Severe CDI usually causes the colon to become inflamed (colitis) and in some cases, patches of raw tissue may form and bleed, producing pus (termed pseudomembranous colitis). Individuals with severe CDI tend to become dehydrated and may require hospitalization. The signs and symptoms of severe CDI infection may include the following:
- Watery diarrhea approximately 10 to 15 times daily and, in some cases, bloody diarrhea.
- Abdominal cramping and pain with a possible swollen abdomen
- Dehydration and possible kidney failure
- Nausea, fever, loss of appetite, and weight loss
- Rapid heart rate
- Increased white blood cell count (leukocytosis)
Some clinicians may use signs and symptoms in combination with white blood cell counts and creatinine levels to help classify severe CDI. Marked leukocytosis exhibited by white blood cell counts of >15,000 cells and serum creatinine of >1.5 mg/dL may be an indication of severe CDI.
