We often heard about infection to the skin as it is very visible and significant, plus we may have experienced it once in our lifetime. However, infection can happen to any part of the body and some infection might even cause a person to become severely ill or even death. In this article, we will be focusing on infective endocarditis and its medicine use for treatment.
Infective endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart muscle called endocardium. It is usually caused by bacteria (such as streptococci or staphylococci) or fungi. These pathogenic organisms usually travel the bloodstream which eventually lead to the heart and do not only affect the endocardium, but also the heart valves. Generally, the heart is protected against infection by the immune system and the heart valve itself is highly resistant from letting bacteria attach to it. However, certain existing medical conditions may lead a person to be at risk for an infective endocarditis, this includes those who had went through surgery of acquiring an artificial prosthetic heart valve or pacemaker, those born with heart defects, usage of intravenous drugs, history of rheumatic fever or previously diagnosed with infective endocarditis and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy characterised by enlargement of heart muscle cells and thicken heart chamber’s wall. Poor dental hygiene is another cause for a person to acquire infective endocarditis.
Symptoms of infective endocarditis may resemble the flu. Symptoms usually begin with fever, chills, faster heartbeat, easily tired or fatigue, muscle and joints ache (arthralgia), persistent cough or swelling in the feet, legs or abdomen. When the infective endocarditis has been ongoing for a while, a person may develop weight loss and low level of red blood cells (anaemia). It is common to see red spots on the skin, palms and sole. When it is left untreated, infection can damage the heart valves and cause disturbance to the heart system. When the blood circulation is disrupted, this could trigger complications such as heart failure and stroke that is undeniably a life-threatening condition.
Since infective endocarditis can lead to a dangerous complication, it is important to get immediate medical attention and treatment. Such treatment involves usage of antibiotic drugs as the mainstay for an infective endocarditis. Antibiotic therapy is needed for at least 6 to 8 weeks. The specific drugs or combination used is in accordance with the bacteria responsible for the infection. These can be known through blood cultures done by taking blood samples from the patients. Usually, more than one antibiotic is prescribed to help increase the effectiveness of the treatment.
Antibiotics alone may not be effective to treat this infection as antibiotics are unable to reach the infected valve material or abscess. Surgery is usually done to help remove the infected prosthetic heart valve or other implanted material and to repair the heart. Removal of abscess caused by the infection through a surgery is needed even though antibiotic therapy has been prescribed. A person showing signs of heart failure or experiencing blood clots despite antibiotic treatment might be needing surgery. Urgent surgery may be recommended once a person is hospitalised. In some patients, surgery might be done at a later time after the patient successfully completes the antibiotic course.
If you think you have an increased risk of developing an infective endocarditis or previously been affected by it, it is important to avoid exposure that could be a trigger. This includes practising good oral hygiene, taking care of the skin by making sure there is no wound left untreated or dirty and avoid using antibiotics without doctor’s advice. Remember to get medical advice when you have symptoms or history leading to an infective endocarditis.
