In medicine, a superinfection is understood to be a secondary infection. In this case, a bacterial infection usually follows a viral infection.
What is a superinfection?
The term superinfection comes from Latin and means overinfection. In virology, the term serves to describe a viral infection of a cell. In this case, the secondary infection is manifested by a different strain of the same pathogen. Likewise, co-infection with another virus is possible. In medicine, the term superinfection is mostly used for a secondary infection. This is usually a viral infection followed by a bacterial infection. Sometimes the term superinfection is also used for infections whose promotion occurs through non-infectious chronic diseases. Typical examples of superinfection include secondary bacterial infection following viral bronchitis. In this case, there is a risk that the bronchitis will progress to life-threatening pneumonia. However, chronic circulatory disorders that occur in the context of diabetes mellitus and cause ischemia of the foot can also lead to a superinfection such as diabetic foot. Another example of a superinfection is atopic dermatitis. In this condition, which is associated with thinning and weakening of the skin, a secondary infection with fungi such as [[[Trichophyton]] rubrum or bacteria such as staphylococci is conceivable.
Causes
Superinfection is caused by another infection. Thus, a bacterial superinfection is a complication of a viral infection such as an influenza or flu (influenza). The common cold is always caused by viruses. However, the bacteria can take advantage of the weakness of the human immune system during this infection and infect the diseased tissue a second time, which then leads to a secondary or superinfection. Typical superinfections in the case of an influenza infection are sinusitis and otitis media. In these cases, the pathogens enter the sinuses from the nose or the middle ear from the eustachian tube (eustachian tube). In addition, other secondary infections such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, pleurisy or pneumonia may occur. The cold or flu viruses put a great strain on the human immune system. Thus, the immune system must find a suitable reaction to the pathogens. However, this makes it easier for the bacteria to attack, because the immune cells deal with the defense against the viruses. For example, the immune messengers are newly formed and other factors of the immune defense suffer from exhaustion. In particular, mucous membranes in the nose and bronchial tubes are an easy target for bacteria because the cilia on the upper mucosal cells have already been destroyed by the viruses. Normally, the small hairs transport invading microbes out of the organism again. However, when they are destroyed, the bacteria can stick and attack the second cell line, causing inflammation. Contact with bacteria from the environment is not necessary for the outbreak of a superinfection. Thus, the germs may already be present in the body, but have so far been successfully kept in check by the defense system. The viral infection then leads to a disturbance of the balance.
Symptoms, complaints and signs
The symptoms of a superflu infection always begin with the typical symptoms of a cold. These include a cold, sore throat, cough and sneezing. In the further course, other complaints such as headache, pressure sensations in the sinuses or bronchitis may be added. A typical sign of a secondary bacterial infection is a green-yellowish secretion from the affected mucosa. In addition, affected individuals often suffer from fever. In the case of a middle ear infection, ear pain or tinnitus appear. In addition, the patient’s feeling of illness increases and coughing up is difficult. Other secondary infections occur much less frequently, but can have dramatic consequences. For example, diabetes carries the risk of diabetic foot, which develops from poorly healing wounds. In the worst case, surgery or even amputation may then be necessary.
Diagnosis and course of the disease
If signs such as purulent rhinitis or purulent tonsillitis appear, a visit to the doctor is unavoidable. The latter performs a physical examination and looks at the patient’s medical history. In addition, the tonsils are checked for any white coatings, which are an indication of bacterial tonsillitis (inflammation of the tonsils). Blood tests looking for inflammatory markers are also considered helpful. If pneumonia is suspected, an x-ray may be performed. Rarely, bronchoscopy (lungoscopy) or computed tomography is also needed. Superinfection increases the risk of complications. In addition, the healing process is delayed, making the disease last longer.
Complications
The so-called superinfection itself represents the complication of an influenza infection or influenza flu. Because the patient’s immune system is weakened due to the viral cold, bacteria can now infect the diseased tissue and cause a secondary infection. The course of a superinfection is much more severe than the course of an influenza infection. Due to the bacterial complication, there is a risk of further illnesses such as sinusitis, purulent bronchitis, otitis media or pneumonia. The responsible triggers are bacterial species such as streptococci, pneumococci or staphylococci. In an unfavorable case, pneumonia is additionally accompanied by the formation of lung abscesses. To avoid such serious sequelae, the flu should always be treated in time. The typical signs of a superinfection include the appearance of purulent secretions that have a green-yellow coloration. It is not uncommon for affected individuals to suffer from fever. Furthermore, inflammation of the palatine tonsils (angina tonsillaris) may occur. Another, but rather rare, complication of the superinfection is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis). It is caused by viruses and is characterized by rapid fatigue, shortness of breath and cardiac arrhythmias. Other conceivable sequelae of the superinfection are heart failure, pulmonary edema, in which fluid accumulates in the lungs, or circulatory collapse. More rarely, gastrointestinal diseases or meningitis occur. In principle, damage to almost all organs is possible.
