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Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases are illnesses caused by pathogens that enter the body.  Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites are the most prevalent causes. While numerous organisms dwell on or in the human body and are generally safe, some of these species can cause disease under particular situations. Many infectious illnesses are contagious and can be spread from person to person. While some are spread by animal or insect bites, others are spread through contaminated food or water or being exposed to organisms found in the surroundings.

Causes of Infectious Diseases

Infectious diseases can be caused by,

• Bacteria

Bacteria can cause infectious illnesses. These one-celled organisms cause diseases such as strep throat, urinary tract infections, and TB.

• Viruses

 Viruses are smaller than bacteria and cause a wide range of illnesses, from the common cold to AIDS.

• Fungi

Fungi are responsible for many skin conditions, including ringworm and athlete's foot. Fungi from other species can attack the lungs or nervous system.

• Parasites

Malaria is caused by a small parasite that is spread by mosquito bites. Other parasites may enter humans through animal faeces.

Symptoms of Infectious Diseases

The signs and symptoms of infectious illnesses vary according to the type of sickness. Fungal infections typically produce localised symptoms such as redness and itching. Viral and bacterial infections can cause symptoms across the body, including:

• Fever

• Chills

• Congestion

• Muscle pain and a headache

• Vomiting, nausea, and diarrhoea

• Cough

• Fatigue

If the person has any chronic (ongoing) problems or symptoms that worsen with time, the person should visit a doctor.

Diagnosis

To discover what's causing the symptoms, the doctor may prescribe blood tests or imaging scans.

Laboratory Tests

Many infectious illnesses have symptoms that are similar to one another. Body fluid samples can occasionally provide evidence of the specific bacteria causing the disease. This assists the doctor in offering medication.

• Blood Tests: A technician gets a sample of blood by injecting a needle into a vein, generally in the arm.

• Throat Swabs: A sterile swab is used to collect samples from the throat or nose.

• Stool or Urine Sample: Getting urine or stool to check the sample for parasites and other organisms.

• Spinal Tap: A needle is delicately placed between the bones of the lower spine to acquire a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. Typically, the patient is instructed to lie on the side with the knees drawn up against the chest.

Imaging Tests

Imaging tests, such as X-rays, Computerised Tomography (CT Scan), and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), can assist in narrowing down diagnoses and screening other illnesses that may be triggering symptoms.

Biopsies

A biopsy is a small sample of tissue extracted from an internal organ for examination. A biopsy of lung tissue can be examined for a type of fungus that causes pneumonia.

Treatment of Infectious Diseases

There are many therapies available to aid in the prevention and management of infections. Doctors collaborate with patients to develop a customised preventative or management strategy based on their particular requirements. Antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics can be used as treatments,

• Antibiotics

Antibiotics are only used to treat bacterial illnesses; they have no impact on viral infections. Antibiotics are classified as corresponding to bacterial kinds. Particular antibiotics are more effective against certain bacterial families. The doctors closely monitor antibiotic usage as excessive use might lead to susceptibility, making bacterial infections more difficult to cure.

• Antiviral

Antiviral medications are used to treat viruses such as AIDS, Herpes, Influenza, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C.

• Antifungal

In persons with compromised immune systems, fungal infections are particularly frequent and can damage the mucosal membranes of the mouth, throat, as well as lungs. Antifungal medications are used to treat serious fungal infections.

• Anti-parasitic

Anti-parasitics are used to aid in the treatment of parasitic disorders such as malaria. While anti-parasitic medications have effectively cured many parasitic infectious illnesses, certain parasites have evolved treatment resistance.

Fever and Cold

Fever

A fever is a condition that is usually a symptom that indicates an underlying disease or medical disorder, and in most cases is caused due to an infection of some kind. Treatment of fever will depend on the patient’s age, physical condition and the underlying cause of the fever itself. 

Cold

A cold is a contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract that affects the nose, throat, sinuses, and trachea (windpipe). A common cold can be caused by a variety of viruses. A healthy adult might have two or three colds each year. Colds can be more common in infants and young children.

Causes of Fever

A common illness, such as a cold or gastroenteritis, is the most common cause of a fever; other causes include,

• Ear, lung, skin, throat, bladder, and kidney infections

• Inflammation-causing conditions

• Drug side effects

• Cancer

• Vaccines

In addition, there are several other causes of fever, which include,

• Blood clots

• Rheumatoid Arthritis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease

• Hormonal illnesses such as hyperthyroidism

Causes of Cold

• Various viruses can cause the common cold and rhinoviruses.

• The common cold virus enters the body through the mouth, eyes, or nose. When a person is sick and coughs, sneezes or speaks, the virus can spread by droplets in the air.

• It can also be passed from person to person or by exchanging infected things such as dining utensils, napkins, toys, or cell phones. There are chances to acquire a cold if the person touches the eyes, nose, or mouth after such contact.

