Content

• Steps
• Warning

Pseudomonas are a genus of bacteria that usually only causes serious infections in people with weakened immune systems. This means that the most susceptible to infections are those who are sick or hospitalized. Such infections are often treated with antibiotics, but it is not easy to find effective antibiotics as the bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to many popular prescription drugs. However, if you send a sample of the bacteria to a lab for examination, it is likely that a treatment may be found.

Steps

Part 1 of 2: Identifying and Treating Mild Pseudomonas Infection

1. 

   Identify mild cases of Pseudomonas infections. Pseudomonas usually only cause mild symptoms in healthy people with a good immune system, and can be spread through drinking water. There are reports on:
   • Eye infections in people who regularly use contact lenses. To avoid infection you have to choose other solutions besides wearing contact lenses, avoid wearing them frequently. Do not wear contact lenses for longer than recommended by your doctor or according to the manufacturer's instructions.
   • Ear infections in children after swimming in contaminated water. This can happen if the pool does not have enough chlorine to disinfect the water.
   • Skin rashes after taking a hot, contaminated bath. The rash usually appears as itchy, red bumps, or blisters around the pores. The rash is worse in areas covered by bathing suits.

2. 

   
   
   Know the symptoms of Pseudomonas infections. Signs and symptoms of Pseudomonas infection depend on the location of the infection.
   • Sepsis is characterized by fever, chills, fatigue, muscle and joint pain, and very serious health conditions.
   • Lung infection (pneumonia) includes symptoms such as chills, fever, cough with sputum, difficulty breathing.
   • Skin infections can cause an itchy rash, bleeding sores and / or headache.
   • Ear infections appear in the form of swelling, ear pain, itching in the ears, oozing and hearing loss.
   • Eye infections include the following symptoms: inflammation, pus, swelling, redness, eye pain, and limited vision.

3. 

   
   
   See your doctor for diagnosis. The doctor must look directly at the rash and take a sample of the bacteria sent to the laboratory before making an accurate diagnosis. This can be done in two ways:
   • Take a sample with a cotton swab at the site of infection on the skin.
   • Take a biopsy sample, but this is rarely necessary.

4. 

   
   
   Discuss treatment options with your doctor. But if you are healthy, treatment may not be needed, your immune system will fight off bacteria on its own. However the doctor may recommend:
   • Prescribe medication for itching if you have a rash.
   • Prescribe antibiotics if you have a severe infection. You are more likely to need antibiotics if you have an eye infection.
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Part 2 of 2: Identifying and Treating Severe Cases

1. 

   It is important to consult a doctor if you are at risk. Pseudomonas are most dangerous for people who are hospitalized and have weak immune systems, and babies are at higher risk. If you are an adult, you are still at higher risk of infection when:
   • Being treated for cancer.
   • Being infected with HIV / AIDS.
   • Mechanical breathing.
   • In the postoperative recovery period.
   • A catheter is being placed.
   • In the recovery period after treating a burn.
   • Have diabetes.
   • Have cystic fibrosis.

2. 

   Warn your doctor if you think you have a bacterial infection. You need to let your doctor know as soon as possible to be followed up. Pseudomonas bacteria manifest as many different types of infections, depending on where they invade the body that you can get:
   • Pneumonia when you use an infected breathing apparatus.
   • Eye infections
   • Ear infection
   • Urinary tract infection when catheter is placed
   • Infectious wound after surgery
   • The sore becomes infected, which occurs in a patient lying for a long time in bed and develops an ulcer
   • Blood infection through intravenous injection

3. 

   Discuss medication administration with your doctor. Your doctor takes a sample with a cotton swab and sends it to a lab to confirm which strain of bacteria you have. The lab can also determine which medications should be used to treat the infection. Pseudomonas bacteria are often resistant to many commonly prescribed drugs. In order to find an effective medicine your doctor must know your complete medical history, especially if you think you are pregnant or have kidney failure. Your doctor may prescribe the following:
   • Ceftazidime. This drug is usually effective against the common strain of bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The drug is injected into a muscle or intravenously, may not be suitable for patients allergic to penicillin.
   • Piperacillin / Tazobactam (Tazocin). It is also effective against bacterial strains Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It can interact with other medications, so give your doctor a list of all of the medications you are taking, including over-the-counter medicines, herbs, and supplements.
   • Imipenem. This is a broad spectrum antibiotic that is often given in combination with the drug cilastatin. The drug cilastatin helps to prolong the half-life of imipenem antibiotics and better absorption into cells.
   • Aminoglycosides (Gentamicin, Tobramycin, Amikacin).Dosage of these drugs should be adjusted according to body weight and kidney health. The doctor needs to monitor the blood and the level of hydration during treatment.
   • Ciprofloxacin. This is an oral or intravenous medication, and you must tell your doctor if you have epilepsy, kidney failure, or are pregnant.
   • Colistin. This is an oral, intravenous or inhalation method.

4. 

   Change your diet and activity intensity as directed by your doctor. Some patients, such as those with cystic fibrosis, may need to alter their diet and activity intensity to ensure nutrition and promote healing.
   • If you are on mechanical ventilation, your doctor may recommend a diet high in fat and low in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates increase the amount of carbon dioxide produced by the body, making it harder to breathe while using a ventilator.
   • If you have a full-blown infection, you need to limit the intensity of your activity, which is not the case with a local infection.
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Warning

• Tell your doctor if you think you are pregnant before taking any medicine.