Staphylococcus aureus, commonly known as staph, are bacteria that can cause infections. These bacteria are often found harmlessly on the skin or in the nose of many individuals. While most staph infections are minor and resolve with simple treatment, some can become severe and require immediate medical attention. Recognizing signs of escalation is important to prevent serious complications.
Recognizing Staph Infection
Staph infections most frequently affect the skin, presenting with observable signs. These infections often begin as small, red bumps that may resemble pimples or spider bites. They can progress into boils, which are painful, pus-filled lumps that develop in hair follicles or oil glands.
Other skin manifestations include impetigo, a contagious rash with fluid-filled blisters that may ooze and form a honey-colored crust. Cellulitis involves swollen, red, and painful skin that feels warm to the touch. The affected area can spread rapidly, indicating a need for prompt evaluation.
Critical Symptoms Requiring Emergency Care
Certain symptoms indicate a staph infection has become serious and warrant emergency room evaluation. Rapidly spreading redness or red streaks extending from the infection site are concerning signs, as this can suggest the infection is advancing through the lymphatic system or bloodstream. A high fever, over 101°F (38.3°C), accompanied by chills, points to a systemic infection.
Intense pain that worsens disproportionately to the visible lesion, or unresponsive to pain relievers, suggests deeper tissue involvement. Signs of circulatory compromise, such as sudden dizziness, lightheadedness, or a significant drop in blood pressure, can signal a severe systemic response. Changes in mental status, including confusion, disorientation, or difficulty waking up, are strong indicators of a severe infection affecting the brain.
Rapid heart rate or breathing indicate the body is struggling to fight the infection. Significant swelling or hardening of the affected area, especially if accompanied by numbness or tingling near the infection site, can indicate pressure on nerves or extensive tissue inflammation. Furthermore, if the infection is located near a joint, the eye, or the spine and causes impaired function, such as difficulty moving a limb or vision changes, immediate medical attention is necessary. Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination or excessive thirst, can also accompany severe infections.
Understanding Severe Complications
Severe staph infection symptoms can lead to life-threatening complications if untreated. When staph bacteria enter the bloodstream, a condition known as bacteremia can develop. This can escalate to sepsis, the body’s overwhelming and potentially fatal response to an infection, where the immune system harms its own tissues and organs.
Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but severe complication caused by toxins produced by staph bacteria, characterized by sudden high fever, rash, and organ damage. Necrotizing fasciitis, sometimes referred to as “flesh-eating bacteria,” rapidly destroys soft tissue. Staph can also cause osteomyelitis, an infection of the bone, or endocarditis, an infection of the heart’s inner lining or valves, which can lead to heart failure.
Pneumonia, a lung infection, can occur if staph bacteria reach the lungs. These complications underscore why prompt medical attention for severe staph infection symptoms is necessary. Untreated severe staph infections can lead to permanent damage or even death.
What to Expect and Next Steps
Upon arrival at the emergency room for a suspected severe staph infection, staff will assess the patient. This includes checking vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate) and a physical examination of the infected area. Diagnostic tests are performed to confirm the infection and determine its severity.
These tests may include blood tests for infection and inflammation, and wound cultures or blood cultures to identify the bacteria. Imaging studies, such as X-rays or CT scans, might be used to assess the extent of the infection or to detect complications like abscess formation. Emergency treatments often involve intravenous (IV) antibiotics, administered directly into the bloodstream for rapid delivery.
Wound drainage, to release pus from an abscess, may also be necessary. Depending on the severity and response to initial treatment, hospital admission might be required for continued monitoring and IV antibiotic therapy. Following discharge, it is important to follow up with a primary care physician to ensure complete recovery and to monitor for any lingering issues.