Bacterial Infections

Bacteria are microscopic, single-cell organisms that live almost everywhere. In general, bacteria are harmless, and some strains are even beneficial. In the human gastrointestinal tract, good bacteria aid in digestion and produce vitamins. The body is less susceptible to harmful pathogens and bacteria when they are present, so they also improve immunity.

What is bacterial Infection?

A bacterial infection is a proliferation of a harmful strain of bacteria on or inside the body. Bacteria can infect any area of the body. Bacteria may also be classified as gram-positive or gram-negative. Gram-positive bacteria have a thick cell wall while gram-negative bacteria do not.

Identification of bacterial strains can be accomplished through Gram staining, bacterial cultures with antibiotic sensitivity tests, and other tests like genetic analysis. It determines the appropriate course of treatment.

Symptoms of Bacterial Infection

The symptoms of bacterial infection depend on its location in the body. Generally, it causes:

• Fever
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, groin, and armpits
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting

Bacterial infections in cuts and wounds causes:

• Redness of the wound
• Swelling or warmth in the affected area
• Tenderness or pain around the wound
• Pus forming around or oozing from the wound
• Fever delayed wound healing and swelling in the lymph

In the Body, Bacterial Infections can Cause:

1. Strep throat. It is an infection of the throat that leads to sore throat, red or white patches in the back of the throat, and loss of appetite.
2. Urinary tract infection. It occurs when bacteria from your rectum or skin enter your urinary tract. It causes a burning sensation when urinating and cloudy urine.
3. Pneumonia. It is an infection that inflames the air sacs in your lungs. It triggers cough, chest pain, sweating or chills, breathing troubles, and fatigue.
4. Food poisoning. It can happen when you consume food or water that contains bacteria. It causes vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and fever.
5. Bacterial meningitis. It is an inflammation of the tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis can cause headaches, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light.
6. Sepsis. It is an untreated bacterial infection that can also put you at risk of developing a life-threatening condition. It causes an extreme reaction in your body.

Diagnosis for Bacterial Infection

Diagnosis includes assessment of medical history to determine STDs. Other diagnostic process includes:

• Pelvic exam
• Blood and urine tests
• Vaginal pH testing
• Swabbing of the affected area
• Stool sample

Treatment for Bacterial Infection

Bacterial infections often get better quickly on their own without treatment. Nonetheless, it is better to treat them with antibiotics and other treatment options from your doctor.