Clostridioides Difficile (C. diff) Colitis in Children: Care Instructions

Overview

Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a type of bacteria that can infect the large intestine, or colon. This can cause the colon to swell and get inflamed. When this happens, it's called C. diff colitis.

This type of colitis can cause belly cramps, watery diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and fever.

The infection is most common in people who are taking antibiotics while in the hospital.

If this type of colitis gets severe, it can cause the colon to swell to many times its normal size. This is called toxic megacolon. Toxic megacolon is rare, but it's an emergency condition that needs to be treated right away. Symptoms may include a swollen belly, belly pain, a rapid heartbeat, and often a high fever.

Follow-up care is a key part of your child's treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if your child is having problems. It's also a good idea to know your child's test results and keep a list of the medicines your child takes.

How can you care for your child at home?

• The doctor will give your child special antibiotics to treat the colitis. But they will be a different kind than the kind that caused the colitis. Give the antibiotics as directed. Do not stop using them just because your child feels better. Your child needs to take the full course of antibiotics.
• Give your child lots of fluids. This is very important if your child is vomiting or has diarrhea. Give your child sips of water or drinks such as Pedialyte or Infalyte. These drinks contain a mix of salt, sugar, and minerals. You can buy them at drugstores or grocery stores. Give these drinks as long as your child is throwing up or has diarrhea. Do not use them as the only source of liquids or food for more than 12 to 24 hours.
• Give your child small amounts of mild foods, if your child wants to eat.
• To prevent the spread of C. diff, practice good hygiene. Help your child keep their hands clean by washing them well and often with soap and clean, running water. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers do not kill C. diff.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• Your child passes out (loses consciousness).
• Your child has trouble breathing.
• Your child vomits blood or what looks like coffee grounds.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• Your child is very sleepy or confused.
• Your child has new or worse belly pain.
• Your child has a fever.
• There is a new or increasing yellow tint to their skin or the whites of their eyes.
• Your child has any abnormal bleeding, such as:
  • Nosebleeds.
  • If they get periods, vaginal bleeding that is different (heavier, more frequent, at a different time of the month) than what they are used to.
  • Bloody or black stools or rectal bleeding.
  • Bloody or pink urine.
• Your child has symptoms of dehydration, such as:
  • Dry eyes and a dry mouth.
  • Passing only a little urine.
  • Feeling thirstier than usual.
• Your child cannot keep fluids down.

Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• Your child's belly is getting bigger.
• Your child's symptoms get worse.