Health Library

Antibiotic-associated colitis is an irritation in your large intestine. It happens when there is a disruption in the bacteria of your intestines after taking antibiotic medication. Colitis can lead to diarrhea and abdominal cramping.

One type of bacteria that can cause this colitis is called C. difficile . This bacteria can spread easily from person to person or from contaminated surface s . An infection with this bacteria is most common in people staying in hospitals or other care centers. The infection is often very serious.

The Stomach, Liver, and Intestines

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Your intestine is normally full of good bacteria. When you take antibiotics, they often kill all the good bacteria in your intestine. This creates a perfect home for bacteria called C. difficile . This particular bacteria is not killed by the antibiotics and begins to grow out of control. As it grows, the bacteria makes toxins. These toxins irritate the lining of the intestine and cause swelling, leading to pain and diarrhea.

Factors that increase your chance of having this condition include:

• You use antibiotics.
• You are elderly.
• You are or have been hospitalized or a long-term care resident.
• You have a severe illness.

Other possible risk factors include:

• Enteral feeding —nutrition is delivered through a tube
• Taking medicine that decreases the amount of acid the stomach makes.
• Surgery of the stomach or intestine
• Other stomach or intestine conditions such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Pregnancy
• Chemotherapy
• Bone marrow transplant

If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to antibiotic-associated colitis. These symptoms may be caused by other health conditions. See your doctor if you have:

• Loose stools
• Watery or mucousy diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fever
• Nausea and vomiting (rare)
• Dehydration
• Low blood pressure

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include:

• Stool samples —to identify the toxins made by the bacteria
• CT scan —a type of x-ray that uses a computer to make pictures of the inside of the body
• Colonoscopy —a thin, lighted tube inserted through the rectum and into the colon to examine the lining of the colon

If you are diagnosed with this condition, follow your doctor's instructions .

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Treatment options include the following:

There are a few steps that may help you avoid this infection.

• Be aware of the role of antibiotics:
  • Reduce your use of antibiotics. Antibiotics should only be used when your doctor has confirmed that you have a bacterial infection.
  • If you are prescribed antibiotics, ask your doctor if you should take a probiotic also. Probiotics may help protect the normal bacterial growth in your intestines.
• This type of infection can spread easily. To help prevent any infection:
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water.
  • If you are in a care facility make sure any health care staff are washing their hands before coming in contact with you. Ask your visitors to wash their hands while visiting with you.
• Keep in mind that C. difficile can also pass through contact with infected surfaces. To avoid spreading an infection:
  • Make sure to clean any affected surfaces with a disinfectant that contains bleach if someone has had an infection at home.
  • Precautions will be taken in the hospital if you have a C. difficile infection. This should include gloves and protective gowns for staff or visitors.