Under one Superinfection In medicine, a secondary infection is understood. As a rule, a bacterial infection follows a viral infection.
What is a superinfection?
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The designation Superinfection comes from Latin and means over-infection. In virology, the term is used for a form of virus infection in a cell. The second infection is revealed by a different strain of the same pathogen. Co-infection with another virus is also possible.
Medicine mostly uses the term superinfection for a secondary infection. As a rule, this is a viral infection followed by a bacterial infection. Sometimes the term superinfection is also used for infections that are promoted by non-infectious chronic diseases.
Typical examples of superinfection include bacterial secondary infection following viral bronchitis. There is a risk that the bronchitis will develop into life-threatening pneumonia. Chronic circulatory disorders that occur in connection with diabetes (diabetes mellitus) and cause ischemia of the foot can also lead to a superinfection such as a diabetic foot.
Atopic dermatitis is another example of a superinfection. In this disease, which is accompanied by thinning and weakening of the skin, a secondary infection with fungi such as [[[Trichophyton]] rubrum or bacteria such as staphylococci is conceivable.
causes
A superinfection is caused by another infection. A bacterial superinfection is the complication of a viral infection such as a flu-like infection or flu (influenza). The common cold is always triggered by viruses.
However, the bacteria can exploit the weakness of the human immune system during this infection and infect the diseased tissue again, which then leads to a secondary or superinfection.
Typical superinfections in a flu-like infection are sinusitis (sinusitis) and otitis media. The pathogens get from the nose into the sinuses or from the Eustachian tube (ear trumpet) into the middle ear. In addition, it can lead to other secondary infections such as bronchitis, tonsillitis, pleurisy or pneumonia.
The human immune system is heavily burdened by the cold or flu viruses. The immune system has to find a suitable reaction to the pathogens. However, this makes it easier for the bacteria to attack because the immune cells deal with the defense against the virus. For example, the immune messengers are regenerated and other immune defense factors suffer from exhaustion.
Especially the mucous membranes in the nose and bronchi are easy targets for bacteria, as the cilia on the upper mucous membrane cells have already been destroyed by the viruses. Normally, the tiny hairs transport invading microbes out of the organism. However, if they are destroyed, the bacteria can stick and attack the second cell line, causing inflammation.
Contact with bacteria from the environment is not necessary for a superinfection to break out. The germs can already be in the body, but have so far been successfully kept in check by the immune system. The viral infection then leads to an imbalance.
Symptoms, ailments & signs
The symptoms of a flu-like superinfection always begin with the typical symptoms of a cold. These include runny nose, sore throat, cough and the urge to sneeze. As the disease progresses, other symptoms such as headaches, sensations of pressure in the sinuses or bronchitis may appear.
A typical sign of a bacterial secondary infection is a green-yellowish secretion of the affected mucous membrane. In addition, those affected often have a fever.In the case of otitis media, earache or tinnitus will appear. In addition, the patient's feeling of illness increases and he has difficulty coughing up.
Other secondary infections are much less common, but can have dramatic consequences. With diabetes, for example, there is a risk of a diabetic foot, which develops from poorly healing wounds. In the worst case, an operation or even an amputation may then be necessary.
Diagnosis & course of disease
If symptoms such as a purulent runny nose or a purulent tonsillitis appear, a visit to the doctor is inevitable. This will do a physical exam and look at the patient's medical history. The tonsils are also checked for any white deposits, which are an indication of bacterial tonsillitis (tonsillitis).
Blood tests that look for markers of inflammation are also considered helpful. If pneumonia is suspected, an X-ray examination can be done. A bronchoscopy (lung specimen) or computed tomography is rarely required. Superinfection increases the risk of complications. In addition, the healing process is delayed, which means that the disease lasts longer.
Complications
The so-called superinfection is itself the complication of a flu-like infection or an influenza flu. Because the patient's immune system is weakened due to the viral cold, bacteria can now infect the diseased tissue and trigger a secondary infection.
The course of a superinfection is much more difficult than the course of a flu-like infection. Because of the bacterial complication, there is a risk of further diseases such as sinusitis (sinusitis), purulent bronchitis, otitis media or pneumonia. The responsible triggers are types of bacteria such as streptococci, pneumococci or staphylococci.
In an unfavorable case, pneumonia is also accompanied by the formation of lung abscesses. In order to avoid such serious consequences, the flu should always be treated in good time. Typical signs of superinfection include the appearance of purulent secretions that are green-yellow in color.
