C. difficile infection (C. diff infection) is a highly contagious bacterial infection that causes half a million illnesses and tens of thousands of deaths in the U.S. each year. Yet, few people know what it is and how it occurs, despite being declared a public health threat by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).1-3

C. diff infection causes debilitating symptoms such as severe diarrhea, fever, stomach pain, loss of appetite, nausea and colitis.1 This infection can happen to anyone, at any age, and can be contracted in some of the most common places in the community and in hospitals.4-6 When the infection strikes, it can have a devastating impact on everyday life, including taking care of loved ones, going to work regularly and carrying out typical activities. And C. diff infection can come back – known as a recurrence.

Antibiotics – the current standard of care for treatment of C. diff infection – treat the disease but also can be a contributing factor to the cycle of recurrence.1,7 It has been estimated that up to 35% of C. diff infection cases can recur after the initial diagnosis8-11, and after first recurrence up to 65% may develop a subsequent recurrence.11,12

Recently, the FDA approved a first-of-its-kind microbiome-based treatment to prevent recurrent C. diff infection after completing antibiotics for recurrent C. diff infection.

Paul Feuerstadt, M.D., Yale University School of Medicine, will discuss:
• What is C. diff infection and who is vulnerable to contracting it
• Why does this infection recur and what are the consequences of recurrence
• What are the treatment options for recurrent C. diff infection
• How has the newest FDA-approved treatment changed how recurrent C. diff infection may be treated

Patricia, who suffered from recurrent C. diff infection, will share her personal story of her struggle with the infection, how it impacted her life and how she broke the cycle of recurrence.
Footnotes available on request

Courtesy: Ferring Pharmaceuticals
www.REBYOTA.com

Interview is courtesy of Ferring Pharmaceuticals

The post A DEVASTATING DISEASE YOU MAY NEVER HAVE HEARD OF BUT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT: C. DIFFICILE INFECTION appeared first on Good News!.

PUZZLING SKIN CONDITION AFFECTS MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE
THE HIDDEN REALITY OF LIVING WITH A CHRONIC SKIN DISEASE

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is an under-recognized and chronic inflammatory skin condition caused by an overactive immune system that can often go undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for years. The symptoms of HS include recurrent, painful abscesses and lesions and can have a significant physical, mental and social impact. HS can be progressive and increase in severity over time.

HS also presents itself in sensitive areas like the armpits, groin and under the breasts and buttocks, so it may be hidden by clothing – leaving many to suffer in silence. Further, the lack of awareness around this disease may lead to patients going undiagnosed or misdiagnosed for seven or more years. Patients may visit a number of doctors before finding a dermatologist with experience in managing HS to confirm diagnosis and determine a plan that best fits their specific needs.

Dr. Joslyn Kirby, a dermatologist with Penn State University, will bring greater understanding about HS by sharing how it’s more than just an inflammatory skin disease. Dr. Kirby will also discuss the importance for HS patients – along with their caregivers – to advocate for their care and seek out a dermatologist with experience treating HS who can help patients to receive an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

Interview courtesy: AbbVie Inc.

#november #healthy #skin #month #condition #meets #eyes #eye #chronic #disease #hidradenitis #suppurativa #hs #inflammatory #overactive #immune #system #undiagnosed #misdiagnosed #symptoms #recurrent #painful #abscesses #lesions #physical #mental #social #impact #increase #dermatologist #penn #state #university #psu #caregivers #treatment

The post NOVEMBER IS NATIONAL HEALTHY SKIN MONTH appeared first on Good News!.