What Is Infective Endocarditis?
Infective endocarditis is an infection in the heart. The infections work on the lining of the inner walls of the chambers of the heart. It is a very serious health condition and must be with immediately.
What Causes Infective Endocarditis?
Infection in the heart may occur after a surgery that was conducted on the heart or its surrounding areas. But more commonly, the heart gets infected because of an infection that is affecting another part of the body. This is because, the other infection, when left untreated, can easily travel to the heart through the bloodstream and cause an infection there. Infections in the mouth, skin, lungs and other respiratory organs, urinary tract, etc. are most easily carried to the heart.
Although infective endocarditis is a very rare form of infection, people with heart conditions must stay vigilant to avoid heart infection.
How Can You Recognise Infective Endocarditis?
The symptoms of any infection in the heart become severer as the infection spreads. They can vary from person to person. You can watch out for the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Chills
- Sweating
- Breathing problem
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle & joint pain
- Weakness
- Blood in urine
- Rash
- Blue, red or white spots under your skin or inside your mouth
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Weight loss
- Swelling in feet or abdomen
- A murmur-like sound in your heart
An infected heart is a very serious health condition. If not treated properly, it can damage your heart or other organs, eventually leading to death.
How Is Infective Endocarditis Treated?
Initially, a course of antibiotics, oral or IV, can be used for a short period of time. If the treatment seems to work, it can be continued. But if the infection is severe, surgery is the most efficient treatment choice. During the entire course of treatment, the patient is kept under special care and regular observation. Even then, if you feel any sudden change in your health during this treatment, you must consult your doctor immediately.
Infective Endocarditis Treatment
At Infectious Disease Center, Hyderabad, you can find emergency treatment regimen for such infections that ensures that you receive immediate care until your test results allow our infection experts to frame a more customized treatment plan.