In case you suffer from a serious infection, you are likely to experience severe pain and discomfort. In some cases, patients suffering from serious infections may die or get permanent damage due to a lack of or delayed treatment.When identified early, infections are easy to treat hence harmless. However, when allowed to progress, these mild infections advance in severity and are considered serious infections. You are therefore advised to visit an ER (Emergency room) near you promptly at the onset of an infection.
Causes of Serious Infections
There are numerous causes of serious infections. Generally, poor hygiene is usually the cause of infections. However, a series of medical conditions may contribute, as well.
Serious infections can either be bacterial, fungal, or viral. Whichever the infection, you should seek immediate care at any of the reputable emergency clinics in Harker Heights.
Signs of Serious Infections
The following are signs you have a serious infection:
- Severe headache
- Constant vomiting
- Bloodstained vomit, stool, or urine
- Peculiar redness or swelling of your skin
- Recurring fever
- Shortness of breath
- Excruciating abdominal pain
- A persistent sore throat
- Delayed healing for burns and cuts
- Loss of appetite
There are many more signs of serious infections. We cannot exhaust them all. The ones listed above, however, are the most common. You should seek emergency care whenever you experience these symptoms.
Examples of Serious Infections
Just like the symptoms, there are many examples of serious infections. These include:
Ear infections
An ear infection is a result of the middle ear getting infected by a bacteria or virus. The infection may cause pain and swelling. If not promptly dealt with, an ear infection can cause permanent loss of hearing. Mild infections do not require treatment. However, if you have a serious infection, your doctor may use antibiotics to treat the condition.
Yeast infection
This infection arises due to excess yeast in the vagina. It may be a result of certain medications or diseases. Over-the-counter medicine and antibiotics can be used to treat yeast infection.
Sepsis
Sepsis is a severe condition resulting from the body releasing massive amounts of chemicals in an attempt to fight off an infection spread through your bloodstream. The chemicals can damage your organ and lead to inflammation.
Bacterial infections are the usual cause of sepsis. However, minor injuries may also cause the condition. Patients with this infection experience rapid breathing, fever, a decrease in urination and chills as symptoms. Antibiotics and IV fluids can treat the infection.
Urinary Tract Infections (UTI)
UTIs are caused by bacteria going through the urethra into the tract. There are different types. Common signs include rectal pain, frequent urination, cloudy urine and a burning sensation when urinating. Antibiotics are used for treatment.
Sinusitis
Sinus infection is usually viral. The virus hinders the sinus cavity from draining correctly. A recent study, however, has proved bacteria or foreign agents can also cause the infection. Antibiotics are used to treat this infection if it persists. For chronic sinusitis, surgery may be necessary.
How to Avoid Serious Infections
In the end, it is safer and cheaper to prevent a serious infection than to treat one. The following are ways you can avoid contracting serious infections:
- Maintain proper hygiene. Regularly wash your hands with soap and running water. Especially before taking meals. Wash fruits and other food substances before ingesting them.
- Avoid exposing wounds to contaminated surfaces. Constantly clean your wound and avoid scratching or touching the area with dirty hands. For bandages, regularly change them as per your doctor’s instructions.
- Ensure your skin is always moisturized. Dry skin permits infectious microorganisms like bacteria to enter your body through the cracks.
- Engage in safe sex. Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) can be prevented by using a condom during sex. Additionally, you are advised to make regular visits to your doctor for STI screenings.
- Don’t consume raw or undercooked foods since they may cause food poisoning.
- Get vaccinated to avoid bacterial infections like tetanus.
- Use antibiotic ointments like Neosporin on wounds to keep out bacteria.
- Do not share sensitive and personal items like needles and a toothbrush.
Serious infections are avoidable and harmless if identified during their onset. You will, therefore, benefit significantly by visiting a doctor quickly when you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above. At Express ER (Harker Heights), our professionals are qualified to offer quality emergency care for patients living in Harker Heights.
