About this topic
Bacterial endocarditis is an infection in the lining of the heart. Germs normally live in your mouth and on your skin. They also live in your intestines and other parts of your body. If the germs get into the blood, they may infect the heart. This infection may over time involve the heart valves. People who have other heart problems can get this illness. You may also have this illness even if you do not have any other heart problem. ‚
What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Finish all antibiotics, even if you feel better!
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. You may have to get more tests like: ‚
- Echocardiogram
- Blood work
- Chest x-ray
- Electrocardiogram (ECG)
What drugs may be needed?
Ask your doctor what drugs you will need to take. Take all of your drugs as ordered by your doctor. Do not stop taking your drugs until you finish your whole treatment program. ‚
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Irregular heartbeat
- Blood clots
- Infection in the brain
- Brain or nervous system changes
- Congestive heart failure
- Problems with your kidneys
- Jaundice
- Heart valve damage
- Stroke
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Keep your teeth and gums healthy. Brush and floss your teeth two times each day. See your dentist regularly.
- If you have a heart problem, let your doctor know before you go to the dentist.
- Keep all doctor appointments.
- Do not engage in body piercing and tattooing.
- Seek treatment if you use I.V. drugs. Do not share needles or other supplies.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, or sweating.
- Chest pain
- Blood in the urine
- Breathing problems
- Unexplained weight loss
- Weakness, tiredness, or numbness
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what drugs I need to take.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have fever, chest pain, or trouble breathing.
Where can I learn more?
American Heart Association ‚
http://www.heart.org/idc/groups/heart-public/@wcm/@hcm/documents/downloadable/ucm_300297.pdf ‚
FamilyDoctor.org ‚
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/bacterial-endocarditis.html ‚
National Organization for Rare Disorders ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/724/viewAbstract ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