We are all involved with hospitals whether we know it or not. We work there, attend clinics, visit patients ourselves or we share taxis, canteens and door handles with those who do!
Gastroenteritis (tummy upset) can be caused by Clostridium difficile (C.diff) and symptoms can be prolonged and debilitating. We are especially prone within two months after a course of antibiotics or if we are over 60 years old.

Four drugs that make infection with Clostridium Difficile more likely:

• Antibiotics e.g. Clarithromycin (Klacid), Amoxicillen/Clavulanic acid (Augmentin-Duo) etc
• Protein Pump Inhibitors e.g. Pantoprozole (Protium), Esomeprazole (Nexium) etc.
• Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatories e.g. Ibuprofen (Nurofen), Diclofenac (Difene) etc
• H2 blocker e.g. Ranitidine (Zantac) etc.

Ask your pharmacist if any of your drugs fit into these categories.

If they do, pay particular attention to the advice below.

Why does it matter?

1/5th of patients in hospital aquire C. Diff.

Of these 1 in 3 develop symptoms which can range from mild diarrhoea to 25% mortality in the frail elderly.

We normally have 7 lbs of bacteria in our gut, some are helpful, some mind their own business and some are positively harmful if not held in check by the ‘good guys’.

You’ve guessed it C. Difficile is a nasty little bugger if allowed to run riot.

Spread is via faeces so hand washing is essential, a good scrub is needed.

Spores can stay viable for weeks on door handles, worktop surfaces etc. so keep using the elbow grease!

If you have digestive discomfort such as wind, bloating, constipation, heartburn or indigestion take probiotics on a regular basis to encourage helpful gut bugs.

Eat a healthy diet- Essential Fatty Acids (download from leaflets) and eat 7 fruit and vegetables portions per day.

Encourage a Happy Bowel (Download Leaflet) habits.

Use digestive herbs on a regular basis- See Digestive Tea and Digestive Tonic.

The tea is a gentle blend of herbs which helps restore normal digestive tone and normal digestive function. It is calming and soothing. The Digestive Tonic has a similar effect and can be used for added effect, it can be more convenient to use especially in the middle of the day or can be helpful for a flare up of  problems such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome.

Restoring normal digestive function is the first line of defence against infections including C. Difficile.

Avoid contamination by washing hands.

Avoid Unnecessary Drugs particularly those listed above-

• Nature provides natural anti-inflammatories e.g. Harpagophytum (Devil’s Claw), Pineapple Stem (Bromelain), Wild Yam (Dioscorea villosa).
• Antimicrobial herbs include: Thyme (Thymus spp.), Sage (Salvia), Myrrh (Comiphora), Golden Seal (Hydrastis can.).

Consult a medical herbalist for specific advice on using these herbs if you have ongoing problems.

Always consult your health adviser for diagnosis of severe, ongoing or recurring symptoms. This is particularly relevant if there is a change in bowel habit or any bleeding from the bowel.