Endocarditis

Preventing endocarditis

Source: NHS

In this topic (6)

If you have an increased risk of developing endocarditis, it's important to limit your exposure to any infection that could trigger it.

The same is true if you've previously been affected by endocarditis,as the condition can often reoccur in certain people.

Practise good oral hygiene

If you're at increased risk of developing endocarditis, it's important that you practise good oral and dental hygiene.

Don't let Abscess and gum disease go untreated.

You should visit your dentist on a regular basis to ensure you maintain good oral health and to minimise the risk of bacteria entering your bloodstream through your mouth.

It's also very important to wash any cuts or grazes carefully as soon as you notice them to prevent them becoming infected.

Contact your GP for advice if you develop the symptoms of a skin infection (see below). Your GP may prescribe antibiotics as a precaution. Symptoms of a skin infection include:

  • redness and inflammation (swelling) of the affected area of skin
  • the skin feels tender and warm to the touch
  • a discharge of pus or fluid from the affected area of skin

A skin infection may also make you feel generally unwell, leading to symptoms such as:

  • a high temperature (fever) of 38C (100.4F) or above
  • feeling sick
  • shivering
  • chills

You should also avoid any cosmetic procedure that involves breaking the skin, such as body piercing and tattooing.

Each time antibiotics are used, the chances that bacteria will become resistant to them are increased.

Antibiotics
Antibiotics are medicines that can be used to treat infections caused by micro-organisms, usually bacteria or fungi. For example amoxicillin, streptomycin and erythromycin.
Antiseptic
Antiseptic is a substance that reduces the growth and development of germs.
Bacteria
Bacteria are tiny, single-celled organisms that live in the body. Some can cause illness and disease and some others are good for you.
Bladder
The bladder is a small organ near the pelvis that holds urine until it is ready to be passed from the body.
Blood
Blood supplies oxygen to the body and removes carbon dioxide. It is pumped around the body by the heart.
Heart valve
Heart valves are four sets of flaps that control the direction that blood pumps around the heart.

Articles for Endocarditis

Causes of endocarditis

If your heart valves are damaged, or if you have an artificial valve, it will be easier for bacteria to take root and trigger an infection.

Diagnosing endocarditis

To diagnose endocarditis, your GP will look closely at your medical history, paying particular attention to any problems that you may have had with your heart.

Introduction

Endocarditis is a rare and potentially fatal type of heart infection. It's specifically an infection of the inner lining of the heart (the endocardium).

Preventing endocarditis

If you have an increased risk of developing endocarditis, it is important that you limit your exposure to any infection that could trigger it.

Symptoms of endocarditis

Common symptoms of endocarditis include a high temperature (fever), chills, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss

Treating endocarditis

Most cases of endocarditis can be treated with a course of antibiotics though you may have to be admitted to hospital