What happens when you have a bacterial infection?
Internal organs can become inflamed and swollen when you have a bacterial infection, too. While you can't see it, you may feel pain or other effects in these areas. 1
How are bacterial infections spread?
Bacterial infections can be transmitted by a variety of mechanisms. In order to be spread, a sufficient number of organisms must survive in the environment and reach a susceptible host. Many bacteria have adapted to survive in water, soil, food, and elsewhere. Some infect vectors such as animals or insects before being transmitted to another human.
How does the body react to disease-causing bacteria?
The body reacts to disease-causing bacteria by increasing local blood flow (inflammation) and sending in cells from the immune system to attack and destroy the bacteria. Antibodies produced by the immune system attach to the bacteria and help in their destruction.
Can a bacterial infection go away on its own?
Often, bacterial infections resolve quickly, even without treatment. However, many bacterial infections need to be treated with prescription antibiotics. 6 You may also need supportive care for effects such as fever, pain, swelling, coughing, or dehydration. Untreated bacterial infections can spread or linger, causing major health problems.
What happens if you don't treat an infection in your body?
An untreated bacterial infection can also put you at risk for developing a life-threatening condition called sepsis. Sepsis occurs when an infection causes an extreme reaction in your body. The bacteria most likely to cause sepsis include Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and some types of Streptococcus.
What happens if bacteria is not treated?
Any severe or untreated bacterial infection can trigger an exaggerated immune response called sepsis. This condition can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death.
Can a bacterial infection affect your whole body?
Bacterial infections can affect the throat, lungs, skin, bowel and many others parts of the body. Many are mild; some are severe.
How long can a bacterial infection last without treatment?
Even without antibiotics, most people can fight off a bacterial infection, especially if symptoms are mild. About 70 percent of the time, symptoms of acute bacterial sinus infections go away within two weeks without antibiotics.
How do you know if infection is in your bloodstream?
Sepsis SymptomsFever and chills.Very low body temperature.Peeing less than usual.Fast heartbeat.Nausea and vomiting.Diarrhea.Fatigue or weakness.Blotchy or discolored skin.More items...•
What happens if bacteria gets into blood?
Septicemia is an infection that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread. It can lead to sepsis, the body's reaction to the infection, which can cause organ damage and even death. Septicemia is more common in people who are hospitalized or have other medical conditions.
When is an infection serious?
Symptoms can include increasing pain, swelling, and redness. More severe infections may cause nausea, chills, or fever. A person may be able to treat minor wound infections at home. However, people with more severe or persistent wound infections should seek medical attention.
Can you get rid of a bacterial infection without antibiotics?
Antibiotics are only needed for treating certain infections caused by bacteria, but even some bacterial infections get better without antibiotics. We rely on antibiotics to treat serious, life-threatening conditions such as pneumonia and sepsis, the body's extreme response to an infection.
What are 5 diseases caused by bacteria?
Other serious bacterial diseases include cholera, diphtheria, bacterial meningitis, tetanus, Lyme disease, gonorrhea, and syphilis.
What are the early warning signs of sepsis?
The signs and symptoms of sepsis can include a combination of any of the following:confusion or disorientation,shortness of breath,high heart rate,fever, or shivering, or feeling very cold,extreme pain or discomfort, and.clammy or sweaty skin.
What are the 5 signs of infection?
Signs of InfectionIncreased pain or swelling.A foul smell from the wound.Pus-like drainage, fever or chills.Increasing redness around the wound.Red streaks moving away from the wound.
How can I help my body fight infection?
Healthy ways to strengthen your immune systemDon't smoke.Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables.Exercise regularly.Maintain a healthy weight.If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.Get adequate sleep.Take steps to avoid infection, such as washing your hands frequently and cooking meats thoroughly.More items...
What are the sources of germs?
People are one source of germs including: Patients. Healthcare workers. Visitors and household members. People can be sick with symptoms of an infection or colonized with germs (not have symptoms of an infection but able to pass the germs to others). Germs are also found in the healthcare environment. Examples of environmental sources of germs ...
