Why does endocarditis cause weight loss

If you have a risk of IE the following may help decrease chance of an infection:. Antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures. American Dental Association website. Updated August 5, Accessed January 7, Infective endocarditis. American Heart Association website. Accessed September 6, Updated May 21, Exceptional Nurses Winchester Hospital was the first community hospital in the state to achieve Magnet designation, recognition for nursing excellence.

Supporting Our Community Our tremendous staff gives back to our community by coordinating free health screenings, educational programs, and food drives. What Our Patients are Saying A leading indicator of our success is the feedback we get from our patients. Home Health Library. Infective Endocarditis Definition Infective endocarditis IE is an infection of the inner surface of the heart.

Causes IE may be caused by: Bacteria—most common Fungus The germs may be part of the normal environment in your mouth or on your skin. Certain conditions can make it easier for germs to stick in the heart: Scarred or faulty heart valves Heart conditions that slow blood flow or allow blood to pool Weak immune system Risk Factors The risk of IE is higher with: Heart valve disease—scarring can happen from rheumatic fever or other health problems A heart problem you were born with Prior IE Disease of the heart muscle— cardiomyopathy Having an artificial heart valve IV drug misuse—risk is higher if needles are shared Poor oral health HIV infection Diabetes Prior procedures such as a bronchoscopy Symptoms Symptoms range from mild to serious.

Factors that can influence symptoms include: Exact cause of the infection Amount of infection that's in your blood Structural problems of the heart How well your body can fight infection Overall health General symptoms may include: Fever Chills Tiredness Weakness Weight loss without trying Lack of hunger Aches in your muscles or joints Coughing Problems with breathing Little red dots on the skin, inside the mouth, or under the nails Bumps on the fingers and toes Diagnosis You will be asked about your symptoms and health history.

Testing will include: Blood tests and cultures to find the cause of the infection EKG to test your heart rhythm Imaging tests to look at your heart and other structures: Echocardiogram Chest x-ray CT scan MRI scan Cardiac catheterization Treatment The first goal of treatment is to stop the infection. Medicine Antibiotics will help to fight the infection.

Surgery Surgery may be needed to: To remove infected tissue To fix any heart or valve damage To treat infections that continue despite treatment Prevention IE is not common.

If you have a risk of IE the following may help decrease chance of an infection: Tell your dentist and doctors if you have any heart conditions. Maintain good oral health: Brush your teeth 2 times a day. Floss once a day. Usually, your immune system destroys any harmful bacteria that enter your bloodstream. However, bacteria that live in your mouth, throat or other parts of your body, such as your skin or your gut, can sometimes cause endocarditis under the right circumstances.

A typical heart has two upper and two lower chambers. The upper chambers — the right and left atria — receive incoming blood. The lower chambers — the right and left ventricles — pump blood out of your heart. The heart valves, which keep blood flowing in the right direction, are gates at the chamber openings for the tricuspid and mitral valves and exits for the pulmonary and aortic valves.

You're more likely to develop endocarditis if you have faulty, diseased or damaged heart valves. However, endocarditis does occasionally occur in previously healthy people.

If you're at risk of endocarditis, let all of your doctors know. You may want to request an endocarditis wallet card from the American Heart Association. Check with your local chapter or print the card from the association's website. In endocarditis, clumps made of germs and cell pieces form an abnormal mass in your heart. These clumps, called vegetations, can break loose and travel to your brain, lungs, abdominal organs, kidneys, or arms and legs. If you're at high risk of endocarditis, the American Heart Association recommends taking antibiotics an hour before having any dental work done.

If you have endocarditis or any type of congenital heart disease, talk to your doctor and dentist about your risks and whether you need preventive antibiotics. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission.

The antibiotics must be given long enough and at a strong enough dose to destroy all of the bacteria. At first you will be treated in the hospital. This is so that antibiotics can be given through a vein IV. After your fever is gone and you are stable, you may be able to continue IV antibiotics at home. A home health nurse can help you with this. After you have been treated with IV antibiotics, your doctor may want you to take antibiotic pills. If so, take them exactly as prescribed until they are gone.

If your symptoms come back, call your doctor right away. You probably will need more antibiotics if testing shows that the bacteria were not completely destroyed. Some people who have endocarditis need surgery to repair or replace a heart valve or to prevent complications. If you have any of these heart problems, you may need to take antibiotics before you have some kinds of dental work, surgery, or medical procedures.

The antibiotics lower your risk of getting endocarditis. Your doctor can give you a wallet card to carry that says you need preventive antibiotics. It's also very important to take good care of your teeth and gums every day. Good oral care can limit the growth of mouth bacteria that could get into your bloodstream. Practice good oral hygiene by brushing and flossing your teeth daily. See a dentist twice each year. Author: Healthwise Staff.

Medical Review: Rakesh K. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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