Dr. M.J. Bazos, MD
Patient Handout
ENDOCARDITIS
About Your
Diagnosis
Endocarditis is an infectious and inflammatory
process that affects the lining of the heart and valves. It can affect
individuals of all ages and is curable with treatment. The disease can be
detected by performing blood cultures and an echocardiogram (a type of
ultrasound). The usual cause is a bacteria such as staph or strep, but it can
also be caused by a fungal infection. The bacteria or fungus can enter the
bloodstream from infections elsewhere in the body (e.g., the urinary tract,
gastrointestinal tract, or the skin), or as a result of any surgical or dental
procedure.Living With Your
DiagnosisSigns and symptoms of the
disease include fever, fatigue, weakness, chills and night sweats, muscle and
joint pain, and a heart murmur. Later there may be swelling of the feet and
legs, and shortness of breath with an irregular
heartbeat.TreatmentAntibiotics
will be needed for 4–6 weeks. If intravenous antibiotics are prescribed, a
home health nurse will be arranged to continue intravenous antibiotics at home.
Bed rest is needed until recovery is complete. Non-aspirin medications such as
Tylenol can be used for fever and minor pain. A regular diet can be followed as
tolerated. Fluid intake should be increased while fever is present. Good dental
hygiene is needed to prevent
infection.The
DOs• Take the antibiotics until
finished.• Use nonaspirin products
for fever and minor pain.• Increase
fluid intake especially during the
fever.• Maintain bed rest as
ordered.• Move your legs and change
position frequently while in bed.•
Resume normal activity gradually as your strength
allows.• See your dentist regularly.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush.The
DON’Ts• Don’t skip
doses or stop the antibiotics until you have finished a complete treatment
course of antibiotics, or your doctor tells you to stop the
antibiotics.• Don’t try to
keep your normal schedule; bed rest is needed to have a full
recovery.• Don’t have dental
work or surgical procedures in the future without notifying the doctor of your
history of endocarditis.•
Don’t floss your teeth because it may introduce bacteria from the gums.
See your dentist frequently for proper gum
care.When to Call Your
DoctorAfter your treatment you
have:•
Fever.• Loss of appetite or weight
gain without diet changes.• Blood in
your urine.• Chest pain or shortness
of breath.• Sudden weakness in the
muscles of the face or
limbs.Websites:www.healthanswers.com