Superinfection - what is it? How is this pathological condition manifested and how should it be treated? We will answer these and other questions further.
Basic information
Superinfection - what is it? In virology, this term is used to refer to the process as a result of which an infected cell is co-infected with another strain or another virus after some time. In other words, superinfection is an infection following a different infection, including infection with resistant microorganisms. Thus, this condition is caused by a sharp growth of bacteria of a different type than the primary ones.
Endogenous disease
The development of superinfection after taking antibiotic drugs is caused by the instant multiplication of conditionally pathogenic or apatogenic bacteria. This happens against the background of normal microflora suppressed by tuberculostatic drugs, antibiotics and sulfonamide drugs.
An endogenous disease can be caused by Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, as well as anaerobic bacteria, enterobacteria, pathogenic fungi and others.
Such superinfection can affect the urinary, respiratory, biliary tract, mucous membranes, ENT organs, and skin integument. In addition, it often causes brain abscesses and meningitis.
A special case of this pathology is the Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction or the bacteriolysis reaction. Typically, such a disease occurs due to a large amount of endotoxin, which was released as a result of the mass death of microbes due to intensive antibiotic treatment.
Exogenous Superinfection
What causes such reinfection? Superinfection resulting from reinfection can be caused by the same pathogen that previously led the person to develop a primary infection, but with a different sensitivity to antibiotics or new bacteria.
Most often, exogenous diseases arise due to the virus entering the body through the respiratory tract. As you know, in a healthy person, the mucosa of the sinuses and lungs are covered with a protective layer. But after a common cold or flu, it can break. As a result of this, people very often become infected with sinusitis, bacterial sinusitis, pneumonia or tonsillitis.
It should be specially noted that exogenous bacterial superinfection, unlike endogenous, can be easily transmitted by airborne droplets.
Who is affected?
Superinfection is a pathological process that affects people with immature or impaired immunity. These patients include:
- pregnant women;
- elderly people;
- children
- patients with diabetes;
- people with cardiovascular diseases, as well as those on dialysis;
- obese to one degree or another.
It should also be noted that exogenous infections most often affect those who are diagnosed with respiratory diseases such as pulmonary emphysema, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. By the way, heavy smokers also belong to the risk group.
Superinfection: symptoms
Such a disease is always secondary. According to experts, it can occur only against the background of the primary disease.
Its occurrence is indicated by such signs as:
- headache;
- wheezing, shortness of breath, shortness of breath;
- fever and chills;
- cough;
- pain in the intestines or chest;
- pain syndrome, manifested by pressure on the superciliary arches or maxillary sinuses;
- discharge from the nose yellowish-green.
It should be noted immediately that all of the above symptoms of superinfection appear soon after or directly against the background of successful therapy of the primary disease. If such signs occur, you should immediately consult a doctor.
Superinfection: treatment
For the treatment of superinfection, you need to know the exact diagnosis. To do this, contact an experienced specialist. Self-medication with such a disease is contraindicated, since with improper therapy it can be complicated.
In no case, with superinfection, you can not take antibiotics without a doctor's prescription. In this case, gargle with saline three times a day. This procedure reduces the risk of developing the disease by 40%.
It is also recommended to lubricate the nasal mucosa with olive, sesame or any other vegetable oil. Such events will soften the mucous membrane, as well as make it less susceptible to viruses and all kinds of microbes.
Among other things, experts recommend including yoghurts and other fermented milk products with probiotics in their daily diet. By the way, the latter noticeably activate the immune system.
Disease prevention
Due to the fact that the occurrence of superinfection is directly related to the human immune system, strengthening the body's defenses is a sure way to good health.
As you know, immunity is bilayer. The first layer is specific. We get it together with the genes of our parents. As for the second - non-specific, it is developed independently throughout life. By the way, viruses constantly mutate, and the human body is forced to regularly repel their attacks. Therefore, from time to time, he rebuilds his complex defense system, and our duty is to help him in this.
Strengthening the immune system is a snap. It is only necessary to follow the simplest rules. This should be done regularly, throughout life.
- A good way to increase your immunity is to do fitness, sports or dancing.
- A daily stay in the fresh air also improves a person’s well-being. It’s not enough just to go out onto the balcony or look out the window. To improve the immune system, you should actively move and give the body a certain load.
- Quenching. The first rule of hardening is gradualness. Drastic steps such as dousing with cold water may not heal your body, but provoke a cold. As hardening, you can use a contrast shower. But in this case, one should start with small temperature differences.
- Proper nutrition and the use of natural, rich in antioxidants and vitamins food also helps to boost immunity. A person prone to developing superinfection should often include fruits and dairy products in their diet. By the way, the latter well colonize the digestive tract with beneficial bacteria, which allows the patient to feel much better.
- If you feel sick, then use immunomodulators. However, constantly using immunostimulating agents is also not worth it. Their task is to temporarily support the body's defenses. As you know, tinctures of Echinacea, rosehip, Eleutherococcus, ginseng and Chinese magnolia vine strengthen immunity. Before taking these drugs, you should definitely study the instructions, since they have contraindications.
- To prevent the development of superinfection, wash your hands with soap more often, especially in the “viral” season.
To summarize
According to experts, the best way to strengthen the immune system is to rest and have a good mood. It has been scientifically proven that people working without leave and emotionally overloaded are more susceptible to various diseases than others.