Pseudomonas is a bacterium that generally causes severe infections only in people who have weakened immune systems. This means that the most vulnerable are the seriously ill and hospitalized patients. Infections caused by this bacterium are usually treated by taking antibiotics. It can be difficult to find an effective antibiotic because this microorganism is becoming resistant to many of the commonly prescribed drugs. However, it should be easier to eradicate if a sample is taken, sent to a laboratory and analyzed.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Recognizing and Treating a Mild Case of Pseudomonas Infection
Step 1. Recognize a mild case of pseudomonas infection
Pseudomonas usually causes mild symptoms in healthy individuals who have a strong immune system. Infection can be transmitted by water. Cases have been reported of:
- Eye infections in people who use contact lenses for a long time. To avoid this risk, change your contact lens solution instead of adding it. Do not wear contact lenses beyond the period of time recommended by the ophthalmologist or recommended in the package leaflet contained in the package.
- Ear infections in children who have dived in infected water. This type of infection can occur if the presence of chlorine in a pool is not sufficient to properly disinfect the water.
- Skin rashes after using a contaminated hot tub. Generally, this type of rash occurs in the form of itchy, fluid-filled red blisters or blisters around the hair follicles. They may be more violent in areas where the skin has been covered by the swimsuit.
Step 2. Learn to recognize the symptoms of different pseudomonas infections
These signs or symptoms vary based on the area where the infection occurs.
- Infections of the blood are characterized by fever, chills, exhaustion, pain in the muscles and joints. They are extremely serious;
- Lung infections (pneumonia) include symptoms such as chills, fever, productive cough, and difficulty breathing;
- Infections on the skin can cause an itchy rash, bloody ulcers, and / or headache;
- Ear infections could manifest as swelling, earache, itching inside the ear, leaking fluid, and hearing difficulties;
- Eye infections caused by pseudomonas can include the following symptoms: inflammation, pus, swelling, redness, pain in the eye, and visual difficulties.
Step 3. See your doctor to get a diagnosis
Your doctor will likely want to examine the rash and take a sample of the bacteria to send to the laboratory to confirm the diagnosis. This process can be done in two ways:
- Using a swab at the site of infection for sample collection
- Proceeding on a biopsy (option selected seldom)
Step 4. Discuss treatment alternatives with your doctor
If you are in good health, you probably won't need to undergo any treatment. Your immune system will be able to clear the infection on its own. However, your doctor may suggest that you:
- Take an itch medication if you have an itchy rash
- Take antibiotics if you have a severe infection. Your doctor may be more likely to prescribe an antibiotic if the infection is localized to one eye.
Part 2 of 2: Recognizing and Treating the Most Serious Cases
Step 1. See your doctor if you are at risk
Pseudomonas is more dangerous for people who are hospitalized and have weakened immune systems. Newborns are at a higher risk. If you are an adult, the danger may be greater if:
- You are on cancer treatment;
- You have HIV or have contracted AIDS;
- You are subject to the use of a breathing machine;
- You are recovering from surgery;
- You have a catheter;
- You are recovering from a severe burn;
- You suffer from diabetes mellitus;
- You are sick with cystic fibrosis.
Step 2. Tell your doctor if you suspect an infection
Tell your doctor as soon as possible, as you will need quick assistance. Pseudomonas infections can manifest like many other types of infections based on where they are located in the body. Therefore, you may have:
- Pneumonia. It can be connected to an infected breathing machine;
- An eye infection
- An ear infection
- A urinary tract infection transmitted by a catheter
- An infected surgical wound;
- An infected ulcer. It can occur in patients who have been in bed for some time and develop sores;
- An intravenously transmitted infection of the blood.
Step 3. Consult your doctor about medications to take
Your doctor can take a swab sample and send it to the lab to confirm exactly which strain of bacteria infected you. The tests can also be useful in identifying the most effective drugs against the infection found. Pseudomonas, in fact, causes infections that are often resistant to many of the commonly prescribed drugs. With regard to many of the effective medications, it is important for your doctor to know your full clinical picture, especially if you think you are pregnant or have kidney failure. Your doctor can prescribe you:
- Ceftazidime: It is usually effective against the common bacterium called pseudomonas aeruginosa. It can be administered by intramuscular injection or intravenously. In some cases, it is not appropriate in penicillin allergic patients.
- Piperacillin or tazobactam (Tazocin): it is also effective against pseudomonas aeruginosa. It can interact with other medications, so give your doctor a full list of medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and dietary supplements.
- Aminoglycosides (gentamicin, tobramycin, amikacin). The dosage of these drugs is likely to be adjusted according to body weight and kidney health. Perhaps during this drug therapy the doctor will want to monitor the blood values and the level of hydration.
- Ciprofloxacin: can be taken orally or intravenously. Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy or kidney failure, or if you suspect you are pregnant.
- Colistin: can be taken orally, intravenously or by nebulization.
Step 4. Make changes in diet and physical activity according to the recommendations given by your doctor
Probably for some patients, such as those with cystic fibrosis, it will be necessary to change the diet and the level of physical activity in order to follow a correct diet and improve health conditions.
- If you are prone to using a breathing machine, your doctor may recommend a diet that is high in fat but low in carbohydrates. The latter, in fact, can increase the amount of carbon dioxide produced by the body, making breathing difficult when using the special device.
- If you have a systemic infection, you will likely need to reduce your level of physical activity. This is not the case if the infection is localized.
