Endocarditis
Endocarditis is an infection of the inner lining of the heart (endocardium).
Endocarditis develops mainly when a bacterium or other source of infection from any part of the body, such as the mouth, enters the bloodstream and enters the damaged area of the heart. Without medical intervention, endocarditis can damage the heart valves and cause life-threatening complications Treatment for endocarditis includes antibiotics and, in some cases, surgery
Endocarditis is rare in patients with a healthy heart The risk of endocarditis is increased in conditions of damaged valves, artificial valves or other heart diseases
Endocarditis occurs when the source of infection enters the bloodstream, enters the heart, and infects damaged heart valves or tissues. The cause of the disease is mainly bacteria, although fungi and other microorganisms take part in the development of the condition
Sometimes, the cause is bacteria in the mouth, throat, or other part of the body The microorganism can enter the bloodstream in the following ways:
- Daily oral activities Activities such as brushing or chewing food help bacteria enter the bloodstream, especially when the patient's teeth and gums are not in a healthy state.
- Infection or any other disease The bacteria may spread from a location of infection, such as a skin rash Gum disease, a sexually transmitted infection, or bowel disease such as inflammatory bowel disease also gives the bacteria a chance to enter the bloodstream.
- Catheters and needles Bacteria can also enter the body through a catheter A catheter is a thin tube that doctors use to remove or administer fluids from the body Endocarditis-causing bacteria can also enter the bloodstream from tattoos or piercings. Contaminated syringes are often a source of bacteria in people who inject drugs or drugs.
- Procedures related to teeth Some dental procedures can cause wounds to the gums, which allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream
As a rule, the immune system destroys bacteria that have entered the blood Even when bacteria reach the heart, the microorganism does not necessarily cause infection
In most cases, endocarditis occurs in patients with a diseased or damaged valve A damaged valve is an ideal breeding ground for bacteria Damaged tissue in the endocardium creates a rough surface on which bacteria can easily grow and multiply. Endocarditis sometimes develops in a normal, healthy heart valve
Endocarditis can develop slowly or suddenly, depending on the cause of the infection and the presence of any other heart disease. Symptoms of endocarditis vary:
- Fever and chills
- New or changed heart murmur
- Fatigue
- Muscle and joint pain
- Night sweats
- Shortness of breath
The spleen is an infection-fighting organ on the left side, below the ribs - Osler's nodules - red, painful spots under the skin of the fingers
- Petechiae - small red spots on the skin, whites of the eyes, or inside the mouth
When to see a doctor Although less serious conditions cause similar symptoms, it is necessary to conduct an examination
