Antibiotic-associated diarrhea

Diagnosis

To diagnose antibiotic-associated diarrhea, your doctor will likely inquire about your medical history, specifically regarding recent antibiotic use. If your doctor suspects a C. difficile infection, they may examine a stool sample for the presence of the bacterium.

Treatment

The treatment approach for antibiotic-associated diarrhea is determined based on the severity of your symptoms and signs.

Treatments for mild diarrhea brought on by antibiotics.

If you experience mild diarrhea, it is typically expected that your symptoms will improve within a few days after completing your antibiotic treatment. In certain situations, your doctor may recommend temporarily discontinuing your antibiotic therapy until your diarrhea subsides.

Fighting dangerous microorganisms that cause C. difficile illness with medication.

If you develop an infection with C. difficile, your doctor will probably discontinue the current antibiotic you’re taking and may prescribe antibiotics that specifically target the C. difficile bacteria causing your diarrhea. Additionally, you might be advised to discontinue the use of stomach-acid-suppressing drugs. In individuals with this infection, there is a possibility of recurring diarrhea symptoms, necessitating repeated treatment.