About this topic
Bartonellosis is caused by germs that get into the skin. The germs can cause a rash or blisters on the skin. The terms can cause lymph nodes to become bigger. You may have body aches and joint aches. You will have a fever. Some types of bartonellosis can attack red blood cells. Other types of bartonellosis can cause heart or brain problems. ‚
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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.
- Your doctor will give you drugs to treat the infection. Take your drugs on time and as ordered by your doctor.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Talk to your doctor about how to care for your wounds.
- Wash your hands before and after touching your wound.
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. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Lower fever
- 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 can be done to prevent this health problem?
Protect yourself: ‚
- Take extra care around cats and kittens.
- Do not play with cats that are sick.
- If a cat bites, scratches, or licks you, wash the area with soap and water.
- Apply or spray repellent on your skin when outdoors.
- Wear clothes that will cover your arms and legs.
- Place wire screens in your windows and doors to keep flies from going in.
- Sleep under a net and avoid being outdoors in the early morning and at dusk. This is when sand flies are most active. Sand flies are found in the Andes Mountains.
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; foul smell coming from the wound.
- 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 changes I need to make with my diet or drugs.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever or swelling, redness, or warmth around my wound.
Where can I learn more?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ‚
http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/yellowbook/2012/chapter-3-infectious-diseases-related-to-travel/bartonella-associated-infections.htm ‚
National Organization for Rare Diseases ‚
http://www.rarediseases.org/rare-disease-information/rare-diseases/byID/123/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. ‚