Bacterial infections can affect any part of the body. While most infections are resolved naturally by the immune system, there are cases where the bacteria multiply rapidly, overwhelming the body's defenses. In these situations, antibiotics are required to help eliminate the infection.
The symptoms of bacterial infections vary depending on the affected area. Common bacterial infections include:
- Pneumonia: Symptoms may include chest pain, fever, coughing, and a general feeling of ill health.
- Middle ear infection: Characterized by earache, and possibly discharge from the ear.
- Bladder infection: May cause pain during urination, frequent urges to urinate, and lower abdominal pain.
- Skin infections: Often present with redness, swelling, itching, or pain in the affected area.
- Rheumatoid arthritis: Results in swollen, stiff, and painful joints due to the immune system's response to bacterial presence.
- Gastroenteritis: Leads to stomach pain and diarrhoea.
- Eye infection: Symptoms include redness, pain, and possibly a discharge.