How Do I Treat C-Diff?

You may or may not have heard of “superbugs” that are becoming more prevalent in society today. One of the worst of these superbugs is called Clostridium difficile (also known as C-diff). C-diff is a nasty germ that, if contracted, you don’t want to delay treatment.

And how do you know if you have C-diff.? If you experience watery diarrhea and mild cramps or tenderness in your stomach for more that several days AND you are experiencing these symptoms after taking antibiotics, you may have a mild case. Additionally, if you have recently spent time in a healthcare facility, you may have it.

Symptoms for a more severe case of C-diff include weight loss, fever, blood in the stool, nausea, dehydration, and loss of appetite.

Because the “good” bacteria in your gut may have been compromised by an antibiotic treatment, your intestines aren’t able to fight off a C-diff germ after it enters your body. (If you have a healthy gut and immune system, you may not get sick.)

If you have experienced either of these scenarios recently and you have the symptoms of C-diff, don’t delay in speaking with your physician. He or she will help you determine the best course of action to treat it.

Antibiotics (Fidaxomicin, Metronidazole, Oral Vancomycin) are the most frequently used medication for this nasty bug; however, note it is extremely important to discuss the antibiotic option with your doctor because C-diff has been known to come back after the first occurence.

Some of the other treatment options you may want to explore with your doctor (but that may not be covered by medical insurance) include:

• Prebiotics (these help to feed the good bacteria that defend against the bad bacteria)
• Probiotics (S. Boulardii and L. Reuteriis are considered the most effective)
• Clostridium difficule immune whey (CDIW)
• Bentonite Clay
• Fecal flora reconstitution

C-Diff Vaccine Clinical Trial Utah

If you or someone you love has C-Diff, he or she may qualify for a clinical research study in Salt Lake City, Utah, by JBR Clinical Research.

Participants that are selected for the study will receive a no charge vaccination, study related procedures and compensation for time and travel. 

Basic qualifications are:

• 40-75 years of age 

If you qualify you may receive:

• Study related exam
• No charge investigational C- Diff vaccination
• Compensation for time and travel related to the study 

To learn more or to see if you qualify, contact JBR Clinical Research online by visiting our C-Diff Utah study page.