Symptoms of a Fever

A fever makes a person extremely uncomfortable. Fever signs and symptoms include the following,

• Temperatures higher than 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) in adults and children

• Shaking, shivering, and chills

• Muscle and joint pain, as well as other bodily ailments

• Headache

• Sweating intermittently or excessively

• Palpitations or rapid heart rate

• Hot or flushed skin

• Feeling dizzy, weak, or lightheaded

• Sore eyes or eye ache

• Weakness

• Loss of appetite

Symptoms of Cold 

Common cold symptoms normally occur one to three days after being exposed to a cold-causing virus. Signs and symptoms may vary from person to person,

• Runny or stuffy nose

• Cough

• Sore throat

• Congestion

• Slight body aches or a mild headache

• Feeling unwell

• Sneezing

• Fever

Treatment for Fever and Cold

Over-the-counter medications,

• In the case of a fever or cold that's causing discomfort, the doctor may recommend an over-the-counter medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others).

• Pain relievers are given to relieve sore throat, headache and fever.

• The medications should be taken as per the prescription given by the doctor.

Prescription Medications

• Depending on the cause of the fever, the doctor may prescribe an antibiotic, especially if the patient suspects a bacterial infection, such as pneumonia or strep throat.

• Cough syrups are prescribed for the temporary relief of symptoms.

Stomach Infection

Stomach infection is a common disorder that affects the stomach and intestines and is generally highly contagious. It is also known as gastroenteritis. Gastroenteritis is caused by an infection that induces inflammation of the digestive system lining. Elderly people, young kids and people with a weakened immune system have a high chance of acquiring more serious conditions.

Symptoms

Diarrhoea is the most common symptom of gastroenteritis. There are several other symptoms and indicators.

Other symptoms and indicators of gastroenteritis include,

• Vomiting and nausea

• Cramping and discomfort in the abdomen

• Chills and a mild fever

• Appetite loss

• Muscle pains and headaches

• Tiredness and overall ailment

• Incontinence

• Infant malnutrition.

Dehydration can happen as a result of excessive fluid loss from the body. Dehydration symptoms should be reported to a doctor immediately, especially in babies and children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems.

Diagnosis

Diarrhoea is the most common symptom of a stomach illness. If the symptoms are severe or prolonged, the doctor may request a stool sample. During gastroenteritis infections, stool samples may be collected to identify the virus or bacterium that is causing the outbreak. Identifying patients with relevant records of food or drink they have recently ingested can also aid in determining the origins of the infection.

Stomach Flu Treatment Options

The treatment of stomach infections is focused mainly on managing signs and symptoms, particularly dehydration. Bacterial gastroenteritis is often treated with both antibiotics medications and symptom support.

Supportive Care

The basic goal of supportive care is to keep patients hydrated and electrolyte-balanced. The main therapies are fluids or over-the-counter oral rehydration solutions e.g., Gatorade, Pedialyte, and Powerade. For severe dehydration, doctors advise IV fluids and hospitalisation for better treatment.

IV Fluids Procedure

IV fluids are liquids that are injected into a patient's veins using an IV (intravenous) tube. Dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities are prevented or treated comprehensively.

• Initially, the doctor decides the type of IV fluid the patient needs.

• Determining the amount of fluid the patient needs and how speed varies on several factors, including age, weight, symptoms and medical conditions.

• The doctor disinfects the skin where the IV is inserted, generally inside of the elbow or on the hand.

• The doctor ties a tourniquet around the arm to push blood to fill the veins and then examines the veins to locate the right insertion area.

• The doctor slides a sterile needle into the vein. The needle has a small plastic tube at the other end. After the injection, the doctor removes the tourniquet and places a plastic attachment onto the tube. The IV needle is taped to the patient arm so that it abides in place.

• After this, the doctor attaches the small tube to a bigger tube. Then attaches it to a satchel of fluids and hangs the satchel on an IV stand and turns on a device to pump the fluid into the IV line.

• The doctor regularly checks the IV line and monitors the amount of fluid penetrating the body.

Medications

Over-the-counter drugs can assist with symptoms of stomach infection. Severe instances may necessitate stronger prescribed medications to prevent severe dehydration.

• Oral Rehydration Solutions

Fluids and electrolytes lost due to vomiting or diarrhoea are replaced by Oral Rehydration Solutions (ORS) such as Hydrolyte and Pedialyte to ensure rapid hydration. The rehydration solutions are modified accordingly to promote maximum fluid absorption.

• Antiemetics

Antiemetics (anti-nausea drugs) work by slowing down the region of the brain responsible for nausea and the vomiting reflex. If severe dehydration is present, a doctor may prescribe a stronger prescription antiemetic to relieve nausea and vomiting by contracting the stomach. These medications are given intravenously. Book an appointment at Manipal Begur Clinic to get better treatment plans for any of the health consitions.