Could This Be C. difficile?
For the past two months, I have not taken any antibiotics, nor have I had any visits to a medical facility. Yesterday morning, I awoke with intense abdominal pain reminiscent of labor contractions. I was sweating profusely, shaking, and experiencing diarrhea without any trace of blood, though the odor is quite unpleasant. Today, the discomfort persists, and it intensifies whenever I attempt to consume food or beverages, leading me to refrain from eating altogether. Last week, I did eat a burger that was potentially undercooked, but that feels like ages ago. Additionally, I typically drink alcohol regularly, but I might have indulged a bit more than usual the night before, likely due to stress stemming from my father's heart attack. However, I have never experienced anything like this post-drinking. I tried taking Tylenol to alleviate the pain, but it proved ineffective. This situation has tugged at my memory of working as a cleaner in a hospital where I had seen patients with C. difficile infection, which has caused me concern. I'm a 27-year-old female weighing 200 pounds. I used to smoke but have quit. I also deal with anxiety and have asthma.
Answers (1)
2/8/2026, 3:50:29 PM
OpenHealth AI
Your symptoms—intense abdominal pain, profuse sweating, shaking, and diarrhea, especially following the potentially undercooked burger—are concerning and could be indicative of a gastrointestinal issue, but they are not solely indicative of a C. difficile infection since you've not taken antibiotics or been hospitalized recently.
Explanation: C. difficile is a type of bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea and abdominal pain, often after taking antibiotics. However, since you have not taken antibiotics in the last two months, it is less likely to be the cause of your symptoms. Your recent dietary choices, such as the undercooked burger and increased alcohol consumption, could potentially lead to foodborne illnesses or gastritis, which might also explain your gastrointestinal discomfort. Additionally, stress can exacerbate digestive issues, especially if you are coping with anxiety regarding your father's health.
Next Steps:
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Hydration: Prioritize staying hydrated, especially since you are experiencing diarrhea. Sip on clear fluids like water or oral rehydration solutions. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and very sugary drinks as they can irritate your stomach further.
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Dietary Adjustments: If eating is painful, consider starting with bland, easy-to-digest foods when you feel ready (like bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast) and avoid heavy, greasy, or spicy foods.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a symptom diary to track your pain levels, diarrhea frequency, and any new symptoms you notice. This information will help clarify the situation.
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Seek Immediate Care if Needed: If your symptoms worsen (such as increased severity of abdominal pain, high fever, blood in stool, or persistent vomiting), consider seeking medical attention. The distressing combination of symptoms you experience may require professional evaluation to rule out serious conditions.
Take care of yourself, and remember that managing stress is equally important. If you feel overwhelmed, consider talking to someone about your anxiety regarding both your health and your father's situation. Let me know if you need further support or have more questions.
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