Bacterial infections are diseases caused by small living things called bacteria. Bacteria are so small that they can only be seen using a microscope. There are trillions of different bacteria in the world. Scientists are discovering new types all the time. The human body normally has many bacteria that live on the skin, inside the digestive system, and in the genital tract.
A small number of bacteria in the world cause disease in humans. Infection occurs when a bacteria enters the body and starts to multiply. Disease can also occur if the normal balance of bacteria in the human body is disrupted. An example is after using a strong antibiotic.
Bacteria can cause infections in every area of the body. Some of the most common bacterial infections are urinary tract infections, infected cuts or wounds, stomach infections, and sexually transmitted infections. Sometimes, bacteria cause infections in the sinuses, ears, throat or lungs.
The symptoms of a bacterial infection depend on which part of the body is affected. Some common symptoms can include:
A person can come into contact with infectious bacteria in many ways, such as:
A person is more likely to develop a bacterial infection if they:
A healthcare provider can diagnose a bacterial infection after a person explains their symptoms and are examined. In some cases, more tests may be requested, such as blood tests, a swab, a urine sample, or imaging.
A serious bacterial infection that is not promptly treated can cause sepsis. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition where the infection spreads to other areas in the body. Milder bacterial infections may go on their own without treatment. Some infections can cause permanent damage.
The treatment for bacterial infections is with medicines called antibiotics. There are several different types of antibiotics, so a healthcare provider will need to prescribe the right one for a person depending on the type of infection they have.
Preventing a bacterial infection often involves good personal hygiene, such as frequent hand washing. It’s always best to scrub hands for at least 20 seconds with soap. Otherwise, eating healthy foods, drinking plenty of water, and getting at least eight hours of sleep at night helps the body fight off any bacteria that may try to cause infection.