Bacterial Infection Symptoms

Bacterial infections are caused by certain bacteria that are harmful to the human body and detrimental to our overall health. There are numerous bacteria that are present in our surroundings. Amongst them, not all bacteria are harmful. The human body is inhabited by millions of bacteria (microscopic organisms), most of which are totally harmless. In fact, many of them are important for proper functioning of the body. We look into what a bacterial infection is, and what symptoms come forth when the infection overtakes the system.

Bacterial Infection

It is a fact that most of the bacteria that inhabit our body are totally harmless. Still, there are several types of bacteria that enter our body mainly through the respiratory system, multiply and cause trouble to the balance of the existing useful bacteria of the body. This is called 'bacterial infection' which can cause various infectious diseases and medical conditions like strep throat, urinary tract infections, and irritable bowel syndrome to name a few. These bacteria are also called 'pathogens'. Once these bacteria start colonizing, a healthy body starts showing bacterial infection symptoms.

Symptoms of a Bacterial Infection

Bacterial infections mainly make a healthy human being get noticeably sick. When a body is infected by the bacteria, the immune system defends the body as a counter move, where the body succumbs to a fever, cold, cough etc, when the body cannot fight off infection on its own. Bacterial infection symptoms differ according to the type of bacterial infection and the location of the same. Predominant symptoms of bacterial infection are seen as swelling, pain and discharge in the affected body region.

• Strep throat
• Sinus infections
• Pharyngitis
• Colored nasal discharge
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Stomach pain and stomach inflammation
• Dehydration
• Peptic ulcer or stomach ulcer
• Indigestion
• Meningitis
• Lethargy
• Fatigue
• Stiffness in neck and back
• Urinary tract infections
• Yeast infection
• Bacterial vaginosis
• Sepsis
• Painful acne and boils

Causes of Bacterial Infection

Bacterial infections are undoubtedly caused by different types of bacteria that inhibit our body for a longer period of time, making the existing bacteria lose their balance. Here are the bacteria that mainly cause bacterial infections.

• Haemophilus Influenzae: It is one of the most common bacteria that affects the body and causes bacterial infections. The symptoms include infections of the respiratory tract, types of meningitis, and ear infections. There are several drugs that can treat infections caused by this bacteria. Infants and children are immunized against one of a kind of bacteria called HIb (Haemophilus Influenzae Type B).
• Staphylococcus: Also known as staph, this bacteria is one of the most common bacterium that inhabits the human body. The infection symptoms include a skin infection, boils, rashes, build up of abscess, eczema, impetigo, furuncle, etc. Staph can also lead to inflammation of the breasts often called mastitis, where bacteria is released into the mother's milk, thus creating complications for the baby.
• Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus: This is a type of staph that is an antibiotics resistant bacterium. Symptoms of bacterial infection include sepsis, necrotic pneumonia, toxic shock syndrome, etc.
• Streptococcus: This is also one of the common bacteria that can result into several infections like strep throat, respiratory infections, pneumonia, rheumatic fever, scarlet fever, etc.
• Escherichia Coli: This bacteria colonizes the gastrointestinal region of the body and can cause several dysfunctions of the gastrointestinal region including diarrhea. This bacterium can also cause food poisoning if it is transmitted through contaminated food items.
• Helicobacter Pylori: These are the main culprits responsible for stomach ulcers. These are also found in colonies in the gastrointestinal region. Bacterial infection symptoms include stomach pain, inflammation of the stomach and cell walls, etc.
• Salmonella: This pathogen can cause salmonella food poisoning. Causes of a salmonella infection are often due to contaminated poultry products like raw eggs.

The many symptoms of a bacterial infection must get medical attention so that they do not cause further damage to the body. Simple detection tests will make sure if a person is suffering from a bacterial infection of some sort. Many bacterial infections that are mild, get cured on their own, but in severe cases, the health care provider will suggest treatment/antibiotics that are used to kill that particular bacteria.

Antibiotics like penicillin, quinolone, aminoglycosides, and tetracyclines are suggested to treat various bacterial infections. Following proper hygiene and a healthy diet can keep you away from these infections, while also acting out immediately on escalating symptoms with treatment.