Diseases that provoke pathogens belong to a special category. This is due to the conditionally pathogenic nature of staphylococcus. Bacteria of this type are always present in the human body and are activated during a period of impaired immunity.
That is why it is important to recognize the symptoms of staphylococcus in a timely manner in order to conduct complex treatment and prevent the occurrence of irreparable health consequences.
Features of the disease
Before determining what the symptoms of staphylococcus can be (photos of people who have encountered this ailment are presented in the article), you need to know exactly what the disease is and how it is characterized. An infection develops in the body due to the penetration of pathogenic strains of microorganisms or their entry into those organs where their presence is simply unacceptable.
It is worth remembering that these bacteria are very resistant to external factors and retain their ability to live for several months, even in frozen or dry form. In the process of its existence, these bacteria secrete various toxins that can affect the skin, digestive organs and white blood cells.
Another vital product of these microbes are special substances that inhibit human immunity. As a result of this, bacteria begin to multiply actively. Symptoms of staphylococcus are not always able to be recognized in a timely manner, however, it is worth noting that this infection can provoke the occurrence of pathologies of almost all organs and systems.
Causes of occurrence
Infection with staphylococcus is not so simple, since it is always present in the human body and does not always provoke the occurrence of unpleasant consequences. In order for the bacterium to become active, it is necessary to provide a combination of such factors in the body as:
- deterioration of the immune system;
- the presence of a focus of infection;
- a certain concentration of bacteria.
Symptoms of staphylococcus are observed almost immediately after infection, therefore, it is important to recognize the presence of the disease in a timely manner and conduct complex treatment that will help normalize well-being.
Types of Staphylococcus
Before you determine what symptoms of staphylococcus in adults, you need to know exactly the main types of this disease, and what each of them is characterized by. There are several different types of this bacterium, however, only 2 of them pose a health hazard and 2 are considered conditionally pathogenic. In particular, it is worth highlighting such species as:
- epidermal;
- golden;
- hemolytic;
- saprophytic.
The epidermal type is considered the most common and is always present on the mucous membranes and skin of a person. The development of the disease is possible only with a decrease in immunity and transplantation of internal organs. Symptoms of Staphylococcus aureus are quite pronounced, and this type of bacterium is considered the most dangerous. It provokes the development of infectious diseases of the skin, nasopharynx and internal organs.
The hemolytic type refers to bacteria that are present in the blood of a healthy person and are activated only when the immune system deteriorates. Saprophytic staphylococcus is a low-risk species. In some cases, it can lead to the development of cystitis in women and urolithiasis.
It is worth noting that after the treatment of staphylococcus, the immunity to these bacteria is unstable and therefore, you can become infected even several times.
The main symptoms
Penetrating into the body, bacteria begin to multiply, and almost immediately pronounced symptoms of staphylococcus appear, since microbes produce toxins, leading to the formation of various pathologies.
Signs of infection can be very different, it all depends on the input of bacteria, the state of the immune system, as well as many other factors. Often, the symptoms of staphylococcus in adults resemble signs of poisoning with poor-quality products, as there are abdominal pain and diarrhea. In addition, headache, vomiting may appear.
For example, among the main symptoms of staphylococcus in infants, signs of dysbiosis, which are accompanied by very severe diarrhea, as well as skin rashes, can be distinguished. All this should greatly alert and become the reason for seeking medical help.
In addition, such manifestations of an infectious process as:
- diseases of the skin;
- frequent cystitis;
- conjunctivitis;
- pneumonia;
- angina;
- mastopathy
- enterocolitis;
- blood poisoning.
Staphylococcus aureus, which is one of the most dangerous infections, often provokes all these symptoms.
Damage to the skin
Symptoms and treatment of staphylococcus largely depend on the area of localization of pathogens, their subspecies and level of aggressiveness. In adults, this disease can affect almost all tissues and systems of the body, provoking the occurrence of diseases of a general or local nature.
Very often, damage to the skin is observed, as a result of which, abscesses are formed. With minor infection, there may be folliculitis, and with the penetration of bacteria into the deeper layers of the skin - boils. If subcutaneous tissue is affected, carbuncles may form. The site of localization of inflammation is mainly the buttocks, neck, face and thighs.
Symptoms of staphylococcus in children under one year of age can manifest as Ritter's disease. As a result of the penetration of the infection into the body, redness occurs on the skin, and individual layers also begin to exfoliate.
Due to the effects of toxic substances, large blisters filled with sulfuric liquid can form on the skin. Purulent inflammation develops in the deeper layers of the dermis. An abscess is expressed in the formation of a capsule filled with purulent substance. In the presence of phlegmon, pus spreads between the tissues.
Damage to internal organs
If staphylococcus occurs in the throat, symptoms in adults are expressed in purulent lesions of the tonsils. As a result of this, a sore throat can be observed, which is accompanied by pain in the throat, as well as the presence of a white coating on the glands.
Staphylococcus in the nose can be observed quite often. Symptoms in this case are manifested in the form of nasal congestion and a runny nose. This is characteristic for the course of rhinitis. Symptoms of staphylococcus in the throat can also be expressed in the course of pharyngitis. This disease provokes the occurrence of pain when swallowing, constant perspiration, redness of the pharynx and dry cough.
When infection penetrates into the lungs, pneumonia develops. It proceeds quite hard and provokes damage to the lung tissue. Among the main signs can be noted the intoxication of the body, as well as the presence of pain in the chest area. In the lung tissue itself, multiple purulent lesions form, gradually developing into abscesses. This type of microorganism is immune to antibiotic therapy and often leads to death of the patient.
