Endocarditis is an infection affecting the endocardium within the heart. It is important to note that the endocardium is a thin coating of tissue that lines the interior of the heart.
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The infection is brought about by fungi, bacteria or yeast that attaches to the lining. Generally, it can infect the heart valves where they thrive and damage the valves.
What are the causes?
An individual is at higher risk for endocarditis if he/she had it before or have the following:
- Heart valve damage from rheumatic fever
- Certain forms of birth defects in the heart
- Presence of an artificial heart valve
- Certain forms of heart valve irregularities
The modes in which bacteria or other organisms can enter the heart include:
- Open wounds
- Dental procedures
Initially, the infection strikingly resembles the flu, but the symptoms generally worsen over time. - Sharing needles during drug use
- Undergoing some surgical and diagnostic procedures
It is vital to note that endocarditis can develop if there are intravenous tubing while hospitalized especially if present for more than 1-2 days.
What are the signs?
The usual signs of endocarditis include:
- Sweating
- Fever and chills
- Weight loss
- Appetite loss
- Tiredness
- Muscle and joint pain
Initially, the infection strikingly resembles the flu, but the symptoms generally worsen over time.
Management of endocarditis
Hospitalization is required for some time where the individual is given antibiotics for several weeks.
In some cases, surgery is carried out right away if the antibiotics could not effectively eliminate the infection or if one of the heart valves is significantly damaged.
In case a heart valve is seriously impaired by the infection, the heart must strain and enlarges. The individual could no longer exercise as normally as before. If the heart valves are severely damaged, it requires valve replacement surgery.