Medical Health Encyclopedia

Injury Disease Nutrition Poison Symptoms Surgery Test Special Topic

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Heart, section through the middle Heart, front view Infective endocarditis Janeway lesion on the finger

Overview Symptoms Treatment Prevention

Infectious endocarditis

Alternative Names: Endocarditis - infectious Prevention: Preventive antibiotics are often given to people with predisposing congenital or valvular abnormalities before dental procedures or surgeries involving the respiratory, urinary or intestinal tract. Continued medical follow-up is advised for people with a previous history of infective endocarditis. Text Continues Below Intravenous drug users are also at risk for this condition because unsterile injecting practices increase the exposure of the bloodstream to infectious agents. Treatment for addiction should be sought. If this is not possible, use of a new needle for each injection, avoiding sharing any injection-related paraphernalia and use of alcohol pads to sterilize the injection site can reduce risk.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.