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Infectious Diseases: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Infectious Diseases

Definition of infectious diseases

Infectious disease is a disease or health condition caused by an attack by microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi (fungi), or parasites.

In a healthy human body, there are actually microorganisms, such as bacteria and parasites in the mouth or intestines. A certain number of natural microorganisms are usually not considered an infection and are actually beneficial for the health of the body.

Problems arise when microorganisms cause disease and can infect other people. This is what came to be called an infection.

Infection that occurs in the body can be local (only in certain parts) or spread through the blood so that it becomes systemic (affects the whole body).

Types of infectious diseases

It is very important for you to distinguish between infectious diseases caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. This can be useful in determining the correct diagnosis and treatment.

  • Bacterial infection
    Bacterial infections occur because certain bacteria multiply in the body and cause disturbances. Bacteria are complex single cells. Bacteria can survive alone (without a host), inside or outside the body.

    Most bacteria are actually harmless. In fact, we have a lot of bacteria in our bodies, especially in the intestines to help digest food. Some diseases are caused by bacterial infections, including urinary tract infections (UTI), tetanus, tuberculosis (tuberculosis), and typhus.

  • Viral infection
    Meanwhile, viruses are smaller and are not cells. Unlike bacteria, viruses need a host or home, such as humans or animals, in order to reproduce.

    Viruses can cause infectious diseases by entering and multiplying in the host’s healthy cells. Diseases associated with viral infections are smallpox, influenza, rabies and HIV / AIDS.

  • Parasitic infection
    Parasites are microorganisms that live by depending on other organisms, which are called the host or host.

Several types of parasites enter the human body through insect bites, food, drink, or stepping on contaminated soil and water. Malaria and intestinal worms are some examples of parasitic infections.

  • Yeast infection
    Fungus can also be a cause of infectious diseases. Usually, fungi are found in water, soil, plants, or air. Some also live naturally in the human body, but are harmless. Some common fungal infections such as candidiasis and water fleas.

    • How common are infectious diseases?

    Infectious disease is a very common condition in patients of all ages. However, there are some people who are more at risk of infection, for example, people with autoimmune diseases or who have recently received an organ transplant.

    This disease can be overcome by managing your risk factors. Talk to your doctor for more information.

    Signs and symptoms of infectious diseases

    Almost all types of infections can cause similar symptoms. Some of the common symptoms that arise due to infectious diseases include:

    • Cough and sneeze
    • Fever
    • Inflammation
    • Throw up
    • Diarrhea
    • Muscle ache
    • Fatigue
    • Cramps

    The above symptoms appear because the body is trying to eradicate the infecting microorganism.

    There may be signs and symptoms not listed above. If you have concerns about certain symptoms, consult your doctor.

    When should I see a doctor?

    Immediately consult a doctor if you experience any of the following:

    • Symptoms appear after you have been bitten by certain animals
    • Experiencing breathing problems
    • Coughing for more than a week
    • Severe headache with fever
    • Rash or swelling of the skin
    • High fever for no reason and never decreases
    • Experiencing sudden visual disturbances

    Everyone’s body reacts differently. It could be that the symptoms that appear in one person to another when exposed to an infectious disease are different. It is always better to discuss with your doctor about the solution to your health condition.

    Causes of infectious diseases

    As explained above, infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi.

    Here is how someone can be infected with microorganisms, based on the explanation from the Mayo Clinic:

    1. Direct contact

    One of the easiest ways to catch an infection is direct physical contact with an infected person or animal. Usually, transmission by physical contact occurs in the following ways:

    • Shaking hands
    • Touching
    • Inhale droplet (drooling) from a patient who is sneezing or coughing
    • Have sexual intercourse
    • Being scratched by an animal, such as a dog or cat
    • Through childbirth (mother to baby)

    2. Indirect contact

    Apart from directly, you can also contract infectious diseases through indirect contact. For example, touching an inanimate object, such as a door handle or contaminated table surface.

    People who have an infection may unknowingly leave a trail of bacteria or viruses on the surface of an inanimate object they touch. If you touch these objects, you can become infected when you forget to wash your hands and touch your nose, eyes or mouth.

    3. Insect bites

    Insect bites, such as mosquitoes, flies, or fleas, can also cause infectious diseases. Several types of insects can be vectors, aka carriers of microorganisms from other humans who suffer from disease.

    Mosquito bites Aedes aegypti is an example of dengue hemorrhagic fever virus transmission through insect bites and mosquitoes Anopheles which carries the malaria parasite.

    4. Contaminated food

    You can also get infectious diseases from food or water that is contaminated with bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. One type of bacteria that is most often transmitted from food is Escherichia coli, which is mostly found in undercooked meat.

