Endocarditis
Overview : Endocarditis is a potentially dangerous infection of the inner lining of your heart's chambers and valves (endocardium). The most prevalent cause of endocarditis is infection. Bacteria, fungi, and other pathogens from another part of your body, such as your mouth, enter your circulatory system and stick to wounded heart tissue. Endocarditis can damage or destroy your heart valves, if left untreated. Endocarditis is treated with medication and, in certain situations, surgery. Endocarditis is most common in those who have damaged heart valves, artificial heart valves, or other cardiac abnormalities.
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Symptoms :Depending on the germs that are causing the illness and whether you have any underlying cardiac problems, endocarditis can develop slowly or rapidly. Endocarditis symptoms and signs differ from person to person. The following are some of the most common indications and symptoms of endocarditis : o Aching muscles and joints o When you breathe, your chest hurts o Fever and chills, as well as fatigue, are flu-like symptoms o Sweats at night o Breathing problems o Swelling of the feet, legs, or stomach o A cardiac murmur is the sound created by blood passing through your heart. It can be new or changed. www.cardium.in
Endocarditis can manifest itself in a variety of ways, including : o Weight loss that isn't explained o Blood in your urine, which you may notice or which your doctor may notice while viewing your urine under a microscope. o Infection-related tenderness in your spleen - Just below your left rib cage is a fighting organ. o The soles of your feet or the palms of your hands may have red areas (Janeway lesions) o Osler's nodes are red, painful patches under the skin of your fingers or toes. o Petechiae (puh-TEE-kee-ee) are small purple or red patches on the skin, on the whites of your eyes, or within your mouth.
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When should you see a doctor ? See your doctor as soon as possible if you have signs or symptoms of endocarditis, especially if you have risk factors for this deadly infection, such as a heart defect or a history of endocarditis. Although less serious disorders might produce similar signs and symptoms, you won't know for sure until your doctor examines you. If you've been diagnosed with endocarditis, tell your doctor if you have any of the following signs or symptoms, which could indicate that your infection is progressing : o Chills o Fever o Headaches o Joint discomfort o Breathing problems o If you have endocarditis and are taking antibiotics, tell your doctor if you get diarrhoea, a rash, itching, or joint discomfort. These signs and symptoms could indicate that you're having an allergic reaction to your medication. www.cardium.in
Causes When bacteria enter your bloodstream, they go to your heart and attach to faulty heart valves or damaged heart tissue, causing endocarditis. Endocarditis can also be caused by fungi or other pathogens. Normally, any hazardous bacteria that enters your bloodstream is destroyed by your immune system. Bacteria in your mouth, throat, or other parts of your body, such as your skin or gut, can cause endocarditis in the right circumstances. Bacteria, fungus, and other pathogens that cause endocarditis can enter your bloodstream through a variety of routes, including : Dental care that isn't up to par Gum disease can be avoided by brushing and flossing properly. Brushing can cause unhealthy gums to bleed, allowing bacteria to enter your bloodstream if you don't take appropriate care of your teeth and gums. Bacteria may enter your bloodstream as a result of several dental treatments that cut your gums. www.cardium.in
Catheters Bacteria can enter your body via a tiny tube used by doctors to inject or remove fluid from the body (catheter). If the catheter has been in place for a long time, this is more likely to happen. If you need long-term dialysis, for example, you may need a catheter. IV drug use that isn't legal People who use illegal IV substances like heroin or cocaine are more vulnerable to contaminated needles and syringes. People who use these narcotics frequently lack access to clean, unused needles and syringes.
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Risk Factors If your heart valves are malfunctioning, sick, or damaged, you're more prone to get endocarditis. Endocarditis does, however, arise in previously healthy patients on occasion. If you have any of the following conditions, you're more likely to get endocarditis : Getting older Endocarditis is most common in people over the age of 60. Artificial heart valves An artificial (prosthetic) heart valve is more likely to attract germs than a natural heart valve. Heart valves that have been damaged Rheumatic fever or infection, for example, can damage or scar one or more of your heart valves, raising your risk of infection. Congenital heart defects. Your heart may be more susceptible to infection if you were born with certain heart problems, such as an irregular heart or defective heart valves. www.cardium.in
A cardiac device has been implanted Bacteria can cling to an implanted device, such as a pacemaker, and cause a heart lining infection. A history of endocarditis Endocarditis can harm heart tissue and valves, raising the chance of a heart infection in the future. A history of illegal IV drug use Endocarditis is more likely in people who use illegal drugs by injecting them. The germs that can cause endocarditis can be found on the needles used to inject medications. Poor dental health. A healthy mouth and gums are necessary for overall health. Bacteria can grow inside your mouth and enter your bloodstream through a cut on your gums if you don't brush and floss regularly. Long-term catheter use. Endocarditis is more likely if you have a catheter in your body for a long time (indwelling catheter). If you think you could have endocarditis, tell all of your doctors. The American Heart Association may be able to provide you with an endocarditis wallet card. Check with your local chapter or go to the association's website to print the card. www.cardium.in
Complications Endocarditis is a condition in which clusters of germs and cell fragments build an unhealthy mass in your heart. Vegetation clumps can break free and spread to your brain, lungs, abdominal organs, kidneys, limbs, and legs. As a result, endocarditis can lead to a variety of problems, including :
Heart murmurs, heart valve damage, and heart failure are all examples of heart issues. Stroke Abscesses are pus-filled pockets that form in the heart, brain, lungs, and other organs. A blood clot has formed in a lung artery (pulmonary embolism) Damage to the kidneys Spleen enlargement
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Prevention To help avoid endocarditis, do the following steps : Understand the symptoms and indications of endocarditis If you get any signs or symptoms, especially a persistent fever, unexplained lethargy, any form of skin infection, or open cuts or sores that don't heal properly, see your doctor right soon. Keep your teeth and gums in good shape Brush and floss your teeth and gums frequently, and see your dentist on a regular basis. Maintaining good dental hygiene is crucial to your overall health. Don't utilise IV medications that aren't legal Bacteria can enter your circulation through dirty needles, increasing your risk of endocarditis. www.cardium.in
Preventive Antibiotics Bacteria may enter your bloodstream as a result of some dental and medical treatments. The American Heart Association suggests taking antibiotics one hour before any dental work if you have a high risk of endocarditis. If you have : a high risk of endocarditis and should take antibiotics before having dental work done.
Endocarditis history A man-made (prosthetic mechanical) heart valve In some cases, a heart transplant Definite types of congenital heart disease Congenital heart disease surgery in the last six months
If you have endocarditis or any form of congenital heart disease, talk to your doctor and dentist about your risks and whether you should take antibiotics as a preventative measure. www.cardium.in