About this topic
Melioidosis is caused by a germ that often stays in dirt and water. This disease is most often found in tropical areas. You may have a sore on your skin or a scrape. If the sore comes in contact with dirt or water that is contaminated, you may get this illness. You may also breathe in or swallow water with the germ in it. Very rarely is this illness spread from one person to another. ‚
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.
- Put a cool mist humidifier in your room. Use 2 to 3 pillows under your shoulders when you sleep. These may help make your breathing easier.
- Drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluids each day. This will help replace any fluids that are lost from your fever. Suck on ice chips, popsicles, or lozenges to ease throat pain.
- Talk to your doctor about when you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving.
What follow-up care is needed?
- Your condition needs close monitoring. Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits.
- Your doctor may send you to a rehab center to get your breathing strength back.
What lifestyle changes are needed?
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Stop smoking. Smoking can make your signs worse.
- Eat healthy foods. This can help your body stay strong. Good eating habits are very important when you are sick. Talk to a dietician about good foods to eat when you are not feeling well.
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Lower fever
- Help you breathe easier
- Help with pain
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?
- Pus in the lungs
- The infection can spread to the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, joints, blood, and eyes. It can cause serious damage to these organs. Without proper care, death can happen.
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- If you work in an area known to have melioidosis, wear boots or shoes high enough to prevent direct contact with soil.
- If you have an open wound on your feet or legs, wear proper shoes and clothing that can prevent soil or water from touching your wound.
- If you plan to travel to a country where melioidosis is common, ask your doctor what you need to do.
- Take extra care when working with soil and standing water if you have diabetes or kidney disease.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills.
- Signs of wound infection. These include swelling, redness, warmth around the wound; too much pain when touched; yellowish, greenish, or bloody discharge.
- Worsening of breathing problems
- Worsening of chest pain
- Chest pain with cough and mucus
- Health problem is not better 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 may help ease my breathing.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have trouble breathing or chest pain.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://www.cdc.gov/melioidosis/ ‚
International Association for Medical Assistance to Travellers ‚
http://www.iamat.org/disease_details.cfm?id=77 ‚
Queensland Health ‚
http://access.health.qld.gov.au/hid/InfectionsandParasites/BacterialInfections/melioidosis_is.asp ‚
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. ‚