It is not uncommon for those affected to suffer from a fever. In addition, tonsillitis (angina tonsillaris) can occur. Another, but rather rare, complication of superinfection is inflammation of the heart muscle (myocarditis). It is caused by viruses and manifests itself in rapid fatigue, shortness of breath and cardiac arrhythmias.
Other conceivable sequelae of the superinfection are heart failure, pulmonary edema, in which fluid accumulates in the lungs, or circulatory collapse. Gastrointestinal diseases or meningitis (meningitis) are less common. In principle, damage to almost all organs is possible.
When should you go to the doctor?
A doctor should be consulted as soon as general weakness, malaise, or persistent malaise develop. If the patient's state of health steadily deteriorates within a short period of time, he or she needs medical care. A runny nose, cough, fever, headache, or aching limbs are signs of a disorder that should be examined by a doctor. A doctor should clarify a continuous decrease in physical and mental performance, an increased need for sleep and disturbances in concentration or attention.
Ear complaints, expectoration when coughing, loss of appetite or indifference should also be examined and treated. If the patient has already suffered from an infection and is now in a state of renewed deterioration in health instead of recovering, he should inform his doctor of the changes as soon as possible.
In the event of weight loss, abnormal behavior, irritability or general vegetative dysfunction, a visit to a doctor is advisable. Changes in the appearance of the skin, sleep disorders, exhaustion, feelings of pressure in the sinuses and fatigue are considered worrying if the symptoms persist or increase over several days. The affected person needs medical care and should consult a doctor. Without medical care, complications and serious health consequences can arise.
Treatment & Therapy
A superinfection must be treated consistently. The therapeutic measures include rest, light vitamin-rich food, plenty of fluids and warmth. In addition, the doctor prescribes antibiotics that kill the triggering bacteria and support the immune system against the double burden.
It is also helpful to take herbal supplements such as sage tea, elderberry tea, soapwort, star anise, sloe and jujube. The active ingredients have an anti-inflammatory, sweat-inducing and expectorant effect. Rubbing with peppermint, fennel, eucalyptus, thyme and anise is also useful.
If it is a matter of a superinfection through skin injuries or neurodermatitis, consistent wound treatment must be ensured. This includes the daily change of dressings and baths.
prevention
In order to prevent superinfection, it is advisable to drink plentifully in the event of illness, to sleep a lot and to consume fruit and vegetables. On the other hand, the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and sweets should be avoided during a flu-like infection in order to avoid additional efforts of the immune system.
Aftercare
The superinfection is not infrequently associated with a significant weakening of the body. Targeted aftercare, which also serves to promote long-term recovery, is therefore particularly important. It has to be discussed with the family doctor and needs the patient's input for optimal success.
It is important to have a healthy lifestyle that helps the organism to regenerate sustainably. This includes adequate sleep, which has an important recreational function. Diet is also important. Fruit and vegetables provide valuable vitamins, minerals and trace elements. A sufficient amount of water is also very important. 1.5 to 2 liters of water or herbal tea are ideal.
Movement helps the circulation to stabilize again, but should always be done gently at the beginning. In any case, excessive demands must be avoided. Often a walk is enough, and in addition to physical activity, it also offers fresh air.
Superinfections are often treated with antibiotics, which can lead to stress on the intestinal flora. Here it makes sense not to overload the intestines with a lavish or bloating diet after the therapy. Probiotic food can also help the intestine to regenerate sustainably after antibiotics.
You can do that yourself
In order to improve health, those affected can align their everyday life as optimally as possible with the needs of their body. A healthy and balanced diet is important to stabilize the body's own immune system. In order to cope with the pathogens, the immune system must be supported in various ways. An oxygen-rich environment is just as necessary as sufficient physical exercise.
At the same time, it is important to avoid risk factors. Consuming nicotine, drugs or alcohol is therefore not recommended. It should also be checked that there is no abuse when taking medication. If you have any questions or are unclear, you should consult a doctor. For an optimal healing process, the help and support of a doctor should be sought. In addition, natural remedies or home remedies can also be helpful in relieving existing symptoms. If there is a scratchy throat, for example, taking honey can be perceived as pleasant.
The organism should be fundamentally protected against overuse. Avoid physical and emotional situations of overload. As soon as there is a feeling of illness or malaise, the organism should be given sufficient rest and protection. For this, sleep hygiene must be optimized. The human body needs optimal sleeping conditions so that sufficient regeneration can take place. Therefore, interruptions of sleep of any kind should be avoided.
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