![]() Are there other possible causes for my symptoms?.What's the most likely cause of my symptoms?.For infectious diseases, some basic questions to ask your doctor include: Preparing a list of questions for your doctor will help you make the most of your time together. All the medications and dietary supplements you take.Information about your parents' or siblings' medical problems.Information about medical problems you've had.You may want to write a list that includes: ![]() For example, a dermatologist specializes in skin conditions, and a pulmonologist treats lung disorders. Depending on the severity of your infection, as well as which of your organ systems is affected by the infection, your doctor may refer you to a specialist. You'll probably first see your primary care doctor. Some of these products may cause allergic reactions or interact adversely with other medications you may be taking. Some of the substances that have been studied for preventing or shortening the duration of infection include:Ĭheck with your doctor before trying any products that promise to boost your immune system or chase colds and other illnesses away. While some of these substances have appeared promising in early trials, follow-up studies may have had conflicting or inconclusive results. Alternative medicineĪ number of products have claimed to help fend off common illnesses, such as the cold or flu. Drink plenty of fluids and get lots of rest. Many infectious diseases, such as colds, will resolve on their own. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic Clinical trialsĮxplore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition. While there are drugs to treat these diseases, some varieties of parasites have developed resistance to the drugs. Some diseases, including malaria, are caused by tiny parasites. More-severe internal organ fungal infections, especially in people with weakened immune systems, may require intravenous antifungal medications. Some fungal infections, such as those affecting the lungs or the mucous membranes, can be treated with an oral antifungal. Topical antifungal medications can be used to treat skin or nail infections caused by fungi. Antiviralsĭrugs have been developed to treat some, but not all, viruses. This makes these bacteria much more difficult to treat. The overuse of antibiotics has resulted in several types of bacteria developing resistance to one or more varieties of antibiotics. For example, pneumonia can be caused by a bacterium, a virus, a fungus or a parasite. But sometimes it's difficult to tell which type of germ is at work. Treatment can be targeted more precisely if your doctor knows what type of bacteria you're infected with.Īntibiotics are usually reserved for bacterial infections, because these types of drugs have no effect on illnesses caused by viruses. coli.Ĭertain types of bacteria are especially susceptible to particular classes of antibiotics. Bacteria also are put together in groups of similar types, such as streptococcus or E. AntibioticsĪntibiotics are grouped into "families" of similar types. Knowing what type of germ is causing your illness makes it easier for your doctor to choose appropriate treatment. For example, a biopsy of lung tissue can be checked for a variety of fungi that can cause a type of pneumonia. Biopsiesĭuring a biopsy, a tiny sample of tissue is taken from an internal organ for testing. Imaging procedures - such as X-rays, computerized tomography and magnetic resonance imaging - can help pinpoint diagnoses and rule out other conditions that may be causing symptoms. You'll usually be asked to lie on your side with your knees pulled up toward your chest. This procedure obtains a sample of the cerebrospinal fluid through a needle carefully inserted between the bones of the lower spine. You may be instructed to collect a stool sample so a lab can check the sample for parasites and other organisms. Samples from the throat, or other moist areas of the body, may be obtained with a sterile swab. To avoid potential contamination of the sample, you may be instructed to cleanse your genital area with an antiseptic pad and to collect the urine midstream. This painless test requires you to urinate into a container. A technician obtains a sample of blood by inserting a needle into a vein, usually in the arm.
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