Infection refers to the body’s defense against invading microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. This results in infectious diseases with and without clinical symptoms. Infectious diseases range widely, from common childhood illnesses to serious infections that threaten life.
What is an infection?
An infection is caused by microorganisms attacking the body. The pathogens multiply rapidly and spread throughout the body. The body tries to fight off the spread and fight the pathogens, resulting in an infection. Not all bacteria that surround us make us sick. In the intestines or on the skin, they even ensure that we stay healthy and that digestion functions properly. Most infections run their course with only weak symptoms in healthy people with a good immune system. The immune system recognizes the attackers and fights them. Harmless germs are permanently present on our skin, in the digestive tract or on sexual organs, for example, and do not cause any harm in healthy people. If the affected person is weakened by another disease, his organism gets out of balance. A defensive reaction occurs, which weakens the organism. Depending on how strong the defenses are, different symptoms appear. If the defense reaction is too weak, the microorganisms spread further, transfer to important organs via the bloodstream and lead to generalized sepsis.
Causes
Germs are everywhere in our environment and can enter the body in many ways. We pick them up when we swallow, when we touch organic waste, through cuts in our fingers, when we sneeze, or through hand contact and droplet infection with infected people. There is also a risk of infection during surgery. The immune system protects us from infections because we are constantly attacked by viruses and bacteria. If it is weakened or the number of aggressive germs is too high, the defense does not stand a chance. The result is an infectious disease. Allergies, infections and autoimmune diseases weaken the immune system. However, the human organism’s defense system against external attacks is complex. On the one hand, we have anatomical barriers such as the mucous membranes, the first line of defense against attacks. Contrary to what is often assumed, excessive hygiene does not protect us from infections, but makes us more vulnerable because the natural barrier is destroyed. The second instance is the body’s own immune system. Everything that appears threatening to the body is destroyed by the defense cells. The defense reaction usually manifests itself with fever. The normal temperature for humans is between 36 and 37.5 °C. Above 38 °C one speaks of fever. Above 41 °C, the body temperature becomes life-threatening, as cells are destroyed. Although fever is a very important symptom of an infectious disease, it is by no means always present. The immune system also has a memory. After an infection, the immune system becomes stronger because the body can remember certain germs. This protective mechanism works in the same way as vaccination. The vaccination tricks the body into thinking it is infected with germs, so the body develops defenses. If the person is later actually infected by this pathogen, the defense substances react to it. Over time, however, this memory wears off. In the case of allergies, the body’s own defense system is not fully functional. In the case of a dust mite allergy or hay fever, the body’s defenses are directed against substances that are basically harmless. Most people who inhale these substances do not feel anything. An allergic person has no protective antibodies and shows allergic symptoms. In this case, the immune system does not have the ability to learn a defense response and react to the substances in the future.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
Infectious diseases are caused by pathogens and they occur in a very wide range. Infectious diseases range from a simple cold to typical childhood diseases such as measles, chicken pox and rubella to HIV or tropical diseases. Colloquially, they are also called infections, but they are not to be confused with an infection. An infection is the inflammation of a wound. Infectious diseases are accompanied by a wide range of symptoms and have different time courses. They are differentiated according to the origin of the pathogens, the site of entry of the pathogens, the course of infection or the route of transmission.The extent of the infection can also be a distinguishing criterion. Most frequently, infectious diseases are caused by bacteria. Bacteria are responsible, for example, for tuberculosis, meningitis, cholera, plague or Lyme disease. Whooping cough and diphtheria are also transmitted by bacteria and can be life-threatening for young children. Tetanus is caused by very resistant bacteria. Fungal diseases are often found on the eyes, oral mucous membranes and genitals. All classic childhood diseases as well as hepatitis B, influenza, common cold, many colds and AIDS are caused by viruses. Hepatitis B is a contagious liver disease that quickly becomes chronic. Shingles is caused by the same virus as chickenpox, but is much more dangerous. Depending on whether fungi, viruses or bacteria are the triggers, a different therapy is given. For treatment, the pathogen must first be determined. Some pathogens can be protected against by vaccination. However, the most sustainable way to protect oneself is through a strong immune system, which can be positively influenced. We can strengthen it through a balanced diet with fresh fruit and vegetables and exercise in the fresh air. In addition to vitamins, the supply of minerals such as zinc, iron, calcium, potassium and selenium is also important. Infections caused by bacteria are often dangerous and are often treated with antibiotics. Antibiotics do not help with infections caused by viruses. However, there are other medicines that stop the viruses from multiplying.
