The earlier the treatment begins, the more effective it is in stopping the infection. This is particularly true in the hospital environment. The bacteria in hospitals get regular exposure to antibiotics, and, over time, develop resistance to these drugs. This makes them more difficult to treat. Once doctors know which type of Pseudomonas bacteria is responsible for the infection and whether or not this strain is resistant to any drugs, they can combine medications to make treatment more effective.
Most minor Pseudomonas infections resolve either without treatment or after minimal treatment. A doctor may also prescribe an antibiotic called polymyxin. Doctors usually treat urinary tract infections with an oral antibiotic, such as levofloxacin or ciprofloxacin. Eye infections from Pseudomonas bacteria are relatively rare.
When they do arise, doctors can treat them with antibiotic drops. In severe cases, doctors may use a particular procedure to inject antibiotics directly into the eye. In many cases, Pseudomonas infections are preventable.
Bacteria live and breed in moist places. The more dirty and moist those places become, the more bacteria live and breed there. Therefore, whether it is in the intensive care unit or at the local swimming pool, cleanliness is vital.
It is essential for all doctors and nurses to practice good hand hygiene. Other hospital staff will keep equipment clean and ensure that patient rooms are as germ-free as possible. People staying in the hospital and their families should follow instructions about frequent hand-washing. Typical symptoms are pain and discharge Water containing the bacteria can enter the ear during swimming.
Malignant external otitis Malignant External Otitis Malignant external otitis is infection of the external ear that has spread to the skull bone temporal bone containing the ear canal, the middle ear, and the inner ear. Malignant external otitis It is most common among people with diabetes. Tissues become swollen and inflamed, partly or completely closing the ear canal. Symptoms may include fever, loss of hearing, inflammation of tissues around the infected ear, severe ear pain, a foul-smelling discharge from the ear, and nerve damage.
Hot-tub folliculitis Folliculitis Folliculitis and skin abscesses are pus-filled pockets in the skin resulting from bacterial infection. They may be superficial or deep, affecting just hair follicles or deeper structures within Hair roots follicles become infected in people who use hot tubs or whirlpools, particularly if the hot tubs and whirlpools are inadequately chlorinated.
Spending a lot of time in the water softens the follicles, making them easier for bacteria to invade. An itchy rash consisting of tiny pimples develops. Pimples may have a drop of pus in their center.
Ecthyma gangrenosum is a skin sore that occurs in people who have too few white blood cells neutropenia Neutropenia Neutropenia is an abnormally low number of neutrophils a type of white blood cell in the blood. Neutropenia, if severe, significantly increases the risk of life-threatening infection. The sore has a purple-black center and is surrounded by a band of red. These sores usually occur in moist areas, such as the armpit or genital areas. Eye infections due to these bacteria may damage the cornea, often permanently.
Enzymes produced by the bacteria can rapidly destroy the eye. Infections usually result from injuries but may result from contamination of contact lenses or contact lens solution. Soft-tissue infections include those in muscle, tendons, ligaments, fat, and skin.
These infections can occur in deep puncture wounds for example, stepping on a nail. Pseudomonas bacteria can also infect pressure sores, burns, and wounds due to injuries or surgery. When these bacteria grow in soiled dressings, the dressings turn green and smell like newly mowed grass. Fluids draining from these wounds often have a sweet, fruity smell. Severe pneumonia Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia Hospital-acquired pneumonia is lung infection that develops in people who have been hospitalized, typically after about 2 days or more of hospitalization.
Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Pseudomonas Aeruginosa in Healthcare Settings. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. November 13, Pseudomonas Infection. University of Michigan Medicine. January 26, Pseudomonas Infections. Merck Manual. February Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Clinical Infectious Diseases. September How to Manage Pseudomonas aeruginosa Infections.
Antibiotics are the main treatment. Usually two different kinds are used. It can be hard to find the right antibiotic, because the bacteria are resistant to many of these medicines.
If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, be sure to take all the medicine even if you begin to feel better right away. If you don't take all the medicine, you may not kill all the bacteria.
No matter what your treatment, it's important to call your doctor if your infection doesn't get better as expected. As more antibiotic-resistant bacteria develop, hospitals are taking extra care to practice infection control. This includes frequent hand-washing and isolating patients who are infected.
Current as of: September 23, Russo MD - Internal Medicine. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: E. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
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