Respiratory MRSA infections can be either primary or secondary. A primary infection begins in the respiratory tract, and can be acquired when bacteria are inhaled from another persons sneeze or cough. Unsterilized breathing tubes used in hospitals can also introduce bacteria into the lungs. Secondary infections typically enter the body through a skin wound and eventually travel to the lungs through the bloodstream. Respiratory MRSA symptoms can develop quickly, sometimes within days or hours of the initial infection. syptoms The most common symptoms of respiratory MRSA are fever, fatigue, chest pain, and breathing difficulties. A person may experience shortness of breath, coughing, nausea, and headaches. Muscles and joints tend to feel achy, and it may be very uncomfortable or impossible to even sit upright in bed. A potentially fatal case of pneumonia can set in if the condition is not recognized and treated right away. Other life-threatening complications can occur if MRSA migrates from the lungs to other major organ systems, including the kidneys and the heart. ttt The first goal of respiratory MRSA treatment is to stabilize breathing and heart rate. A patient may be given oxygen through a mask or breathing tube. Intravenous fluids and blood pressure medications are administered to keep the kidneys, liver, and heart functioning properly. In most cases, several different types of antibiotics, including clindamycin and tetracycline, are given intravenously in an attempt to stop the spread of infection and kill existing bacteria. Depending on the effectiveness of antibiotics and the severity of symptoms, a patient may need to stay in the hospital for several weeks. Once an antibiotic has proven effective and the patient is stable, he or she is usually provided with an oral prescription to take at home for two to four weeks. Family members, coworkers, or others who have been in close contact with the patient are encouraged to be screened for MRSA. Most outbreaks can be contained when patients follow their doctors instructions about medication use and limiting close personal contact.
Posted on: Sat, 25 Jan 2014 15:00:09 +0000
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