What is close range inhalation?
Close range inhalation occurs when a droplet containing germs is small enough to breathe in but not durable over distance. Inhalation occurs when germs are aerosolized in tiny particles that survive on air currents over great distances and time and reach a susceptible person.
How does an infection occur?
An infection occurs when germs enter the body, increase in number, and cause a reaction of the body. Three things are necessary for an infection to occur: Source: Places where infectious agents (germs) live (e.g., sinks, surfaces, human skin) Susceptible Person with a way for germs to enter the body. Transmission: a way germs are moved ...
What is the term for the way germs are moved to the susceptible person?
Transmission . Transmission refers to the way germs are moved to the susceptible person. Germs don’t move themselves. Germs depend on people, the environment, and/or medical equipment to move in healthcare settings.
How do germs travel in healthcare?
There are a few general ways that germs travel in healthcare settings – through contact (i .e., touching), sprays and splashes, inhalation, and sharps injuries (i. e., when someone is accidentally stuck with a used needle or sharp instrument). Contact moves germs by touch (example: MRSA or VRE).
What is the name of the virus that can be spread by spraying your nose?
Sprays and splashes occur when an infected person coughs or sneezes, creating droplets which carry germs short distances (within approximately 6 feet). These germs can land on a susceptible person’s eyes, nose, or mouth and can cause infection (example: pertussis or meningitis).
What is a susceptible person?
A susceptible person is someone who is not vaccinated or otherwise immune, or a person with a weakened immune system who has a way for the germs to enter the body.
What is the name of the bacteria that causes strep throat?
The bacteria group A Streptococcus can cause a bacterial infection of the throat and tonsils. Another term for this condition is strep throat. The most common symptoms of strep throat include: a sore throat. pain when swallowing. tiny red dots along the roof of the mouth. discoloration and swelling of the tonsils.
What are the symptoms of bacterial infection?
Share on Pinterest. General symptoms of a bacterial infection include fever, chills, exhaustion, and headache. The signs and symptoms of a bacterial infection typically depend on where in the body the infection occurs. However, some of the most common general signs and symptoms of infection include: fever. chills and sweats. swollen lymph nodes.
What is the name of the skin infection that infects the skin of the limbs?
Cellulitis. Cellulitis is a common skin infection in which bacteria infect the deeper layers of the skin. It typically affects one of the limbs. Some signs and symptoms of cellulitis include: flushed, swollen, and painful areas that are warm and tender. areas where the skin looks pitted or resembles orange peel.
What is the medical term for a bacterial infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord?
Brain and spinal cord infections. Meningococcal meningitis is the medical term for a bacterial infection of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. It is a life threatening condition that requires urgent medical treatment.
How do you know if you have a UTI?
Signs and symptoms of a UTI include: pain in the lower abdomen, pelvic area, and lower back. cloudy, foul-smelling urine. feeling the need to urinate more often than normal.
How to prevent bacterial infections?
Practicing good hygiene is the best way to help prevent bacterial infections. Good hygiene means washing the hands and body thoroughly and frequently, as well as keeping all personal items clean. Some other prevention tips include: covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing.
How do skin infections develop?
Most skin infections develop when bacteria enter the body through breaks in the skin. These breaks may occur as a result of surgical incisions or injuries such as cuts, scrapes, and burns.
What are the two types of infections that are caused by microbes?
4 Curing a bacterial infection. Bacterial and viral infections have many things in common. Both types of infections are caused by microbes bacteria and viruses, respectively and spread by things such as: Coughing and sneezing.
How does an antibiotic work?
Serious infections can be treated with antibiotics, which work by disrupting the bacterium’s metabolic processes, although antibiotic-resistant strains are starting to emerge. Immunisation is available to prevent many important bacterial diseases such as Hemophilus influenza Type b (Hib), tetanus and whooping cough..
How do bacteria spread?
