Endocarditis is an infection that occurs in the inner lining of the heart or in the heart valve. The disease is most often the result of a bacterial or fungal infection that enters the heart through the blood stream. A serious condition, endocarditis isn't something that can just be ignored. It is, however, a disease that can be treated. Depending upon the specific type of the infection, the intensity of the disease can vary. It may last a few days or it may be drawn out for several months. Additionally, certain factors may cause the disease to result in damage to other areas of the body such as the lungs, the kidneys, or even the brain. Also, once infected by the disease, it becomes much easier to experience yet another case.
Instructions
Live with Endocarditis
1. Make certain that endocarditis is, indeed, the problem. Your physician may suspect the disease because of a combination of the following symptoms: appetite loss, chest pains, chills, extreme fatigue, fever, muscle aches or joint pain, unusual sweating, and unexplained weight loss. However, these same symptoms can be attributed to hundreds of other infectious diseases as well. Sometimes, only a heart specialist can tell for certain that endocarditis is the problem. He or she may even suggest one or more tests like an echocardiogram or a transesophageal echo in order to confirm the disease.
2. Obtain immediate treatment once the disease has been diagnosed and follow every step to the letter. Take prescribed medication (like penicillins or cephalosporins) as outlined on the bottle. If you forget one or more doses, contact your heart specialist immediately to find out best get caught up on the medication in order to prevent further problems. Follow every step given to you by your physician and/or heart specialist. Make follow-up appointments with your heart specialist until you receive a clean bill of health.
3. Commit to memory those things that might have a major impact upon the disease such as an atrial or ventricle defect of the heart or the insertion of a heart shunt. Simple procedures like IV lines and catheters can present a risk to those suffering from this disease. Certain types of surgery can also present a problem. Therefore, it is important to understand any and all of the risk factors so that you can pass the information on to your physician(s) in the future. For example, dental surgery can cause free floating bacteria that could conceivably work its way into the heart. Those suffering from endocarditis will usually be pre-treated with antibiotics prior to any dental procedure to prevent bacteria from growing and spreading to the previously infected area.
4. Keep track of any symptoms that spell major trouble for this disease. These include inability to get out of bed because of undue weakness, shortness of breath, unexplained headaches that may be coupled with confusion, dizziness, or loss of consciousness. It may also include sudden kidney problems that are usually exhibited by bloody urine. Endocarditis, left untreated, can result in death.
5. Call your physician and/or heart specialist if any of the symptoms of the disease reoccur or if new ones happen that cannot be easily explained away.
6. Seek immediate attention if you suspect that your have suffered a heart attack and/or stroke. Both are major complications that can result from a severe case of endocarditis. Call an ambulance or get someone to drive you to the closest emergency room. Call your physician and heart specialist from there.
7. Research the disease, its symptoms, potential problems, risk factors, and prognosis from as many different resources as you can find. Make yourself an expert in the disease in order to prevent future problems or disease reoccurence.
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