Antibiotic-associated diarrhea: Difference between revisions
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{{Infobox medical condition | |||
| name = Antibiotic-associated diarrhea | |||
| synonyms = AAD | |||
| field = [[Gastroenterology]] | |||
| symptoms = [[Diarrhea]], abdominal pain, fever | |||
| complications = [[Dehydration]], [[electrolyte imbalance]] | |||
| onset = During or after [[antibiotic]] treatment | |||
| duration = Usually self-limiting | |||
| causes = Disruption of normal [[gut flora]] | |||
| risks = Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, hospitalization, [[immunocompromised]] state | |||
| diagnosis = Clinical evaluation, stool tests for [[Clostridioides difficile]] | |||
| differential = [[Infectious diarrhea]], [[inflammatory bowel disease]], [[irritable bowel syndrome]] | |||
| prevention = Judicious use of antibiotics, [[probiotics]] | |||
| treatment = Discontinuation of the causative antibiotic, [[oral rehydration therapy]], [[probiotics]], specific treatment for [[Clostridioides difficile infection]] if present | |||
| frequency = Common | |||
}} | |||
'''Antibiotic-associated diarrhea''' (AAD) refers to the occurrence of diarrhea in relation to antibiotic treatments. Diarrhea is defined as the passage of loose or watery stools, typically three or more times in a 24-hour period. | '''Antibiotic-associated diarrhea''' (AAD) refers to the occurrence of diarrhea in relation to antibiotic treatments. Diarrhea is defined as the passage of loose or watery stools, typically three or more times in a 24-hour period. | ||
==Etiology== | ==Etiology== | ||
AAD can occur due to a variety of reasons. The most common cause is the disruption of the normal [[gut flora]] by the antibiotic therapy, leading to an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. The most notorious of these is ''[[Clostridium difficile]]'', which can lead to severe diarrhea, [[colitis]], and even death in severe cases. Other bacteria such as ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]'' and ''[[Klebsiella oxytoca]]'' have also been implicated in AAD. | AAD can occur due to a variety of reasons. The most common cause is the disruption of the normal [[gut flora]] by the antibiotic therapy, leading to an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. The most notorious of these is ''[[Clostridium difficile]]'', which can lead to severe diarrhea, [[colitis]], and even death in severe cases. Other bacteria such as ''[[Staphylococcus aureus]]'' and ''[[Klebsiella oxytoca]]'' have also been implicated in AAD. | ||
==Clinical Features== | ==Clinical Features== | ||
The clinical features of AAD can range from mild diarrhea to severe colitis. Symptoms typically include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. In severe cases, patients may present with [[dehydration]], [[electrolyte imbalance]], and signs of [[sepsis]]. | The clinical features of AAD can range from mild diarrhea to severe colitis. Symptoms typically include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. In severe cases, patients may present with [[dehydration]], [[electrolyte imbalance]], and signs of [[sepsis]]. | ||
==Diagnosis== | ==Diagnosis== | ||
Diagnosis of AAD is typically based on clinical features and a recent history of antibiotic use. Laboratory tests may include stool culture and testing for ''C. difficile'' toxins. In severe cases, [[endoscopy]] or [[computed tomography]] (CT) scan may be required. | Diagnosis of AAD is typically based on clinical features and a recent history of antibiotic use. Laboratory tests may include stool culture and testing for ''C. difficile'' toxins. In severe cases, [[endoscopy]] or [[computed tomography]] (CT) scan may be required. | ||
==Treatment== | ==Treatment== | ||
The first step in the treatment of AAD is usually the discontinuation of the offending antibiotic, if possible. In cases caused by ''C. difficile'', specific antibiotic therapy such as [[metronidazole]], [[vancomycin]], or [[fidaxomicin]] may be required. [[Probiotics]] have also been used to restore the normal gut flora. | The first step in the treatment of AAD is usually the discontinuation of the offending antibiotic, if possible. In cases caused by ''C. difficile'', specific antibiotic therapy such as [[metronidazole]], [[vancomycin]], or [[fidaxomicin]] may be required. [[Probiotics]] have also been used to restore the normal gut flora. | ||
==Prevention== | ==Prevention== | ||
Prevention strategies for AAD include the judicious use of antibiotics, use of probiotics, and infection control measures to prevent the spread of ''C. difficile''. | Prevention strategies for AAD include the judicious use of antibiotics, use of probiotics, and infection control measures to prevent the spread of ''C. difficile''. | ||
==See Also== | ==See Also== | ||
* [[Clostridium difficile Colitis]] | * [[Clostridium difficile Colitis]] | ||
* [[Probiotics]] | * [[Probiotics]] | ||
* [[Antibiotics]] | * [[Antibiotics]] | ||
[[Category:Gastrointestinal disorders]] | [[Category:Gastrointestinal disorders]] | ||
[[Category:Infectious diseases]] | [[Category:Infectious diseases]] | ||
Latest revision as of 22:14, 3 April 2025
| Antibiotic-associated diarrhea | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | AAD |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | N/A |
| Symptoms | Diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever |
| Complications | Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance |
| Onset | During or after antibiotic treatment |
| Duration | Usually self-limiting |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Disruption of normal gut flora |
| Risks | Use of broad-spectrum antibiotics, hospitalization, immunocompromised state |
| Diagnosis | Clinical evaluation, stool tests for Clostridioides difficile |
| Differential diagnosis | Infectious diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome |
| Prevention | Judicious use of antibiotics, probiotics |
| Treatment | Discontinuation of the causative antibiotic, oral rehydration therapy, probiotics, specific treatment for Clostridioides difficile infection if present |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | N/A |
| Frequency | Common |
| Deaths | N/A |
Antibiotic-associated diarrhea (AAD) refers to the occurrence of diarrhea in relation to antibiotic treatments. Diarrhea is defined as the passage of loose or watery stools, typically three or more times in a 24-hour period.
Etiology[edit]
AAD can occur due to a variety of reasons. The most common cause is the disruption of the normal gut flora by the antibiotic therapy, leading to an overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria. The most notorious of these is Clostridium difficile, which can lead to severe diarrhea, colitis, and even death in severe cases. Other bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Klebsiella oxytoca have also been implicated in AAD.
Clinical Features[edit]
The clinical features of AAD can range from mild diarrhea to severe colitis. Symptoms typically include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, and fever. In severe cases, patients may present with dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and signs of sepsis.
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of AAD is typically based on clinical features and a recent history of antibiotic use. Laboratory tests may include stool culture and testing for C. difficile toxins. In severe cases, endoscopy or computed tomography (CT) scan may be required.
Treatment[edit]
The first step in the treatment of AAD is usually the discontinuation of the offending antibiotic, if possible. In cases caused by C. difficile, specific antibiotic therapy such as metronidazole, vancomycin, or fidaxomicin may be required. Probiotics have also been used to restore the normal gut flora.
Prevention[edit]
Prevention strategies for AAD include the judicious use of antibiotics, use of probiotics, and infection control measures to prevent the spread of C. difficile.
See Also[edit]
This article is a gastroenterology stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
This article is a infectious disease stub. You can help WikiMD by expanding it!