Different bacteria spread in different ways. Examples include: 1 through contaminated water (cholera and typhoid fever) 2 through contaminated food (botulism, E coli food poisoning, salmonella food poisoning) 3 through sexual contact (syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia) 4 through the air, when infected people sneeze or cough (tuberculosis) 5 through contact with animals (anthrax, cat scratch disease) 6 through touching infected people (strep throat) 7 from one part of the body, where they are harmless, to another part, where they cause illness (as when E coli spread from the intestines to the urinary tract).
How long do chronic infections last?
Chronic infections, which can last for weeks, months, or a lifetime. Latent infections, which may not cause symptoms at first but can reactivate over a period of months and years. Most importantly, bacterial and viral infections, can cause mild, moderate, and severe diseases. Throughout history, millions of people have died ...
How does the body react to a disease-causing bacteria?
The body reacts to disease-causing bacteria by increasing local blood flow (inflammation) and sending in cells from the immune system to attack and destroy the bacteria. Antibodies produced by the immune system attach to the bacteria and help in their destruction.
How many people died from the Spanish flu in 2013?
In recent times, viral infections have been responsible for two major pandemics: the 1918-1919 “Spanish flu ” epidemic that killed 20-40 million people, and the ongoing HIV /AIDS epidemic that killed an estimated 1.5 million people worldwide in 2013 alone.
What are the causes of acute infection?
Coughing and sneezing. Contact with infected people, especially through kissing and sex. Contact with contaminated surfaces, food, and water. Contact with infected creatures, including pets, livestock, and insects such as fleas and ticks. Microbes can also cause: Acute infections, which are short-lived.
How long after antibiotics do you have a fever?
You’re typically considered no longer contagious after you’ve been on a regimen of antibiotics for a period of time, which depends on your type of infection. For example, you’re no longer contagious with strep throat after you’ve been on antibiotics for 24 hours and no longer have a fever.
How do you get impetigo?
You can also get it by using an object, such as a towel, that’s been contaminated with the bacteria.
What are bacteria and are they all harmful?
What are bacteria, and are they all harmful? Many infectious diseases are caused by viruses and bacteria. Bacteria are microorganisms that are made up of a single cell. They can be found in a wide variety of environments. Most bacteria are harmless and don’t cause disease in people.
How do you get tularemia from a cat?
cat scratch disease, which can be acquired through a cat scratch or bite. Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which is also spread through the bite of an infected tick. tularemia, which can be spread by tick bites or through handling infected animal carcasses. Other bacterial infections are acquired through the environment.
What are some examples of hot tubs?
Examples include: tetanus, which can enter the body from the environment through wounds or injuries. botulism, which can be acquired through contaminated food or through a wound. hot tub folliculitis, which is caused by a bacteria called Pseudomonas and happens when you use a poorly maintained hot tub.
Can you be contagious with strep throat?
For some infections, such as strep throat and whooping cough, you’re considered to be contagious when you start to experience symptoms. Other infections, such as chlamydia, can be asymptomatic, meaning they don’t present symptoms. For this reason, you could transmit these infections to other people without knowing it.
Is strep throat a contagious disease?
Bacterial diseases that you may recognize include: strep throat. tuberculosis. gonorrhea. Pathogenic bacteria are infectious, meaning that they can enter your body and begin to cause disease. However, not all bacterial pathogens are contagious. Contagious means that a disease can spread from person to person.
How do you know if you have a bacterial infection?
However, some general symptoms of a bacterial infection include: fever. feeling tired or fatigued. swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.
Why do antibiotics depend on bacteria?
This is because some bacteria may be susceptible to a specific antibiotic, but others may not.
What is the name of the bacteria that causes strep throat?
Strep throat is an infection of the throat caused by a type of bacteria called group A Streptococcus. Symptoms include: sore throat. difficulty swallowing. red or white patches on the back of the throat. headache.
What are the symptoms of an infected cut?
Symptoms of an infected cut or wound can include: redness in the area of the wound, particularly if it spreads or forms a red streak.
What are the symptoms of food poisoning?
