Intestinal bacterial infections are caused by harmful bacteria in the intestinal tract, often from contaminated food and water. Symptoms include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain. Treatment may require antibiotics and supportive care, and severe cases may require hospitalization. Dehydration is a common complication. An intestinal bacterial infection is a disease that occurs in the […]
A nose infection, also known as a sinus infection or nasal infection, can be acute or chronic and is caused by viral infections, allergies, or pollutants. Symptoms include pressure headaches, facial tenderness, congestion, and fever. Treatment involves promoting drainage and using antibiotics if necessary. In rare cases, a sinus infection can spread to the brain, […]
Inner ear infection, also known as labyrinthitis, causes balance problems, hearing loss and ringing in the ears. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, stress and other ear infections. Treatment depends on the cause and symptoms, and seeking medical care can reduce the risk of long-term damage. Also known as labyrinthitis, an inner ear […]
A yeast infection diet involves avoiding processed foods, fermented products, and anything that contains yeast or refined sugar. Eating fresh meat and vegetables is encouraged, and finding the best diet may involve trial and error. Finding the best yeast infection diet usually involves trial and error, as what works for some people may not work […]
Sinus infections can cause dizziness, either by leading to ear infections or through side effects. Early treatment can reduce the risk of dizziness, and preventative care may be necessary for chronic sufferers. Those in safety-sensitive jobs should be aware of the potential risks. Sinus infection and dizziness are commonly experienced together, as sinus infections can […]
VRE is a bacterial infection that occurs when Enterococcus bacteria become resistant to the antibiotic vancomycin. It is spread through direct contact with contaminated surfaces and is most common in those who have been treated with vancomycin for an extended period or have a weakened immune system. Proper hand washing and isolation precautions can help […]
Oral yeast infections are caused by Candida albicans and can cause white or yellow lesions, pain, difficulty swallowing, and loss of taste. Newborns and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Treatment includes probiotics and antifungal medications. Without treatment, the infection can spread to the esophagus, digestive tract, and lungs. Diagnosis is made […]
Fungal eye infections cause blurred vision, redness, pain, sensitivity to light, and watery eyes. Contact lens wearers are at higher risk due to unclean lens cases. Diagnosis involves a sample of the cornea, and antifungal eye drops are prescribed. Prevention includes proper sanitization of contact lenses and cases, hand washing, and avoiding touching the eyes. […]
Vaginal yeast infections, caused by candida albicans, can result in a thick, white discharge and other symptoms such as itching and pain. The infection can be caused by a variety of factors, including changes in diet, antibiotic use, and sexual activity. Treatment typically involves prescription drugs and a mild soap and water wash. A yeast […]
Lung infections have various causes and symptoms, including shortness of breath, chest pain, chills, fever, and loss of appetite. Antibiotics, rest, fluids, and supplements can help treat bacterial lung infections, which typically take one to six weeks to recover from. Lung infections are contagious and can be mistaken for heart conditions. Lung infections have a […]
Fallopian tube infection, also known as salpingitis or pelvic inflammatory disease, can result from bacterial infection or sexually transmitted diseases. It is the leading cause of infertility in women and can cause permanent damage to the reproductive tract, as well as ectopic pregnancy. Symptoms include lower abdominal pain, nausea, and vaginal discharge. Treatment includes antibiotics […]
Cervical infections can be caused by sexually transmitted diseases or irritation of the area. Symptoms include foul-smelling discharge, pain during urination and sex, and vaginal bleeding. Diagnosis is done through a pelvic exam and Pap smear, and treatment involves antibiotics or antiviral medication. The cervix is located in the lower part of the uterus, in […]
Staph bacteria in the nasal passages can cause a serious infection, with symptoms including swelling, tenderness, congestion, headaches, coughing, and fatigue. Treatment involves rest, hydration, warm compresses, and sometimes antibiotics. Hand hygiene is important for prevention. While small amounts of staph bacteria live in the nasal passages of all adults, in individuals with weakened immune […]
Any skin lesion can become infected, with symptoms including swelling, redness, discharge, and pain. Swelling lasting more than three to five days, red streaks, foul-smelling discharge, and increasing pain are signs of serious infection. Any skin lesion is at risk of infection. An infection can occur when bacteria from the environment enter an open wound, […]
An infection control professional works to limit the spread of disease in healthcare facilities by implementing policies, monitoring staff, developing new policies, and providing training. Requirements include a bachelor’s degree in nursing, on-the-job experience, and membership in professional organizations. They may also be called upon as a consultant for patients with dangerous infections or who […]
Staph infections in the eye can cause styes, blisters, pain, swelling, and redness. Antibiotics and warm compresses are common treatments, but patients should not try to pop or squeeze the affected area. The most common symptoms of a staph infection are styes, large blisters are bumps in or around the eye, pain, swelling, watery eyes, […]
Sinus infections can cause coughing due to nasal and sinus secretions irritating the respiratory tract. Coughing helps clear mucus, but if left untreated, the infection can worsen and require antibiotics. Allergies can also cause chronic sinusitis with recurring coughing. Symptoms include pressure, pain, and phlegm drainage, which can be mistaken for dental problems. Treatment includes […]
Necrotizing soft tissue infections (NSTI) are caused by bacteria that release toxins, which invade surrounding tissue, cutting off blood supply and causing skin and muscle loss. Treatment involves surgical removal of infected tissue and antibiotics. Symptoms include fever, chills, muscle weakness, and nausea. If left untreated, it can lead to sepsis and shock. Treatment may […]
Puerperal infections are bacterial infections that can occur after childbirth, usually in the birth canal but can spread to other parts of the body. Symptoms include fever and localized pain. Antibiotic therapy is the primary treatment, and surgery may be necessary in severe cases. Immediate medical attention is necessary to avoid fatal sepsis. A puerperal […]
Hospital infection control is crucial to protect patients and staff from nosocomial infections. Policies, procedures, and staff training are essential components, along with proper sterilization, screening, and personal protective equipment. Simple measures like hand washing and vaccinations can also help reduce the spread of disease. Surveillance is necessary to determine the effectiveness of infection control […]
