A bacterial infection is made up of a single complicated cell. It has the ability to endure on its own, inside or outside of the body. Most bacteria don’t cause harm. In fact, our bodies contain a variety of bacteria, particularly in the stomach where they aid in digestion. Some germs, however, can lead to illnesses. Bacterial infections can damage the skin, gut, lungs, throat, and many other body parts. Many are minor; a few are serious. Whooping cough, strep throat, ear infections, and urinary tract infections are a few examples of bacterial infections (UTI).
When bacteria enter the body, multiply, and trigger an immune response in the body, a bacterial infection results. Through an opening in your skin, such as a cut or surgical wound, or through your airway, germs can enter your body and cause diseases like bacterial pneumonia.
The location of the infection and the type of bacteria will affect the symptoms of a bacterial infection.
Typical symptoms of bacterial infection include the following:
– fever
– feeling tired or fatigued
– swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, groin or elsewhere
– headache
– nausea or vomiting
Here are some of the signs that you may have a bacterial infection and should see doctor include:
– difficulty breathing
– a persistent cough, or coughing up pus
– unexplained redness or swelling of the skin
– a persistent fever
– frequent vomiting and trouble holding liquids down
– blood in urine, vomit or poo (stool)
– severe stomach pain or severe headache
– a cut or burn that is red or has pus
Antibiotics are an efficient way to treat the majority of bacterial illnesses. They either eradicate bacteria or prevent their growth. This aids the immune system’s ability to combat microorganisms in the body. The antibiotic that your doctor prescribes will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are those that have a broad spectrum of bacterial resistance. Antibiotics should only be prescribed for severe bacterial infections due to the growing issue of antibiotic resistance.
Bacterial infections can be quite contagious, so you should take extra precautions to prevent infection by washing your hands, covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough, and not sharing drink containers.