Some types of bacteria that cause food poisoning include Escherichia coli, Listeria, and Salmonella. Symptoms can include: nausea or vomiting.
What are the symptoms of a UTI?
UTI symptoms can include: a burning sensation when urinating. having to urinate frequently. cloudy urine. abdominal cramps.
How do you know if you have a burn?
Symptoms that a burn has become infected include: an increase in pain or discomfort around the affected area. redness in the area of the burn, especially if it begins to spread or form a red streak. swelling or warmth in the affected area. fluid or pus oozing from the burn site. a bad smell around the burn.
What can a dentist prescribe to stop a tooth infection?
Antibiotics. A dentist may also prescribe antibiotics to reduce the infection and stop it from spreading. If the infection has already spread, a person may need to extend the course of their antibiotic treatment. Alternatively, they may need to switch to a different type of antibiotic.
What is a tooth abscess?
A tooth infection or “tooth abscess” is a collection of pus and bacteria that forms inside the tooth or gum. Without proper treatment, tooth infections can spread to other areas of the body, and this can lead to serious and potentially life threatening complications. To reduce the risk of complications, a person should seek treatment ...
What is the medical term for a pocket of pus and bacteria that forms within the body’s tissues?
Sometimes, these bacteria can enter into a tooth or below the gumline, resulting in a tooth infection or abscess . An abscess is the medical term for a pocket of pus and bacteria that forms within the body’s tissues.
What is the term for an infection of the skin and fat directly beneath the skin?
Cellulitis: An infection of the skin and fat directly beneath the skin. Parapharyngeal abscess: An abscess at the back of the mouth. Sepsis: A serious medical condition in which the immune system severely overreacts to an infection in the blood. Without treatment, a tooth infection can spread to the face and neck.
What is the procedure called to remove a tooth abscess?
Root canal treatment . Root canal treatment (RCT) may be necessary to treat an abscess deep inside the tooth. The procedure involves drilling into the tooth to remove the accumulated pus and bacteria at the root. The dentist will then fill the space with a rubber-like material called gutta-percha.
What happens if you have sepsis?
Sepsis is a serious medical condition that occurs when the immune system severely overreacts to an infection in the blood. Untreated sepsis can lead to septic shock. With septic shock, a person’s blood pressure drops dangerously low, which can lead to organ failure and even death.
How do you know if you have a tooth infection?
A person who has a suspected tooth infection and develops any of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention: painful tongue and mouth. swelling of the face, neck, and cheeks. itching or burning sensation on the skin. nausea.
Symptoms
Causes
- The transmission (passing) of bacteria is what causes bacterial infections. You can become exposed to bacteria from other people, the environment, or by eating or drinking contaminated food or water. 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 medicatio…
Types of Bacterial Infections
- The severity of bacterial infections can vary widely and depends on the type of bacteria involved. On one hand, there are relatively minor illnesses like strep throat and ear infections. But bacterial infections can also cause potentially life-threatening conditions like meningitis and encephalitis. Common bacterial infections include: 1. Salmonella is an infection often linked to food poisonin…
Diagnosis
- The pattern of your symptoms can help your doctor diagnose your bacterial infection. The location, timing, and severity of your symptoms can point to a bacterial infection. Your doctor may then want to confirm the diagnosis before prescribing any medicine. They can do this by taking a sample of fluids such as pus or mucus and sending it to a laboratory. They can also use a fluid s…
Summary
- Bacterial infections are incredibly common and are also quite different from one to another. The type of bacteria involved, its cause, location, and timing all influence the course of your infection. Even symptoms vary a great deal. Some infections can worsen and cause severe complications. Even diagnosis and treatment options depend on the specific infection you may have.
A Word from Verywell
- You're likely going to have at least a few bacterial infections throughout your life. These infections can cause a range of symptoms and effects. Your doctor can use diagnostic testing to determine which specific infection you have. Sometimes, you may need prescription medicine, such as antibiotics, to treat your condition. Using an antibiotic "just in case" you have a bacterial infectio…