A single copy of this article may be reprinted for personal,
noncommercial use only. Pseudomembranous colitisBy Mayo Clinic
staff Original Article:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/pseudomembranous-
colitis/DS00797 CLICK TO ENLARGE |Colon and rectum|
Pseudomembranous colitis is inflammation of the colon that
occurs in some people who have taken antibiotics.
Pseudomembranous colitis is sometimes called antibiotic-
associated colitis or C. difficile colitis. The inflammation in
pseudomembranous colitis is almost always associated with an
overgrowth of the bacterium Clostridium difficile. Severe
pseudomembranous colitis can be life-threatening. However,
treatment is usually successful. Signs and symptoms of
pseudomembranous colitis include: - Diarrhea that can be watery
and sometimes bloody - Abdominal cramps and pain - Pus or mucus
in your stool Symptoms of pseudomembranous colitis can begin
within one to two days after you begin taking an antibiotic, or
several weeks after you discontinue taking the antibiotic.