What is endocarditis? How is it treated?
Endocarditis is a severe form of infection of the heart lining, and is commonly caused by bacteria. Effective treatment of endocarditis requires injection of intravenous antibiotics on a long-term basis.
In rare cases, fungi may be the cause of endocarditis. This infection may lead to permanent heart damage, and may require major surgery to resolve the condition. It commonly occurs in individuals with congenital heart defects such as aortic valve stenosis. The risk of endocarditis is higher in people with prosthetic heart valves. The symptoms of endocarditis include high fever with chills, swelling in the hands and feet, and feeling short of breath even after moderate exercise. Splinter hemorrhages or bleeding under the nails, red patches on palms and soles, and painful red bumps on the finger or toe pads may be noticed. If any of these symptoms arise, it is better to seek immediate medical attention. Early treatment minimizes the damage to the heart.
If there is any damage to the heart caused by endocarditis, surgical repair will be required. You will be referred to a cardiothoracic surgeon for these procedures.
Source: https://www.cedars-sinai.edu/
Meet Our Physicians
Related Questions About Infectious Disease
Please bring to your appointment all previous medical records including imaging tests and pathology reports.
See full answerInfectious diseases are caused by pathogens such as bacteria, virus, parasites, and some kinds of fungi.
See full answerOsteomyelitis is an infection of the bone that is commonly caused by bacteria. If osteomyelitis is diagnosed at an early stage, it can be treated with injection of antibiotics directly into the bloodstream. At advanced stages of the disease, surgical removal of dead tissue and bone is performed.
See full answerMeningitis is a condition in which the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord become inflamed.
See full answerEndocarditis is a severe form of infection of the heart lining, and is commonly caused by bacteria. Effective treatment of endocarditis requires injection of intravenous antibiotics on a long-term basis.
See full answerFungal infections may cause minor skin rashes, lung infection (aspergillosis) and even serious conditions such as meningitis. The majority of the fungal infections are treated with short-term oral medications and direct application of antifungal creams. Long-term oral medications may be advised if the fungal infection spreads into the bloodstream.
See full answerYes, getting immunized is one of the best methods to reduce the risk of certain infectious diseases.
See full answerAIDS is treated with a series of medications such as NNRTIs, NRTIs, Potease Inhibitors, integrase inhibitors and entry or fusion inhibitors.
See full answer
