Symptoms of Bacterial Infections
Our body is full of different bacteria. Not all bacteria are harmful or disease causing. Disease causing bacteria are called pathogens and cause infections of the respiratory, digestive or urinary systems. Sometimes bacteria can even attack the membranes of the brain and cause a fatal condition called meningitis.
Bacterial infections are usually characterized by pain, redness, inflammations, pus, discharge, aches, nausea and fever. The symptoms depend on the part of the body which is affected.
Bacterial infections of the respiratory system can cause conditions like pneumonia and strep throat. A person suffering from strep throat may have pain and inflammation in the throat, often accompanied by fever. Pneumonia is caused by bacterial infection of the lungs, causing inflammation, fever, cough etc. Sinusitis is caused by bacterial infection of the nasal sinuses and is characterized by post nasal drip, headaches etc.
The digestive system harbors a large number of friendly bacteria which aid digestion. Harmful bacteria can enter the digestive tract through the food we eat or the water we drink. Such bacterial infections can cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and even ulcers.
Urinary tract infection occurs when bacteria enters the urinary tract and cause painful inflammation and irritation. UTI is characterized by painful urination, cloudy urine, lethargy and fever.
Bacteria can infect the skin and cause cellulitis, impetigo, carbuncle, rashes etc. Common symptoms of skin infections include red, inflamed patches of skin, pustules on the skin etc.
Bacterial infections are usually self limiting. Sometimes home remedies are effective in combating the infection. In more severe cases, your doctor may prescribe a course of antibiotics.
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