« Emergency | Main | Wound Care Supplies »
Infection
An infection is a message that your body is fighting for its health. Germs -- bacteria and viruses -- can wreck havoc in and on our bodies and an infection is an indication of the battle that ensues. It's important to pay attention to an infection so it doesn't make your really sick. Health care starts with your attention and action.
Are you feeling tired, achy, and overall just not well? Do you have a fever? If all or some of these symptoms describe you, then it is possible that you have an infection somewhere in your body. Infections are when an organism, either bacterial or viral, gets into your body and begins living off of your body. There are many different types of infections you can be plagued with, including a urinary tract infection, sinus infection, a wound infection and more. Any area of your body can become infected. Some infections are minor and some are more worrisome. That is why it is important that you visit the doctor if you suspect an infection. What are some of the symptoms of the most common types of infection?
- Urinary Tract Infection
A urinary tract infection can occur without symptoms, but the most common symptoms of this type of infection is a frequent urge to urinate, burning or stinging when urinating, and/or feeling bad all over. This type of infection may cause the urine to look cloudy or reddish as well. A fever does not normally accompany a urinary tract infection until the infection gets into the kidneys. If it becomes a kidney infection, pain, nausea, and vomiting may occur. Antibiotics are needed to help treat a urinary tract infection. - Sinus Infection
The symptoms of a sinus infection can include a headache, nasal congestion, pain or pressure along the sinus cavities in the face, fever, and overall not feeling well. These symptoms can range from very minor to severe. Remember, when treating a sinus infection you want to remove the inflammation from the sinus cavities and promote drainage to get the infection out of the sinuses. This can be done by drinking lots of water, taking ibuprofen, using a nasal spray, and inhaling steam. For a more severe sinus infection, an antibiotic may be necessary. Gauge how you are feeling to determine if you need medical attention. - Yeast Infection
This is an infection that most women know quite a bit about, but it can actually occur in men as well. A vaginal yeast infection includes symptoms like itching and a cottage-cheesy type discharge, while an oral yeast infection is characterized by white, lacy patches in the mouth. A yeast infection on the skin will cause a flat, red rash to develop. If your immune system is weakened, then a yeast infection may occur inside the body. When it gets into the body, it causes fever and sickness and may even cause mental changes if the infection affects the brain. Skin and vaginal yeast infections can be treated with over the counter medications formulated especially for yeast infections. Mouth and body yeast infections need medical attention for proper treatment. - Wound Infection
Wounds that occur due to injury or surgery can get infected. The most common symptoms of this type of infection include redness, pus or drainage, pain, inflammation, and possibly fever. Depending on the severity of the wound infection, you can clean the wound and treat it with an over the counter antibiotic ointment or you may need more aggressive treatment from a medical professional. If the redness is spreading, then you will want to consult a doctor, as this is a sign that the infection is spreading.
An infection can range from mild to severe. By being vigilant about your symptoms you can better determine if it is a mild infection or one that needs further medical attention.
