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Complications
By Mayo Clinic staffMild antibiotic-associated diarrhea isn't likely to cause any lasting problems. But pseudomembranous colitis can lead to life-threatening complications, including:
- A hole in your bowel (bowel perforation). This results from extensive damage to the lining of your large intestine. The greatest risk of a perforated bowel is that bacteria from your intestine will infect your abdominal cavity (peritonitis).
- Toxic megacolon. In this condition, your colon becomes unable to expel gas and stool, causing it to become greatly distended (megacolon). Signs and symptoms of toxic megacolon include abdominal pain and swelling, fever and weakness. You may also become groggy or disoriented. Left untreated, your colon can rupture, causing bacteria from your colon to enter your abdominal cavity. A ruptured colon requires emergency surgery and in some cases may be fatal.
- Dehydration. Severe diarrhea can lead to excessive loss of fluids and electrolytes — substances such as sodium, potassium and chloride, which are essential for transmitting nerve impulses, making your muscles contract, and maintaining proper levels of fluid in and around your cells. Extreme fluid loss can cause seizures and shock — a condition in which your tissues don't receive enough oxygen. Signs and symptoms of dehydration include a very dry mouth, intense thirst, little or no urination, and extreme weakness.
