Treatment For Nosocomial Infections

Nosocomial infections are conditions due to infections or toxins present in particular locations. In present usage, this term usually denotes infections patients acquire while they are in a hospital. Some of these infections may be antibiotic-resistant superbugs. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), a staph infection, is one of the most common nosocomial infections patients develop during or after hospital stays. To be considered a hospital-acquired infection, the infection must take place within two days of a patient's hospital admission or within three days after a patient has been discharged from the hospital. Infections acquired up to thirty days following a surgical procedure may also be considered hospital-acquired nosocomial infections. Pneumonia, meningitis, urinary tract infections, surgical site infections, and gastroenteritis are some of the nosocomial infections patients may develop. Symptoms of these types of infections vary depending on the specific subtype. Some of the most common symptoms patients with nosocomial infections experience are fever, nausea, diarrhea, cough, painful urination, and shortness of breath. A clinical examination is typically all that is needed to diagnose a nosocomial infection, but some patients may need urine or blood tests to confirm a diagnosis. The treatments outlined below are recommended for nosocomial infections.

Remove Foreign Devices

While in the hospital, patients may need to have catheters, intravenous lines, feeding tubes, and ventilators. Catheters are typically placed for patients who are having long operations or those who may have lengthy hospital stays. Intravenous lines and feeding tubes provide medications and nutrients, and ventilators help seriously ill patients with breathing. All of these aids are considered foreign to the body, and they pose a risk of infection. Thus, nurses and doctors will only use these devices if they are necessary, and they will be used for the shortest amount of time possible. Medical staff will wear gloves and follow proper procedures when placing the devices to ensure the highest possible safety standards. Healthcare providers will remove foreign devices as soon as they are no longer needed. Those needed for an extended period will be changed regularly, sometimes as often as every day, to minimize any risk of infection for the patient. If a nosocomial infection does develop, one of the first methods of treatment is the removal of any foreign devices where possible, at least for a short period so other treatments can take place.

Learn more about treating nosocomial infections now.

Get Lots Of Rest

Doctors often advise patients with nosocomial infections to get lots of rest. Getting at least eight hours of sleep each night can help stimulate the body's natural healing processes. For example, studies suggest sleep encourages wound healing, lowers blood pressure and heart rate, and may even help build stronger bones. Sleep can also strengthen the body's immune system, helping it to fight off infections more easily. In addition to getting lots of sleep, patients should also ensure they do not overexert themselves during the day; they may need to take naps throughout the day or maintain bed rest at home. Patients should ask their doctors about any necessary activity restrictions during their recovery. Healthcare providers will monitor a patient's recovery from nosocomial infections at regular follow-up visits, and they can then advise patients about when it is safe to return to a normal workload.

Continue reading to reveal more ways to treat nosocomial infections now.

Take Recommended Antibiotics

Patients with nosocomial infections will need to take recommended antibiotics. Antibiotics, alongside removing any devices in the body, are the first line of treatment for many of the most common nosocomial infections, including pneumonia, MRSA, and urinary tract infections. While patients are in the hospital, they may be given antibiotics through an intravenous line, and these antibiotics may be continued orally once patients are discharged to recover at home. The specific antibiotics given will depend on the type of infection a patient has, and a combination of antibiotics is sometimes needed. Intravenous lines for the delivery of antibiotics will be monitored extremely closely, particularly when dealing with a nosocomial infection, to prevent further complications.

Get the details on more options for treating nosocomial infections now.

Increase Fluid Intake

Patients undergoing treatment for a nosocomial infection will be highly encouraged to increase their fluid intake. Increased fluid intake increases urine output, allowing the body to eliminate toxins more efficiently. Patients in the hospital will likely receive saline or other fluids through intravenous lines, and they will be advised to drink as much liquid as they wish. While water is best, juices, smoothies, tea, and even soda can all count for the patient's overall fluid intake. Some patients may also wish to drink milk. For patients who have difficulty swallowing, sucking on ice chips or popsicles can help, and patients may also wish to consume foods with a high water content such as soups, fruits, milkshakes or nutritional shakes, yogurt, and ice cream.

Patients will have their urinary output monitored while in the hospital, and healthcare providers will be able to accurately assess whether patients are adequately hydrated or not. Patients who are concerned they may be dehydrated or at risk for dehydration should ask their healthcare team for an examination. Signs of dehydration include dry skin, mouth sores, decreased sweating, and decreased urine output.

Learn more about how to treat nosocomial infections now.

Follow A Healthy Diet

Patients who follow a healthy diet may improve their recovery time, and certain foods can boost the immune system and help fight infection, including the nosocomial variety. Doctors suggest patients recovering from a nosocomial infection eat foods high in vitamins and minerals. For example, patients may wish to opt for fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in their daily meals. Fast food, fried foods, and processed foods are best avoided while patients are recovering from an infection or operation. Eating foods high in fiber can help minimize constipation, which can be a side effect of some post-surgery medications. Since some foods can interact with antibiotics, pain relievers, and other drugs that may be required after a hospital stay, patients should ask their healthcare team about any foods or drinks they may need to avoid.