Endocarditis is an inflammation of the endocardium. This inflammation can damage the structures and functions of the heart, especially those of the heart valves. It can be dangerous. The treatment often includes long-term antibiotic drugs. In severe cases, surgery can be considered.
The endocardium is the inner lining of the heart valves and heart chambers, which is in direct contact with the blood. Endocarditis is an inflammation occurring in the endocardium. A bacterial infection is the most common cause of an endocarditis.
The cause of endocarditis is usually a bacterial infection. Pathogenic germs can enter the human circulation from every bodypart (mostly the mouth and skin) through the blood vessels. Once the germs arrive in the endocardium, it may result in inflammation and infection. Endocarditis can damage the normal structures and functions of the heart, especially those ones of the heart valves. Individuals with abnormal heart valves (sclerosis), previous surgery of the heart, history of endocarditis, and congenital heart problems will have a higher risk of getting endocarditis. Extraordinary common is an endocarditis in people with intravenous drug abuse. Besides bacterial infection, there are rarer autoimmune causes for an endocarditis such as rheumatic fever. Endocarditis gives rise to symptoms such as fever, chills, sweating, fatigue, shortness of breath, skin rash, and even an excessive accumulation of fluid in the arms and legs. Typically are chronic light fever and loss of performance in early stages. An endocarditis is a severe disease due to the resulting damage on the heart and especially the heart valves.
The treatment of endocarditis includes identification of the pathogenic germ, medication, and in some cases even surgery. After the pathogenic germ is confirmed, medication such as an antibiotic drug will be indicated. The treatment of antibiotic therapy may last for several weeks. Normally antibiotics will be given intravenously and orally. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to replace the affected heart valve. After an endocarditis patients are at high risk of developing another one and therefore need prophylactic antibiotic treatment before any surgical intervention (including dental clearance).
Several years of work in academia, medical practice and finally commercialization make it possible to provide an end-to-end process to help users to “find the appropriate medical help based on their present symptoms”. Below you will find a short explanation, showing you which part of the platform will help you best in finding the appropriate medical support.
Proceed as follows to enter your current symptoms.
Click on the appropriate body part on the picture. Select one/multiple symptoms corresponding to your complaint.
You can also add symptoms by typing your medical complaint in the search box and selecting the best matching suggestion.
Note: Your information will be kept anonymously.
Once you have selected all applicable symptoms, click the “analyze disease pattern”-button.
Accordingly, you will get a list of possible diseases and matching doctor categories who can further help you.
You can inform yourself about the possible diseases by reading the related information. But you can also return to the previous step and add more symptoms or delete already added ones to further narrow down your disease pattern.
Click on the desired doctor category to find a doctor who can help you.
If you are logged in with your profile, you will be displayed the appropriate doctors in your area. Otherwise you can enter an address in the “address” field and you will be displayed a doctor’s list around that specified address.
You will receive further information about the displayed doctors when you press on “details”.
Online bookable doctors in your area will be indicated with the notation “Book appointment” or “Book externally”, additionally they will be displayed on top of the list for your convenience.
Click on “Book appointment” to start the online appointment booking process with the desired doctor.
Please select an available appointment. “Green“ appointments are booked directly. “Red“ appointments need to be confirmed by the doctor.
Enter your general personal and health information.
Enter your present medical symptoms.
Enter your mobile phone number to identify yourself and you can finalize the appointment booking.
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