Pseudomembranous colitis is an inflammation of the end part of the intestine, colon and rectum, and is often associated with the use of moderate to broad spectrum antibiotics, such as amoxicillin and azithromycin, and the proliferation of 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 can therefore occur in the elderly, children, patients with autoimmune diseases or undergoing chemotherapy. This condition is curable and it is generally appropriate to modify or discontinue the antibiotic and use probiotics to balance the gut microbiota.
- Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis are related to the proliferation of Clostridium difficile and the production and release of toxins.
- Resulting in the onset of the following symptoms:.
A diagnosis of pseudomembranous colitis is performed by a gastroenterologist by assessing the signs and symptoms presented by the person and performing certain tests, such as colonoscopy, stool examination, or biopsy of material removed from the intestinal wall.
Treatment of pseudomembranous colitis should be guided by a gastroenterologist and usually done only by suspending the antibiotic that causes the problem. However, in cases where colitis does not go away after the antibiotic is complete, your doctor may recommend the use of another antibiotic, such as metronidazole or vancomycin, as they are specific to remove bacteria that develop in the gut.
In the most severe cases, where no prior treatment can relieve symptoms of pseudomembrane colitis, your doctor may recommend surgical treatment to remove a small part of the affected intestine or attempt a stool transplant to balance the gut microbiota. See how stool transplants are performed.