Endocarditis
Treatment:
Hospitalization is often required initially to treat administer intravenous antibiotics. Long term high dose antibiotic therapy is required to eradicate the bacteria from the heart chambers and vegetations on the valves. Therapy up to 6 weeks is not uncommon. The chosen antibiotic must be specific for the organism causing the condition. This is determined by the blood culture and the sensitivities tests.
Activity is restricted to bed rest initially, then it is gradually increased as the condition improves. No special diet is necessary, unless it is required because of an underlying heart disorder (such as a low-salt diet).
If heart failure develops as a result of damaged heart valves, surgery to replace the affected heart valve may be indicated.
Expectations (prognosis):
Early treatment of endocarditis generally results in a good outcome.
Complications:
Call your health care provider if you note the following symptoms during or after treatment:
|
