looking for bacteria or toxins.

Always consult your doctor or health professional, and do not self diagnose.

Symptoms can include:

belly pain or cramping or tenderness, severe cramping, frequent and persistent watery diarrhea, fever, nausea, dehydration, rapid heart rate, loss of appetite, weight loss

Symptoms are a guideline only and may apply to either the diagnosis or the reported misdiagnosis, or both. Consult your specialist for further information.

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