What is a chronic infection?
Chronic infection concerns a case that does not respond to treatment that lasts for weeks or which returns despite treatment. In addition, chronic infection can affect virtually any system in the human body, such as urinary, respiratory, gastrointestinal and circulatory system. Examples of chronic infections include chronic ear infections, chronic urinary tract infections and chronic skin infections.
The treatment of chronic infection may include antibiotics. If chronic infection is determined to be related to bacterial organism, the treatment may be an antibiotic. However, if chronic infection is related to the viral organism, antibiotics will not remove the infection. Before prescribing antibiotics, the physician must evaluate the infection and its source to prevent resistant infection in the future.
continuing infections may be the result of a depressive immune system, stress or a highly virulent bacteria strain. In addition, chronic infection may occur when prescribed antibiotics are not inbravely strong or when the patient does not complete his entire prescription. In order to determine which antibiotics are suitable for certain infections, the physician may sometimes order a medical test called a test of culture and sensitivity to determine whether a particular organism will be sensitive to a specific antibiotic.
Some drugs can also contribute to chronic infection. For example, chronic urinary tract infection may be caused by urine retention. When urine is forced to remain in the bladder for a longer period of time, bacteria can grow and cause infection. Among drugs that may contribute to urine retention include antihistamines, medicines against anxiety and painkillers.
If the physician tries to determine whether the patient has acute infection or chronic infection will take into account several factors. One of these factors is the time line of infection. If the infection lasts for more than a few weeks, it is likely to be chronic. In addition, if you tryD is an infection especially resistant to antibiotics or other treatments, it can be determined as chronic.
In general, the treatment of chronic infections and acute infections is similar. However, one of the differences may be the time the patient receives treatment. In acute infections, antibiotics are generally prescribed for 10 days. In chronic infections, a double course of antibiotics may be recommended or different types of antibiotics may be given. Antibiotics can cause diarrhea, nausea and vomiting, but the physician may recommend remedies to reduce the risk of side effects.