Bacterial Infections

Recently Answered

• QWhat are the treatment options for septic arthritis?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  First, septic arthritis is treated with antibiotics to kill the infection causing the condition. The antibiotics are typically given through an IV at first, to maximize their effect. Additionally, your doctor may drain some of the fluid or pus from the joint to minimize permanent damage.

  The type of antibiotics your doctor will give you depends on the type of infection causing the septic arthritis. In many cases, your doctor will start you on antibiotics before the laboratory can confirm what type of infection you have; in this case, you doctor may change your antibiotics once a confirmation is made. Over-the-counter analgesics (like ibuprofen and acetaminophen) can be used to treat the pain.

  There are no alternative treatments for septic arthritis; the infection causing the condition must be treated by antibiotics. If septic arthritis is left untreated, the infection can destroy the joint permanently, leading to osteoarthritis or joint deformity. IF you suspect you have septic arthritis, contact your doctor right away.

• QHow is septic arthritis diagnosed?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  The primary symptoms of septic arthritis are swelling and pain in the affected joint. Sometimes septic arthritis also causes a fever, especially because of the infection that causes septic arthritis. Septic arthritis most commonly affects the knees and hips.

  If you have the symptoms of septic arthritis or another infection, you should speak with your doctor immediately.

  Once diagnosed with septic arthritis, the first thing your doctor will do is remove some of the fluid from the joint with a needle for testing. The laboratory will test this fluid for infection. Diagnosis of septic arthritis can also be determined through blood tests to check for bacteria in the bloodstream.

  Left untreated, septic arthritis can become a serious concern. In most cases, swift treatment with antibiotics can clear up the offending infection. However, in cases where the infection is left untreated, permanent damage to the joint may occur. This permanent damage can lead to osteoarthritis or a deformity, both of which have life-long painful consequences.

• QWhat is septic arthritis?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Septic arthritis, also known as infectious arthritis, is caused by an infection in a joint. The infection is typically caused by bacteria, though viruses and fungi can also cause septic arthritis. The bacteria, virus or fungi travel through the bloodstream from infected tissue to the joint, causing an infection that creates pain, swelling and fever.

  Septic arthritis can occur in someone at any age, though certain risk factors, such as artificial joints or certain diseases, skew more toward adults. In children, septic arthritis is more likely to occur in children under three years old. Septic arthritis is least common in children from the age of three through adolescence.

  Septic arthritis is a very treatable condition, and will not last long if treated with antibiotics. If left untreated, however, septic arthritis can cause life-long damage to the affected joint, such as osteoarthritis or a joint deformity. If you suspect you have septic arthritis, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

• QWhat causes septic arthritis?

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  A Sigma Nursing answered

  Septic arthritis is caused by bacteria, and less commonly viruses or fungi, that spread from an infection to the joint. Joints can also be infected during surgery or through an injury. When the joint is infected, the joint becomes inflamed. Infection by bacteria may also cause the cartilage in the joint to break down.

  It is possible to develop septic arthritis as an adult. Many of the risk factors for septic arthritis—artificial joints, diabetes or a weak immune system—are found in adults. If you believe you are suffering the symptoms of septic arthritis, contact your doctor.

  If you are suffering from an infection, it's important to be careful. If you injure a joint, you are at a higher risk for developing septic arthritis. Additionally, an infection can be spread to the joint during surgery or an injury. If you have a compromised immune system or another type of joint condition, you are also at a higher risk for septic arthritis.

  If you are undergoing surgery, talk to your doctor about how to avoid septic arthritis.

• QWhat are some reasons that I should wait before starting a family?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  There are a number of reasons why you may want to wait before starting a family. Children are expensive. That's why it's not unreasonable for you to want to wait to get pregnant until you feel confident that your career and finances are stable enough to start a family. When you're in your twenties, you may still be establishing yourself or figuring out a career path. You may have debts like college loans to pay off. And if you take time off to have a baby when you're young, it may be hard to get back on track. 

  When you have a child later in life, you can potentially earn more and have more career opportunities at your feet. Also, younger couples may not be ready for the sacrifices and patience required to parent kids, who can be emotionally and physically taxing. When you have kids at an older age, you're likely more willing to accept the changes that come with having a child. You also may bring more wisdom and perspective to the table.

  Having a child can take its toll on your marriage, especially if you're young. You lack the life experience to know that the tough, early days with a baby are temporary. Mom may feel overwhelmed and Dad may feel abandoned because his wife is now spending all her time with a baby. 

  It's okay if you want to tackle some tasks and experiences before you try to get pregnant. Maybe that means traveling as much as possible, owning a two-door convertible sports car, eating at five-star restaurants, sleeping in on the weekends or seeing movies on opening night. Doing such things before you have kids may leave you with fewer regrets after you start a family. 

  This content originally appeared on HealthyWomen.org.

• QWhat is an ovulation kit?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  An ovulation kit is an over-the-counter test that helps women track ovulation. It measures the levels of LH, or luteinizing hormone, in the urine. LH, which is produced by the pituitary gland, is made all the time. More LH is produced 24 to 48 hours before ovulation, and that LH surge triggers ovulation. The test should be done the same time each day for a few days to get optimal results. Ovulation kits are not 100 percent accurate. Some health conditions can cause a false positive and some medications can lower LH levels.

  This content originally appeared on HealthyWomen.org.

• QWhat are some tips for discussing sexual assault with my child in college?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  When discussing sexual assault with your child in college, here are some topics you may want to touch on:

  • Make sure both girls and boys understand what "consent" means.
  • Discuss campus safety options, like safe rides or escorts, emergency phones and crime reporting procedures.
  • Talk about campus medical and mental health services and the university staff that may be available to help, from resident advisors and student deans to campus police.
  • Provide information about national hotlines that offer help with things like physical or substance abuse or anxiety and depression.
  • Talk about how sexual assaults most often occur between people who know each other. Discuss what your child can do to be safe in social and dating situations.
  • Rather than telling your teens not to go to parties or drink or do drugs, discuss the potential consequences of those actions. Talk about what they can do to avoid being vulnerable, like never leaving a drink unwatched and having a buddy system to make sure they get home safely.
  • Emphasize that if something does occur, it is never the victim's fault. Tell them they can always come to you when they need help or feel uncomfortable about a situation involving them or someone they know.

  And remind them to always trust their gut.

  This content originally appeared on HealthyWomen.org.

• QDo rape survivors often experience PTSD?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  A study of women who were raped found that 94 out of 100 experienced symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) during the two weeks following the event. But the feelings can linger long beyond that: Nine months later, almost one-third were still dealing with the pattern of symptoms that included nightmares, jumpiness, irritability, difficulty sleeping and concentrating and negative thoughts and feelings.

  This content originally appeared on HealthyWomen.org.

• QWhat is sexual coercion?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  Sexual coercion is unwanted sexual activity that happens after someone is tricked, pressured or forced nonphysically.

  Examples include:

  • Lying or threatening to spread rumors about a person
  • Making a person feel like it's too late to say no
  • Threatening a person's children, relatives, job, school, home or career

  This content originally appeared on HealthyWomen.org.

• QCan I have sex while being treated for bacterial vaginosis (BV)?

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  A HealthyWomen answered

  If you're being treated for bacterial vaginosis (BV) it's best to wait about seven days after treatment ends to resume sexual relations. Check with your healthcare provider to confirm you're cleared to have sex.

  This content originally appeared on HealthyWomen.org.