Bacterial infections are caused by small, single-cell organisms called bacteria that invade the body. These infections are common and there are many ways you can get them. Show
There are many types of bacteria and they can each have different effects on the body. This can impact your symptoms and treatment options. This article goes over what you need to know about bacterial infections. You'll learn about the symptoms, causes, and types of bacterial infections. Diagnostic tests and treatment options are also covered. While certain bacteria can trigger your body to mount a protective immune response, you also have "good" bacteria that belong in your body. These help you digest food and protect your body from harmful bacteria. Verywell / Laura Porter What Is a Latent Infection? Bacterial Infection SymptomsBacterial infections can cause generalized symptoms, which impact the whole body. These include:
Children and adults of any age can develop a bacterial infection. Bacteria can infect every area of the body like the bladder, brain, intestines, lungs, and skin. A bacterial infection can also spread throughout the blood, triggering a potentially life-threatening blood infection called septicemia. That, in turn, can lead to sepsis, a condition that happens when your body has a severe response to an infection. Fever and Chills: Causes, Treatment, and When to Seek Help Localized SymptomsYou can also experience localized symptoms of a bacterial infection, which affect the specific area of the body that is infected. Localized symptoms of a bacterial infection may include:
Additional examples of localized symptoms of bacterial infections:
What Are the Symptoms of an Infection? TimingAll bacterial infections have an incubation period, and symptoms can rapidly worsen or progress slowly. Causes of Bacterial InfectionsBacterial infections are caused by the transmission, or spread, of bacteria. You can become exposed to bacteria from:
Anyone can get sick when exposed to bacteria. But, having a weakened immune system puts you at a higher risk of severe bacterial infections. Certain conditions and medications can suppress your immune system, making it weaker. Even bacteria that normally belong in your body can put you at risk. How to Prevent Bacterial InfectionsTo prevent bacterial infections:
How to Maintain a Strong Immune System List of Bacterial InfectionsThe most common bacterial infections include:
The severity of bacterial infections can vary widely and depends on the type of bacteria involved. Bacterial organisms tend to target specific areas of the body. For example, syphilis, a sexually transmitted infection, is unlikely to affect the stomach or lungs. What Is Antibiotic Resistance? DiagnosisTo diagnose a bacterial infection, your healthcare provider may:
The pattern of your symptoms can help your healthcare provider diagnose your bacterial infection. The location, timing, and severity of your symptoms can point to a bacterial infection. Blood TestsBlood tests can help identify a bacterial infection. With a bacterial infection, people tend to have increased white blood cells (WBCs), which work together to defend your body from infections. A blood test called a complete blood count (CBC) can detect elevated WBCs. Your healthcare provider may also order what's known as a CBC with differential. This test tells whether specific types of WBCs have increased in your blood. Types of White Blood Cells Imaging StudiesInfectious bacteria can cause a bacterial abscess (an enclosed, pus-filled area). If your healthcare provider thinks you might have an abscess in or near internal organs, you may need an imaging study to help identify it. An X-ray, for example, can help diagnose pneumonia. Bacterial Infection TreatmentBacterial infections can last for days to weeks, but often go away on their own without antibiotics. That said, you may need prescription antibiotics if your body is unable to fight off a bacterial infection. If you have symptoms like fever, pain, swelling, coughing, or dehydration your healthcare provider may suggest anti-inflammatory medication. Untreated bacterial infections can spread or linger, causing major health problems. Although it's rare, untreated bacterial infections can even be life-threatening. Other organisms, like viruses, parasites, and worms, can also cause infections. Treatment depends on the infectious microorganism. What to Know About Prescription Anti-Inflammatory Medications AntibioticsThe type of bacteria you have will help determine which antibiotics you need to take. Most antibiotics work against more than one type of bacteria, but not against them all. There are different ways that you can take antibiotics. You can take them:
If you're using a prescription antibiotic, make sure you use it as directed. For example, don't use a skin antibiotic on your eyes. It's important to take your medication exactly as prescribed and for the complete duration of your prescription. Is Medication Adherence Important? Supportive CareYour healthcare provider might prescribe pain medicine or anti-inflammatory medication. These medications can help ease the pain and swelling from your bacterial infection. If you have a fever, your doctor may also recommend fever-reducing medication. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) can reduce fevers, swelling, and pain. If you have a painful cough, your doctor may suggest anti-cough medication. You may need IV fluids if you're becoming dehydrated. DrainageIf you have an abscess, you may need to have surgery to treat it. This can be a simple procedure for a superficial abscess in the skin. But, an abscess located deep in the body—like in the brain or intestines—may require a more extensive surgery to remove it. How do you get rid of a bacterial infection in your body?To use honey as an antibiotic, apply it directly to the wound or infected area. The honey can help kill off the bacteria and aid in the healing process. If possible, opt for raw Manuka honey. This form of honey offers the most health benefits.
How can I get rid of a bacterial infection without antibiotics?Natural antibiotics: Get rid of bacterial infections with these foods. Ginger. This is one of the best anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory food that you can find. ... . Oregano oil. This has potent anti-bacterial and antifungal compounds in the form of carvacrol and thymol. ... . Onion. ... . Garlic. ... . Manuka honey.. What are 5 common symptoms of a bacterial infection?General symptoms of a bacterial infection. fever.. chills and sweats.. swollen lymph nodes.. new or sudden worsening of pain.. unexplained exhaustion.. headache.. skin flushing, swelling, or soreness.. gastrointestinal symptoms, such as: nausea. vomiting. diarrhea. abdominal or rectal pain.. What is the most common bacterial infection?Urinary tract infections (UTI)
UTIs are mainly caused by the bacterium Escherichia coli (E. coli) and are the most common infection in humans worldwide.
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