Septic Arthritis

submitted: Aug 16th 2008 | by: RayLam | Total views: 1 | Word Count: 487 | PDF View | Print Article

Septic Arthritis is also known as infections arthritis or pyogenic arthritis. This disease is not known to most people across the globe. However, one must be aware of this disease, its symptoms, causes and treatment as it is a serious infections that can hit the joints. It can result into severe pain, chills, swelling and inflammation in one or more joints. In severe cases this can also result in loss of function in the affected joints.

On the other hand, 30 to 70 cases of septic arthritis can be seen in a population of 100,000 rheumatoid arthritis patients. A variety of factors can predispose a person to septic arthritis. Any simultaneous presence of bacterial infection such as genitourinary tract or upper respiratory tract infection can increase a person?s vulnerability to septic arthritis. Additionally, serious chronic illnesses including renal failure, malignancy, cirrhosis and diabetes can increase septic arthritis susceptibility. Susceptibility increases with people who have a depressed immune system, or those who have previous immunosuppressive therapy. Accordingly, elderly individuals and alcoholics are also at higher risk of developing septic arthritis. People who are into prolonged use of intravenous drugs, including those who are addicted to heroin, have higher chance of contracting septic arthritis as well.

This type of arthritis can strike people of any age group; even infants can suffer from this disease. When it comes to adults, this disease mainly affects the joints that bear weight such as the knee. In children, the disease mainly attacked the hips, knees and shoulders. When it comes to genre that's at maximum risk to get affected from this disease, male homosexuals and women are the main targets.

Septic Arthritis is also known widely as pyogenic arthritis or infectious arthritis. It is a very serious type of infection of the joint. The medical condition is usually considered as a medical emergency as it has the potential to damage the cartilage and bone. It can also create septic shock which is a fatal condition.

If this type of arthritis has affected a baby or young child, then it can be because of hemophilus influenza, staphylococci and gram negative bacilli. People who use intravenous drugs or with diseases that have potential for weakening the immune system such as HIV are also vulnerable to septic arthritis.

The doctor will diagnose septic arthritis based on the symptoms. He will carefully check the medical history of the patient and conduct a complete physical examination. A synovial fluid and blood test is also necessary. Once the area is numbed, the doctor will withdraw a sample of synovial fluid from the affected joint. The fluid is thereafter tested for white blood cells, bacteria and other organisms. The condition can be improved if diagnosed quickly and the treatment is started soon. One may also do a lot of things to prevent this condition from occurring such as visiting doctor on a regular basis and getting adept treatment as soon as the condition is diagnosed.

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