Mycobacterial Infections: Care Instructions

Overview

Mycobacteria can cause a wide variety of infections, including tuberculosis (TB), bone infections, abscesses, and a type of arthritis. They can infect the lungs, lymph nodes, skin, and other parts of the body. They can also infect open wounds.

People who have immune system problems are at higher risk for mycobacterial infections. Depending on where the infection is in the body, some of the symptoms are fever, cough, fatigue, night sweats, weight loss, and abscesses (pockets of pus).

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and contact your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Take your antibiotics as directed. Do not stop taking them just because you feel better. You need to take the full course of antibiotics.
• You may need to take medicine for a long time, sometimes for a couple of years and sometimes for the rest of your life. It is very important that you take the medicine exactly as directed for as long as it takes to clear up your infection or keep you healthy.
• Ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter pain medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), or naproxen (Aleve). Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
• Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Get plenty of rest to help your body heal.
• Depending on where the infection is, you may need surgery. For example, abscesses can be drained.
• Do not smoke. Smoking can make your symptoms worse. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.

When should you call for help?

Call 911 anytime you think you may need emergency care. For example, call if:

• You have severe trouble breathing.

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You are short of breath.
• You have a new or worse cough.
• You have worse symptoms of infection, such as:
  • Increased pain, swelling, warmth, or redness.
  • Red streaks leading from the area.
  • Pus draining from the area.
  • A fever.
• You are dizzy or lightheaded, or you feel like you may faint.
• You have new or worse diarrhea.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You lose weight.
• You have night sweats.
• You do not get better as expected.