- Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
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Information on COVID-19
Learn more about COVID-19, information about previously scheduled appointments and what you can do to help protect your child and family. View COVID-19 information.
Visitor Restrictions
Riley at IU Health Facilities have implemented visitor restrictions to help minimize the spread of COVID-19, flu and other respiratory viruses. View visitor restrictions.
Information on Previously Scheduled Outpatient Appointments
To ensure the health and safety of all our patients and team members during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, we’re making adjustments to some of our outpatient appointments. View updates to outpatient appointments.
Free Virtual Coronavirus Screenings
IU Health has launched a virtual clinic to offer individuals in Indiana regardless of age free coronavirus (COVID-19) screenings. View screening details.
- Actualizaciones del Coronavirus (COVID-19)
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Información sobre el COVID-19
Obtenga más información acerca del COVID-19, incluyendo las preguntas más frecuentes y lo que puede hacer para ayudar a protegerse y proteger a su familia. Ver información del COVID-19.
Restricciones para visitantes
Las instalaciones de salud de IU Health han implementado restricciones a los visitantes para ayudar a minimizar la propagación del COVID-19, la gripe y otros virus respiratorios. Ver restricciones para visitantes.
Información sobre citas ambulatorias previamente programadas
Para asegurar la salud y la seguridad de todos nuestros pacientes y empleados durante la pandemia del coronavirus (COVID-19), estamos haciendo ajustes en algunas de nuestras citas ambulatorias. Ver actualizaciones de citas ambulatorias.
Exámenes de coronavirus virtuales gratuitos
IU Health ha lanzado una clínica virtual para ofrecer a las personas en Indiana, independientemente de la edad, evaluaciones virtuales para la detección del coronavirus (COVID-19). Ver detalles de la evaluación.
Same-Day Primary Care Appointments.
Clostridium difficile (C. diff) is a bacteria present in soil, air, water, human and animal feces and on most surfaces. C. diff bacteria are passed in feces and can be spread to food, surfaces and objects when people do not thoroughly wash their hands. When ingested, the bacteria do not create a problem unless it grows in abnormally large numbers in the intestinal tract and begins to attack the lining of the intestine.
The colon contains hundreds of different kinds of good bacteria important for good health, including bacteria that suppress the growth of harmful organisms. However, without enough good bacteria, dangerous bacteria such as C. diff can grow out of control and cause harm. Good bacteria may be destroyed when your child takes an antibiotic to treat an infection.
Symptoms of C. diff include:
- Abdominal pain or cramping
- Diarrhea, which may be bloody
- Nausea
Diagnosis of Clostridium Difficile
If your child has symptoms of C. diff, a pediatric gastroenterologist can perform the following tests to make a diagnosis:
- Stool test. A stool test can detect toxins produced by C. diff bacteria.
- Colonoscopy. If your child’s symptoms are severe, your physician specialist may order a colonoscopy to better determine what is taking place inside the colon and take tissue samples (biopsy) if needed.
Treatments
Treatments
To stop a C. diff infection, your child's body needs to rid itself of the harmful bacteria and replace any good bacteria that were lost. Treatments for C. diff include:
- Stopping antibiotic use. Your child's pediatric gastroenterologist may suggest that your child stop using the antibiotic that destroyed the good bacteria and triggered the C. diff infection. In many cases, this is enough to combat the infection.
- Medicines. Antibiotics may be prescribed to treat C. diff, including oral metronidazole and vancomycin. Sometimes the infection comes back, requiring additional treatment.
- Probiotics. These supplements contain good bacteria and may be recommended.
- Fecal transplant. If your child has had three or more C. diff infections, he or she may need a fecal transplant. A fecal transplant uses stool from a healthy donor to return good bacteria into the colon. Normal bowel movements usually begin within two or three days of the transplant.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
- Antibiotics can kill good bacteria as well as bad bacteria. Reserve the use of antibiotics for times when they are absolutely necessary. Common ailments, such as ear infections, are often caused by viruses that cannot be treated with antibiotics.
- If antibiotics are necessary, ask your child's pediatric gastroenterologist about probiotics, which are supplements that help replace good bacteria.
Support Services & Resources
Support Services & Resources
Visit the website below to learn more about Clostridium difficile.
Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.
This government website provides patient information about C. diff, including how to treat and prevent a C. diff infection.
Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) Research
Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) Research
The Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition Department at Riley at IU Health conducts clinical research to find better ways to prevent and treat infection. Ask one of our pediatric gastroenterologists for more information about our studies and ways to participate.
Locations
Locations
Locations
In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.
Sort through 6 facilities offering Clostridium Difficile (C. diff) care by entering your city or zip below.