When should you go to the doctor?
A doctor should be consulted as soon as there is general weakness, a feeling of illness or persistent malaise. If the person’s health condition steadily declines within a short period of time, he or she needs medical attention. Cold, cough, fever, headache or aching limbs are signs of a disorder that should be examined by a physician. A continuous decrease in physical as well as mental performance, an increased need for sleep, and disturbances in concentration or attention should be clarified by a physician. Complaints of the ears, a sputum when coughing, loss of appetite or listlessness should also be examined and treated. If the patient has already suffered from an infection and is now in a state of renewed health deterioration instead of on the road to recovery, he should inform his doctor of the changes as soon as possible. In case of weight loss, behavioral abnormalities, irritability and general vegetative dysfunction, it is advisable to consult a doctor. Changes in the appearance of the skin, sleep disturbances, fatigue, feelings of pressure in the sinuses, and faintness are considered worrisome if the complaints persist for several days or increase. The affected person needs medical care and should consult a physician. Without medical care, complications and serious health consequences may result.
Treatment and therapy
Superinfection must be treated consistently. Therapeutic measures include rest, a light diet containing vitamins, plenty of fluids, and warmth. In addition, the physician prescribes antibiotics that kill the triggering bacteria and support the immune system against the double burden. Taking herbal preparations such as sage tea, elderberry tea, soapwort, star anise, sloe and jujube is also considered helpful.The active ingredients have an anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic and expectorant effect. Also useful are rubs with peppermint, fennel, eucalyptus, thyme and anise. If it is a superinfection due to skin injuries or in the case of neurodermatitis, consistent wound treatment must be ensured. This includes daily dressing changes and baths.
Prevention
To prevent superinfection, it is recommended to drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of sleep, and eat fruits and vegetables when ill. The consumption of tobacco, alcohol and sweets, on the other hand, should be avoided during an influenza infection to prevent additional strain on the immune system.
Aftercare
Superinfection is not infrequently associated with a significant weakening of the body. Targeted aftercare, which also serves long-term recovery, is therefore particularly important. It must be discussed with the primary care physician and needs the patient’s cooperation for optimal success. It is important to lead a healthy lifestyle that helps the organism to regenerate in the long term. This includes sufficient sleep, which has an important recovery function. Nutrition is also important. Fruit and vegetables provide valuable vitamins, minerals and trace elements. Adequate drinking is also very important. 1.5 to 2 liters of water or herbal tea are ideal. Exercise helps the circulation to stabilize again, but it should be done gently at first. Overstraining is to be avoided in any case. Often a walk is sufficient, which offers fresh air in addition to physical activity. Superinfections are often treated with antibiotics, which can lead to a strain on the intestinal flora. Here, it makes sense not to overload the intestines with a lavish or flatulent diet after therapy. Probiotic food can also help the intestine to regenerate sustainably after antibiotic administration.
What you can do yourself
For the improvement of health, the affected person can align his daily routine as best as possible to the needs of his body. To stabilize the body’s defense system, a healthy and balanced diet is important. To cope with pathogens, the immune system must be supported in various ways. An oxygen-rich environment is just as necessary as sufficient physical exercise. At the same time, it is important to avoid risk factors. Consumption of nicotine, drugs or alcohol is therefore generally not advisable. Likewise, it should be checked that no misuse occurs when taking medication. If there are any questions or uncertainties, consultation with a medical professional should be sought. For an optimal healing process, the help and support of a physician should be sought. In addition, natural remedies or home remedies can be equally helpful in relieving existing symptoms. For example, in case of a scratchy throat, the ingestion of honey may be found to be pleasant. The organism should be protected from overuse as a matter of principle. Physical as well as emotional situations of overload are to be avoided. As soon as there is a feeling of illness or indisposition, the organism should be given sufficient rest and protection. Sleep hygiene should be optimized for this purpose. The human body needs optimal sleep conditions so that sufficient regeneration can take place. Therefore, interruptions of sleep of any kind are to be avoided.