Bacterial Endocarditis Prevention
Bacterial endocarditis, also known as infective endocarditis or simply endocarditis is a rare condition characterized by infection of the inner lining of the heart. The infection that affects the inner lining of the heart or the heart valves might damage the heart. In severe cases, surgery may be required for repairing the heart valves damaged by the infection.
Bacterial endocarditis causes
The bacteria normally found in the mouth, urinary tract, intestine, upper respiratory tract and on the skin are responsible for bacterial endocarditis. The bacteria may be introduced in the bloodstream through several ways. Dental procedures or surgeries could introduce bacteria in your blood. Even simple routine tasks such as brushing teeth or eating foods can release bacteria in the blood. Gum diseases, skin sores, intestinal disorder or sexually transmitted diseases are sources of harmful bacteria that can enter the bloodstream.
Often contaminated needles, syringes and catheters can release bacteria in the bloodstream. Bactermia or presence of bacteria in the blood does not cause bacterial endocarditis in normal healthy people. Usually the risk of bacterial endocarditis is greater among people with defective heart valves. Diseases such as rheumatic fever, which damages the heart valve, could increase the risk of bacterial endocarditis. Only certain strains of bacteria could cause this infection.
People with artificial heart valves, damaged or diseased heart valves, congenital heart defects and a previous history of endocarditis are vulnerable to this condition.
Bacterial endocarditis symptoms
The common symptoms of endocarditis are fever, chills, muscle and joint pain, fatigue, breathing difficulty, abnormal heart sound, persistent cough, night sweat, weight loss, enlarged spleen and swollen abdomen, legs and feet. Under the skin of the fingers, red spots might appear. Small red or purple spots might appear on the skin, in the mouth and on the whites of the eyes.
Bacterial endocarditis prevention
People with damaged heart valves or artificial heart valves could prevent bacterial endocarditis with simple precautionary measures. Oral hygiene, involving routine brushing and flossing are needed to prevent gum infections that could cause endocarditis. Before any surgical procedure, you should inform your doctor or dentist about the condition of your heart. Taking antibiotic medications before dental procedures or surgeries could help to prevent endocarditis.