Complications
In most cases, an infection is caused by bacteria, which can cause various complications. Often, severe and prolonged headaches occur in connection with an infection, which can only be eliminated with the help of appropriate medication. Other possible accompanying symptoms are an increased temperature, fever, nausea, vomiting and severe sore throat or difficulty swallowing. Anyone who leaves these individual symptoms without treatment is, of course, taking a great risk, so that a significant worsening is to be expected. However, anyone who resorts to treatment with the right medication at an early stage can significantly alleviate and combat the above-mentioned clinical pictures. However, those who do not initiate treatment must expect significant complications. The symptoms will increase significantly within a short time, so that the infection will spread throughout the body. It is not uncommon for a severe flu to develop in this context, which poses a great danger without any treatment. Anyone who suffers from a bacterial infection should always resort to drug treatment. This is the only way to avoid serious complications and discomfort. If no treatment takes place, then the above complications will worsen considerably.
Aftercare
Aftercare for an infection depends on the specifics of the particular infectious disease that has been experienced. Infections of the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and upper respiratory tract, for example, show how different infection aftercare can be. Whereas in the case of superficial infections of wounds it is important to facilitate rapid regeneration by avoiding contamination, after internal infections the restoration of the immune system is often an important factor in aftercare. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet and drinking enough fluids. Avoidance of nicotine and alcohol is advisable. In the case of respiratory tract infections, aftercare can also consist of ensuring fresh air, for example by consistently ventilating rooms or taking regular walks. In the case of gastrointestinal infections, the body often first has to be slowly reintroduced to the usual food. Small portions and abstaining from alcohol and nicotine are advisable during the regeneration phase. In the case of infections treated with antibiotics, those affected often complain of disturbed intestinal flora. In this case, patients should ideally eat a gentle diet, which should include avoiding spicy or fatty foods. Yogurt products, possibly taken in consultation with the doctor, can help to rebuild the intestinal flora. Caution should be exercised with sports activities. These should not be resumed until the infection has completely cleared and the patient is able to perform again.
Outlook and prognosis
The prognosis of infection is favorable.When medical care is sought, the spread of the pathogens is stopped as quickly as possible. Subsequently, the causative germs die and are transported out of the organism. Regeneration begins and the body’s own forces are gradually built up. With a stable immune system and sufficient rest, complete freedom from symptoms is achieved within a few weeks. Delays in the recovery process are to be expected if the patient is already suffering from another disease or does not have a healthy immune system. Naturally, this occurs in children or elderly patients. Adverse effects must also be expected if the patient has an unhealthy lifestyle. Without adequate medical treatment, the prognosis worsens in these sufferers. In severe cases, premature death may occur because the organism is weakened and cannot recover sufficiently due to the various impairments. The pathogens spread almost unhindered and the organism ultimately capitulates in the face of the multitude of germs. Adults who lead a healthy lifestyle and have no other illnesses normally experience relief from their symptoms even without medical treatment. Taking into account various self-help measures and with the support of known home remedies or natural remedies, a cure can be documented in a large number of those affected.
This is what you can do yourself
What a patient can do himself in the case of an infectious disease depends on the nature of the symptoms. Most common are infectious diseases associated with cough, hoarseness, cold, headache and fever, which are usually subsumed under the collective term “cold”. Anyone with a cold should take a few days of rest, if possible, drink plenty of fluids, keep warm and eat healthy, vitamin-rich, easily digestible food. Taking vitamin C can additionally strengthen the immune system. Over-the-counter medications from the pharmacy can help against mild accompanying symptoms such as cough or cold. However, as soon as the symptoms get worse, a doctor should be consulted immediately. In autumn and winter, a wave of influenza is also regularly rampant. The symptoms are often very similar to the common cold, but the flu is far more aggressive and the course is usually much more severe and protracted. Flu is also usually highly contagious. For this reason alone, the workplace should not be visited and a doctor should be consulted instead. However, home remedies also help against the high fever that often accompanies flu. In particular, cold calf compresses quickly provide relief. Against many flu pathogens are also offered vaccinations, of which people who belong to a risk group should also make use.
When should you go to the doctor?
A doctor is needed when the affected person has a feeling of illness. Since in most cases of infection within a short time the symptoms increase sharply, a visit to the doctor should be made at the first signs. If there is an increased temperature, fever, sweating, fatigue, vomiting or dizziness, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Problems of the stomach, indigestion, diarrhea or nausea should be investigated and treated. If there is a persistent loss of appetite, general weakness, diffuse pain, or decreased performance, a physician should be consulted. If sleep problems set in, disturbances of heart rhythm, listlessness, or apathy occur, a physician should be sought. In case of heart palpitations, increased or strongly decreased blood pressure as well as a strong sensation of cold or heat, a visit to the doctor is necessary. Changes in the appearance of the skin, swelling of the skin or redness should be examined and treated. In case of headache, listlessness, red eyes, respiratory problems or persistent coughing, a doctor should be consulted. If the individual suffers from rhinitis, difficulty swallowing, sexual dysfunction, or irritation of the skin, a physician should be consulted. If there is pus formation, open wounds or psychological problems, it is advisable to clarify the symptoms. If existing complaints increase or spread in the body, a visit to the doctor should be made immediately.
