Madonna cancels tour after ‘serious’ bacterial infection lands her in ICU. Know more about the condition

So, what is a bacterial infection, and how dangerous can it get?

Bacteria are single-celled microorganisms that can exist in various environments, including the human body. While many types of bacteria are harmless or even beneficial, certain strains can cause infections and lead to illness, said Dr Shrey Srivastav, MD (Internal Medicine), Sharda Hospital, Noida.

Dr Santosh Pandey, Naturopath and Acupuncturist, Rejua Energy Center, Mumbai said that people can get bacterial infections from a number of sources like food poisoning, skin, ear or sinus infections, bug bites, surgical wounds, bacterial pneumonia or from certain sexually transmitted diseases. “Any bacterial infection that gets deep into the body, as in the blood, heart, lungs or brain, can be life-threatening,” said Dr Pandey.

Dr Srivastav further explained that bacterial infections occur when pathogenic bacteria enter the body and multiply. These can happen through various means. Some of them are:

Direct contact: Bacteria can enter the body through breaks in the skin, such as cuts or wounds.

Inhalation: Bacteria can be inhaled into the respiratory system through droplets in the air, leading to respiratory infections.

Let’s understand about different types of infections (Source: Pixabay)

Ingestion: Consuming contaminated food or water can introduce bacteria into the digestive system.

Sexual transmission: Certain bacteria can be transmitted through sexual contact.

Factors that can increase the risk of bacterial infections include:

A weakened immune system.
Poor hygiene practices.
Crowded living conditions.
Exposure to contaminated environments or individuals.

High fever, pain or discomfort, localised pain, such as a sore throat in the case of a bacterial throat infection (pharyngitis) or pain and swelling in the case of a skin infection and inflammation are common signs of a bacterial infection.

Treatment for bacterial infections typically involves the use of antibiotics, which are medications that can kill or inhibit the growth of bacteria. “The prescribed antibiotic will depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection. It’s important to take the full course of antibiotics as prescribed by a healthcare professional, even if symptoms improve, to ensure complete eradication of the infection and to prevent antibiotic resistance,” said Dr Srivastav.

In addition to antibiotics, Dr Srivastav recommended supportive measures to relieve symptoms and aid recovery. “These can include rest, adequate hydration, over-the-counter pain relievers, and other symptomatic treatments based on the specific infection and its location in the body.”

Prevention of bacterial infections involves practising good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing, proper food handling and preparation, safe sex practices, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle to support a robust immune system. Vaccinations are also available for certain bacterial infections, such as tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, and pneumococcal infections, which can help prevent the onset of these diseases.

Are bacterial infections contagious?

Yes, a lots of bacterial infections can spread from person to person, including bacterial STIs, meningococcal disease, strep throat, and pertussis. Ticks, mosquitoes, and foodborne infections are typically not spread through contact, said Dr Shobha Gupta, medical director and infertility specialist from Mother’s Lap IVF Centre New Delhi and Vrindavan. Not only that, but bacterial infections can also result in pelvic inflammatory disorders (PID), an infection of the uterus that raises the possibility of infertility (the inability to become pregnant),” said Dr Gupta.

How can bacterial infection lead to ICU stay?

When the infection becomes severe and potentially life-threatening, it requires close monitoring and intensive medical intervention.

Dr Srivastav said that bacterial infections that may result in ICU admission can affect various parts of the body. Some such bacterial infections are listed below.

Pneumonia: Severe cases of bacterial pneumonia, such as those caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or Staphylococcus aureus, can lead to respiratory failure and the need for ICU care.

Sepsis: Bacterial sepsis occurs when an infection spreads throughout the bloodstream, leading to a systemic inflammatory response. This condition can progress rapidly, causing organ dysfunction and requiring intensive care management.

Meningitis: Bacterial meningitis, an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, can lead to significant neurological complications. Severe cases may require ICU admission for close monitoring and treatment.

Urinary tract infections (UTIs): While most UTIs can be managed with antibiotics on an outpatient basis, severe cases with complications, such as kidney infections (pyelonephritis) or bloodstream infections (urosepsis), may necessitate ICU care.

Intra-abdominal infections: Infections in the abdominal cavity, such as peritonitis or abscesses, can lead to sepsis and potentially require ICU admission for surgical intervention and intensive care.

Skin and soft tissue infections: Certain severe bacterial skin and soft tissue infections, like necrotising fasciitis or cellulitis with systemic signs of infection, may require ICU monitoring and surgical intervention.

“The decision to admit a patient to the ICU depends on various factors, including the severity of the infection, the patient’s overall health, the presence of organ dysfunction, and the potential need for intensive medical support,” said Dr Srivastav.

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