How to Treat Endocarditis
Symptoms of endocarditis may vary in each patient. This condition should not be ignored, as if not promptly treated, severe heart damage can occur. So, how to treat endocarditis? Find out in the following explanation.
Endocarditis is inflammation of the inner layer of the heart called the endocardium. This condition is often caused by bacterial infection, although viral and fungal infections can also sometimes lead to endocarditis.
Endocarditis is more likely to occur in individuals with a history of certain diseases or conditions, such as:
- Cardiac disorders, including heart disease, congenital heart conditions, and damage to the heart valves
- History of heart valve surgery or implantation of a pacemaker device
- Septicemia
- HIV infection
- Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatic fever
- The use of illicit drugs in injectable form.
Nevertheless, endocarditis can still be experienced by individuals who are healthy and do not have a history of heart disease.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of endocarditis so that this condition can be promptly examined by a doctor and treated. If left untreated, endocarditis can lead to various serious complications, ranging from stroke, sudden cardiac arrest, blockage of blood vessels or emboli, to death.
Symptoms of Endocarditis
Symptoms of endocarditis can appear suddenly within a few days (acute endocarditis), but it can also develop slowly over several weeks or even months. This slow-developing endocarditis is called subacute endocarditis.
Generally, the following are some symptoms of endocarditis that need to be aware of:
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Rapid heartbeat or palpitations
- Shortness of breath, especially during activity
- Nausea or decreased appetite
- Weakness
- Muscle and joint pain
- Headache
- Pale skin
- Night sweats
- Swelling in the legs or abdomen
- Painful lumps in the hands or feet.
In addition to the symptoms mentioned above, endocarditis can also be identified by the appearance of red or purplish spots on the skin, red streaks or darkening of the nails, as well as heart murmurs.
If you are experiencing any of the above symptoms of endocarditis, it is important to promptly consult a doctor. In order to diagnose endocarditis, the doctor will conduct a physical examination and additional tests such as blood tests, urine tests, echocardiography, electrocardiography or EKG, as well as X-rays or a CT scan of the heart.
How to Treat Endocarditis
Once the doctor has confirmed that you are suffering from endocarditis and identified the cause, hospitalization may be recommended.
At the hospital, you will receive fluid therapy through an IV and monitoring from doctors and nurses. Additionally, physicians may provide the following treatment steps to treat endocarditis:
1. Administration of medications
Antibiotics are the type of medication that can be used to treat endocarditis. Typically, doctors will administer antibiotics through injections in an infusion to address the bacterial infection that causes endocarditis.
The type of antibiotic given will be adjusted according to the type of bacteria that causes endocarditis. Once your condition improves, the doctor may switch from injectable antibiotics to oral antibiotics that can be taken at home.
2. Surgery
Surgery is typically required if medications are unable to address the infection causing endocarditis or if endocarditis is caused by damage to the heart valve. The surgery aims to repair or replace the heart valve, depending on the severity of the patient's condition.
Symptoms of endocarditis can vary from person to person. If you have a history of heart disease and experience any of the symptoms of endocarditis, especially if you have risk factors for developing endocarditis, do not delay in seeking medical attention from a doctor.
Once the doctor confirms that the symptoms you are experiencing are indeed indicative of endocarditis, treatment and medication can be provided to address the condition. The sooner the treatment is administered, the lower your risk of experiencing dangerous complications.
Also read articles about: How to Treat Acute Myocardial Infarction
That is the explanation of how to treat endocarditis, hopefully the above explanation can be beneficial.