    Infectious disease risk factors

    There are many factors that can increase your risk of developing infectious diseases, such as:

    • Taking steroid drugs
    • Take drugs that affect the body’s immune system, such as medicines for organ transplant patients
    • Have an autoimmune disease, such as HIV / AIDS
    • Suffering from cancer or certain types of diseases that interfere with your body’s immune system
    • Travel to an area with an outbreak of an infectious disease, for example an area with high malaria cases
    • Make direct or indirect contact with someone who is sick

    Diagnosis and treatment

    The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your doctor for more information.

    How to diagnose this disease?

    If you start to feel unusual symptoms, you should immediately consult a doctor. Especially if you are among the people at risk of infection.

    In some cases, it is difficult to determine the exact cause of infection because many diseases can be caused by several types of microorganisms. Pneumonia and meningitis is an example of a disease that can be caused by bacteria or viruses.

    However, often doctors can determine the cause through a medical history and physical examination.

    Apart from the physical exam, you may need to undergo additional examinations such as:

    • Blood test
    • Urine test
    • Swab throat
    • Stool sample test
    • Lumbar puncture or spinal tap
    • Image capture test (x-ray, CT scan, or MRI)
    • Biopsy

    Howa how to treat infectious diseases?

    Treatment will depend on what type of microorganism is infecting your body. The following are some of the common treatment options:

    1. Antibiotics

    For infectious diseases caused by bacteria, doctors will usually prescribe antibiotics. This drug will kill or inhibit the proliferation of bacteria.

    However, because antibiotic resistance (resistance) is a growing problem, antibiotics may be prescribed only for serious bacterial infections. Antibiotics will not be useful for treating diseases caused by viruses.

    2. Antivirus

    Antiviral drugs are specifically for infectious diseases caused by viruses. Antivirus cannot be used to cure bacterial infections. Vice versa, antibiotics can only cure diseases associated with bacteria.

    However, in most mild cases, the treatment of viral infections only focuses on managing symptoms, such as consumption of honey to relieve coughs and warm fluids, and the use of paracetamol to relieve fever.

    Some diseases caused by viruses also focus on increasing the patient’s immune system, so that he is able to fight the infecting virus.

    3. Antifungal

    In the case of a fungal infection, you will be given antifungal drugs.

    Depending on the type of disease, antifungal drugs are usually available in the form of topical, oral, and injection.

    4. Antiparasitic

    Antiparasitic drugs specifically for those of you who suffer from parasitic infections. The type of drug will also vary, depending on the type of parasite that is in the body.

    The following are the types of antiparasitic drugs:

    • Antiprotozoa (for malaria, giardiasis, and toxoplasmosis)
    • Anthelmintic (for intestinal worms)
    • Ectoparasiticides (for head lice infections)

    Prevention of infectious diseases

    The following are some lifestyle and remedies you can do at home to help you prevent any infectious diseases you have:

    • Wash your hands thoroughly (often the best way to avoid catching a cold)
    • Avoid touching the face (especially the nose, eyes and mouth) too often with dirty hands.
    • Food should be cooked or refrigerated as quickly as possible.
    • Vegetables and meat should be stored separately and prepared on separate cutting boards.
    • Meat should be served thoroughly.
    • Remember that foods containing harmful microorganisms do not always smell bad. It’s important to stay alert.
    • Some organisms die when food is cooked, but they can still leave behind toxic substances that can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
    • Using a condom during sex is important to reduce the chance of transmission sexually transmitted disease.

    If you have any questions, consult your doctor to understand the best solution for you.

    Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

    Differences between bacterial and viral infection – HealthDirect. (2020). Retrieved December 11, 2021, from https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/bacterial-vs-viral-infection

    Bacteria – Microbiology Society. (nd). Retrieved December 11, 2021, from https://microbiologysociety.org/why-microbiology-matters/what-is-microbiology/bacteria.html

    Infectious diseases – Mayo Clinic. (2019). Retrieved December 11, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/symptoms-causes/syc-20351173

    Bacterial vs. viral infections: How do they differ? – Mayo Clinic. (2020). Retrieved December 11, 2021, from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/infectious-diseases/expert-answers/infectious-disease/faq-20058098

    About Fungal Diseases – CDC. (2019). Retrieved December 11, 2021, from https://www.cdc.gov/fungal/about-fungal-diseases.html

    Fungal Infections – MedlinePlus. (nd). Retrieved December 11, 2021, from https://medlineplus.gov/fungalinfections.html

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    Campbell, S., Soman-Faulkner, K. (2020). Antiparasitic Drugs. StatPearls Publishing.