A guide to understanding infections
When anyone in the family gets a cut, bruise or bump, who is the first person they turn to for help and guidance? Mom, of course. As we celebrate Mother’s Day this month, we recognize that women in many households are the first line of defense, and very often the caregivers for their family. So it’s important to understand how infections affect us, and how to prevent them.
Infections are caused by microscopic organisms that penetrate the body’s natural barriers and multiply to create symptoms. Although progress has been made to eradicate or control many infectious diseases, humankind remains vulnerable to a wide array of organisms.
Common ways in which infections enter the body include through skin contact; inhalation of microbes; ingestion of contaminated food or water; bites from vectors, such as ticks or mosquitoes; sexual contact; and transmission from mothers to their unborn children via the birth canal and placenta.
Some infections affect the entire body. Other infections affect only one organ or system of the body. But they can cause serious illnesses if they affect vital organs, such as bacterial infections (pneumonia, infected wounds), viral infections (influenza) and fungal infections (yeast).
Infectious diseases are diagnosed by noting the physical symptoms, and taking the medical history of the patient. There are various tools that help diagnose a particular infection, including blood tests, X-rays, stool samples, and a urinalysis.
Treatment
The development of antibiotics and other antimicrobials has played an important role in the fight against infections. Treatments consist of medicines—usually antibiotics—to help battle the infection and prevent it from returning. These medicines may be given to you orally (pills or liquids), or administered into your veins.
Prevention
Modern vaccines are among our most effective strategies to prevent disease. Many devastating diseases can now be prevented through appropriate immunizations. Be aware that travelers to foreign countries may require special vaccinations. These are the reasons why your doctor will recommend a vaccination regimen for you and your children.
Dr. Ricardo Postigo specializes in infectious disease, internal medicine, wound care, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy at Heartland Regional Medical Center in Marion, Ill. He can be reached at Sima Internal Medicine, 3331 W. Deyoung St., Suite 305, Marion. Call (618) 998-0013 for more information.