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Septic Arthritis

Septic Arthritis

Septic Arthritis is also known as bacterial arthritis and is a condition caused by bacterial infection of the joint space. The infection may be located at the affected joint or may have traveled through the bloodstream. Micro-organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and group B streptococci are often the cause for this form of arthritis. This medical condition must be treated immediately lest it destroy the affected joint. The knees and hip are most often affected by septic arthritis. But sometimes the shoulder, wrist, elbow or ankles are affected. Often septic arthritis is noticed in persons who have had traumatic injury to the joint or fitted with an artificial joint. Diabetes and rhematoid arthritis can put a person at higher risk for septic arthritis. Poor immune system and intravenous drug abuse are other conditions that put a person at additional risk of contracting septic arthritis. Septic arthritis manifests with symptoms such as intense joint pain and swelling of the affected joint. Swelling on the affected joint makes it very tender and redness is noticed. Low grade fever is also noticed.

Aspiration of snyovial fluid and its culture helps in diagnosing septic arthritis. X-rays may not help in detecting this form of arthritis in the early stages. Draining the increased synovial fluid from the affected joint can help in relieving pressure and reduce symptoms of septic arthritis. The damage to the affected joint can be arrested once the fluid is drained. Blood tests can help in prescribing the right antibiotics to find the type of bacteria that is causing the infection. In the early stages of treatment, the antibiotics are directly injected into the vein. But the antibiotic treatment must be continued till the infection is completely eliminated. While warm compresses and elevation gives some relief to a person suffering from septic arthritis, rest will also do good. The affected joint may be rehabilitated with supportive exercises.

Gastroenteritis

You have devoured your favorite shrimp salad at dinnertime. In a few hours you might be racked by stomach cramps and diarrhea. You will probably experience vomiting and low grade fever too. This is a classic case of gastroenteritis - a condition where the intestines are inflamed due to bacterial or viral infection. Gastroenteritis infection can also be caused due to food poisoning, food allergy, intestinal parasites, viral infection, medication or food consumed while you are traveling. Gastroenteritis can affect anyone but it is usually more severe in infants, the elderly and immunosuppressed people. Gastroenteritis in children can be serious if left unattended. It is the leading cause of death among children worldwide.

Viral and Bacterial Gastroenteritis

Viral gastroenteritis is caused by a viral infection that affects the stomach and intestines. In fact, viral gastroenteritis is one of the most common ailments in the U.S. A person can contract this viral gastroenteritis infection from contaminated food or drinking water. Within a few hours, the first symptoms are noticed. While viral gastroenteritis infections usually clear up without medicines within a few days, bacterial gastroenteritis needs to be treated. Rotavirus is the most common cause for viral gastroenteritis. It affects infants and young children and can surface as an outbreak during some seasons. Rotavirus can also affect other age groups. The Norwalk Virus is another cause of infectious gastroenteritis. It is common in school-going children. Viral gastroenteritis is usually treated with self care measures. Bacterial gastroenteritis infection can be caused by Salmonella, Escherichia coli (E coli), Campylobacter or Shigella. These bacteria can be found in poulty, eggs or meat. Once they enter the body, they multiply and produce toxins. After a few hours of eating, symptoms of bacterial gastroenteritis appear.A stool assay can help in identifying the specific agent for the gastroenteritis and aid treatment.

Treating Gastroenteritis

Usually the reaction to gastroenteritis infections hinges on your immune system’s ability to resist the infection. A person suffering from gastroenteritis will probably feel nauseous and experienced a bloated feeling. Abdominal cramps and mild to severe watery stools may be noticed for a couple of days. Severe cases of gastroenteritis can result in dehydration. Signs of dehydration to look out for are dry skin, excessive thirst and absense of urination for many hours. If a person suffering from gastroenteritis experiences severe abdominal pain or high fever or blood in the stools, consult a health professional at once. With little children, it is essential to give them clear fluids to replace lost fluids due to vomitting and diarrhea. Infants can be breast fed normally. Gastroenteritis can be very serious in infants. If you notice dry mouth, sunken eyes and irritability, consult a doctor immediately.

Drink plenty of water and fluids to restore fluid and salt requirements of the body

Avoid milk and dairy products

Take adequate rest till symptoms persist

Consume bland foods and avoid spicy foods, fried foods and alcohol

Consume electrolyte solutions

Avoid aspirin and ibuprofen as they irritate the gastrointestinal system

Avoid sharing food and water and utensils with others for fear of spreading the infection

Labyrinthitis

A patient suffering from Labyrinthitis experiences severe vertigo and subsequent dizziness and imbalance. There is disequilibrium and spinning attacks. Labyrinthitis is a mild condition that is caused by viral or bacterial infection. Often this condition follows a bout of cold and flu or allergy or drugs that are toxic to the inner ear. It occurs when there is an inflammation in the labyrinth of the ear. Since the sense of balance and hearing hinge on the delicate structure of the inner ear, any dysfunction can lead to symptoms associated with labyrinthitis. Usually the symptoms pass away in a few weeks. However, a severe case of Labyrinthitis can damage your sense of balance and hearing.

Labyrinthitis manifests with symptoms such as lightheadedness, imbalance and feeling of being pushed either forwards, backwards or sideways. There may be nausea, fatigue and reduced immunity. Labyrinthitis may bring on uncontrollable flickering of the eyes and momentary deafness. A patient suffering from Labyrinthitis is likely to face problems with memory and thinking abilities. Depression and anxiety may also set in.

A physician will conduct a physical examination to check for dizzines and vertigo. Antibiotics are prescribed for bacterial infections. Hearing and eye tests may be conducted in severe cases. A mild case of Labyrinthitis lasts for a couple of weeks.

Take good rest

Drink plenty of water

Reduce bright lights, noise and stress around you

Reduce intake of salt and sugar

Avoid smoking, caffeine, alcohol and chocolate