Infection – Causes, Symptoms & Therapy

An infection occurs when bacteria , fungi or parasites , i.e. pathogenic creatures, or pathogenic molecules such as viruses , invade an organism, remain there and ultimately multiply. These pathogenic creatures or molecules are the pathogens that attack the organism. The resulting diseases are called infectious diseases.

Children, the elderly and the chronically ill are particularly susceptible to infectious diseases. However, infection can affect anyone whose immune system is permanently or temporarily weakened.

causes

Infection can occur in different ways. Pathogens that are responsible for an infection can enter the organism via the intestines, the skin, the mucous membranes, the respiratory tract, the urinary tract or the genitals.A distinction is made between, among other things, droplet infections, smear infections, infections via the exchange of bodily fluids and infections via insects. These four routes of infection are collectively called exogenous infections because the pathogen comes from the environment. In contrast, an autoinfection (or endogenous infection) is an infection by a pathogen that does not come from the outside world but from the body’s own flora.

If the immune system is weakened, the pathogen can get into the blood from the intestines or lungs, for example. It happens in individual cases that one becomes infected in a medical facility, often as a result of a medical intervention. These pathogens are extremely resistant to antibiotics.

symptoms and course

Typical symptoms of an infection:

• Fever

• exhaustion

• fatigue

• lymph node swelling

• muscle cramps

An infectious disease is not immediately noticeable, because the pathogens usually need a certain time (incubation period), ie a certain time interval from infection to the onset of a disease. Only at the peak of the infection do symptoms appear, which can vary depending on the type of infection. Some infections do not cause symptoms. These infections are called inapparent infections. Symptoms such as fever, itching, exhaustion, pain and, in severe cases, cramps usually appear after a certain incubation period.

As the disease progresses, swelling, rashes , and inflammation may appear. Swelling of the lymph nodes also indicates the presence of infection. An untreated infection can lead to the pathogens getting into the lymphatic tissue and being transported from there to other organs. After this process, the pathogens attack other organs. The risk of infection is specific to the type of infection and the disease that causes it. After appropriate treatment, the patient has less and less discomfort and recovery increases.

Diagnose

Diagnosis begins with a patient survey (anamnesis) to determine the origin of the infection. Among other things, the doctor asks about current events in the patient’s everyday life, for example about trips abroad, medical interventions and taking medication. After the interview there is a physical examination. Examination may include x-rays , ultrasound scans , blood draws , and urine tests . Depending on the location of the infection, the doctor treating you can take a swab and send it to the laboratory for analysis. He can take swabs from the nose, mouth, genital area and secretions.

complications

Of course, infection is fraught with various complications, which in some cases also require medical attention. As a rule, an infection also comes with different side effects. Side effects include, for example, headaches , a stuffy nose, an elevated temperature, nausea or even vomiting . If these side effects occur, it is advisable to go to the doctor. If a doctor is consulted promptly, an existing infection can be combated quickly and effectively.

If such an infection is not treated with appropriate medication, a significant deterioration can be expected. The individual symptoms will increase if you stop taking the appropriate medication.

Existing headaches will become significantly worse in such a case and the fever can also increase to a dangerous temperature. In such a case at the latest, a visit to the doctor should not be put off. Anyone who decides to visit the doctor early enough can count on a quick and timely recovery. For this reason, infection is a serious illness that should not be taken lightly.

treatment and therapy

Depending on the type of infection, different treatment methods are prescribed by the doctor. Antibiotics are suitable for treating a bacterial infection . The appropriate antibiotic is always prescribed by a specialist.

Unlike bacterial infections, viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics. The symptoms of a viral infection can only be treated symptomatically, ie only the symptoms can be alleviated. A common cold, for example, is a viral infection. Painkillers and anti-inflammatory ( Diclofenac ) and antipyretic ( Paracetamol , Ibuprofen ) medication can be administered to relieve symptoms.

Fungal infections are usually treated with antifungal drugs . The doctor usually prescribes an ointment or gel to treat a local fungal infection. Since the infections can vary greatly in terms of their level of danger and course, different treatment methods relate to different infections. Natural or homeopathic remedies can help to combat mild, localized infections.

prevention

The transmission of pathogens can be avoided above all by washing hands frequently and thoroughly. Thorough means washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds. If the risk of infection is higher than usual, i.e. if someone in the area is ill, it is advisable to disinfect your hands regularly.When eating raw foods, such as fruits and vegetables, care must be taken to wash them thoroughly. Meat and fish should of course not be eaten raw, but properly boiled or roasted. Furthermore, in everyday life one must pay attention to hygiene at every level, for example not using someone else’s toothbrush.

In general, a healthy diet and lifestyle is the most important prevention method, because an infection primarily affects people who do not have a strong immune system. There is a vaccination against some, but by no means all viral infections .