Endocarditis
What is Endocarditis?
Endocarditis is the inflammation of the endocardium. It also is the iinfection of the heart’s inner lining (the endocardium) and valves. It occurs when bacteria in the bloodstream (the bacteremia) lodge on abnormal heart valves or other damaged heart tissue. It typically occurs when bacteria or other germs from another part of your body, such as your mouth, spread through your bloodstream and attach to damaged areas in your heart. This heart disease is very uncommon.
Symptoms
The development of Endocarditis can be slow or sudden. It all depends upon what symptoms occur:
- abnormal heart sounds made by blood rushing through your heart
- blood in urine
- tenderness in your spleen
- fever, chills, night sweats, fatigue, paleness
- swelling in your feet, legs or abdomen
- unexplained weight loss
- Osler's nods
Causes
Since endocarditis occurs when germs enter your bloodstream, travel to your heart, and attach to abnormal heart valves or damaged heart tissue, there are many causes to the effect of getting endocarditis:
- Everyday normal activities such as: chewing food, brushing your teeth can allow bacteria to enter.
- Bacteria may spread from an infected area: skin sore, gum disease, STD, or intenstinal disorder.
- Using a catheter — a thin tube that doctors sometimes use to inject or remove fluid from the body.
- Needles used for tattoos, piercings, drugs ect can send bacteria that can cause endocarditis into your bloodstream.
Treatment
Treatment is very scarce when coming to Endocarditis. They include:
- Antibiotics such as intravenous (IV)
- Surgery, only if your heart valves are damaged by infection