If bacteria enter the brain, then they provoke the development of purulent meningitis and abscesses. These are quite serious and critical complications, which are difficult to get rid of. They do not completely pass through and leave behind life-long consequences, which often lead to a person’s disability. Symptoms of the course of the infection are expressed in the form of headaches, vomiting, fever, nausea and signs of a neurological nature.
When exposed to the heart, the infection causes endocarditis. Inflammation in the lining of the heart muscle is characterized by a sharp increase in temperature, the occurrence of heart murmurs and weight loss.
Symptoms of staphylococcus in the intestine are manifested in the form of gastroenteritis. This disease is inflammation in the small intestine or stomach. In addition, there may be enterocolitis - inflammation in the intestines. As a result of this, the patient feels bloated, abdominal pain. Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting are also observed.
When exposed to the organs of the genitourinary system, inflammation of the kidneys or bladder is observed. The patient is often worried about the urge to the toilet, and during urination there are painful sensations and pains in the back. With a particularly aggressive effect of bacteria, sepsis can develop, which simultaneously affects all the organs and systems of the patient.
Diagnostics
Diagnosis of staphylococcus is based on the determination of the type of bacterium, as well as its specific strain, so that you can choose the most effective methodology for treatment.
Infection can be detected in blood and urine cultures, as well as in the analysis of feces for dysbiosis. In addition, a preliminary diagnosis can be made based on the existing symptoms of the disease.
Treatment feature
Staphylococcus is very often observed in adults. Symptoms and treatment of infection caused by these pathogens can be very different. In order to quickly and effectively get rid of existing disorders, it is necessary to adhere to complex therapy aimed at suppressing infection and treating the underlying disease. In particular, techniques such as:
- antibiotic therapy;
- surgical intervention;
- drug therapy.
In the presence of purulent formations on the skin, surgical intervention is indicated. Mandatory use of medications aimed at the destruction of pathogens. Antibiotics will help eliminate staphylococci, however, only the attending doctor can prescribe them, taking into account the available indications, as well as the characteristics of the patient's body. Self-medication can only aggravate the condition of the patient and lead to even greater violations. Treatment can be based on the use of antibiotic groups such as:
- penicillins;
- cephalosporins;
- lincosamides;
- macrolides.
The most common antibiotics from the penicillin series are: “Cloxacillin”, “Amoxicillin”, “Ampioks”, “Oxacillin”. Cephalosporins are prescribed for the treatment of purulent course of the disease and in the presence of inflammation. The most popular drugs of this group are Cefazolin, Cefotaxime, Cephalexin. Macrolides can very quickly penetrate the infection site and well eliminate staphylococcus. Among the most popular drugs in this group, Erythromycin or Clarithromycin should be distinguished.
Antibiotics can be prescribed for internal use, as well as for intravenous and intramuscular injections. To carry out this type of treatment, you must first determine the sensitivity of bacteria to a certain type of antibiotic. It is important to remember that staphylococcus can be killed only by strictly adhering to the dosage and course of treatment with the prescribed drug.
To restore the skin, lubricate the affected areas with topical agents. To eliminate the infection in the nasopharynx, rinsing with a solution of chlorophyllipt is indicated. In addition, it is necessary to increase immunity and normalize the hormonal background of the body, as well as restore metabolic processes.
The use of traditional medicine
In addition to medications, you can also use traditional medicine, which in combination with traditional treatment, guarantee a very good result. For therapy, you can use infusions and decoctions of medicinal herbs for rinsing. Such plants as cope well with pathogens:
- plantain;
- black currant;
- rosehip;
- liquorice root;
- plantain;
- eucalyptus.
You can make decoctions based on one or several herbs at once. To do this, pour 2 tbsp. l herbal collection of 1 liter of boiling water and boil over low heat for 10 minutes. In the fight against Staphylococcus aureus, a catchment basin or a golden thorn has proven itself very well.
In addition, you can treat with juice, taking them several times a day. Juices from blackcurrant, celery root and parsley, apricot juice or puree from this fruit provide a good effect.
In the presence of infection, special healing baths are indicated on the skin. To carry out this procedure, you need to apply a decoction of the string.
In the course of treatment, it is imperative to follow a special diet aimed at increasing immunity, as well as consume a lot of warm liquid, for faster removal of toxins from the body.
Possible complications
Staph infection is a very big health hazard. If it is not detected in a timely manner and high-quality complex therapy is not carried out, then quite dangerous complications may develop, in particular such as:
- relapse of respiratory diseases;
- exacerbation of diabetes, arthritis;
- blood poisoning.
In addition, streptococcal infection helps other bacteria enter the body, such as pneumococcus or streptococcus. The course of meningitis can lead to irreversible consequences, since nerve fibers are affected. There may also be inflammation of the tissues of the heart muscle.
These are very dangerous conditions, therefore, it is necessary to prevent the development of streptococcal infection, as well as timely treatment of existing diseases.
Prophylaxis
Preventive measures are aimed at strengthening the body, as well as compliance with basic sanitary and hygienic standards. In addition, you need to monitor the quality and freshness of the food consumed. Among the main methods of prevention, vaccination should be noted, which will help to provide comprehensive and reliable protection against infection.
Staphylococcus is very dangerous for humans, as it can provoke serious complications. It is absolutely necessary to conduct treatment of this type of infection under the strict supervision of a specialist. It is worth remembering that it is impossible to completely get rid of staphylococci and in small quantities they do not bring any harm.