Infectious Disease
Infectious Disease Services in Roseville and Sacramento, CA
Infectious Disease Q & A
What are infectious diseases?
An infectious disease is an illness or disease you might contract via germs like viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. The experts at Pulmonary Medicine Associates are highly trained in internal medicine. They diagnose and treat common diseases and counsel healthy people who plan to travel to other countries with a higher risk of infections.
What are the benefits of infectious disease treatments?
The infectious disease specialists at Pulmonary Medicine Associates have expertise in diseases of the heart, sinuses, lungs, brain, bones, urinary tract, and pelvic organs. They have extensive training in how the body fights infection and the ways infectious diseases spread. Infectious disease providers also care for and treat patients with immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
How do infectious diseases spread?
You can contract infectious diseases when harmful organisms get into your body. They spread from other people, contaminated food, bug bites, soil, or water. In contrast, non-infectious diseases may stem from anatomical differences, genetics, aging, or your environment.
What are examples of infectious diseases?
Examples of infectious diseases include:
- HIV
- Osteomyelitis
- Endovascular Infections
- Septic Arthritis
- Prosthetic Joint Infections
- Other sexually transmitted diseases
- Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
- Skin and soft tissue infections
- Mycobacterial infections including Tuberculosis
Non-infectious diseases include congestive heart failure, diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease, and other chronic conditions.
What are the risk factors for infectious diseases?
While anyone may contract an infectious disease, having a weakened immune system increases your risk. Your immune system might be weaker if you have HIV, undergo cancer treatments, or take certain medications.
Young children, adults over 60, and pregnant women might have compromised immunity. Traveling to certain countries is also a risk factor for contracting diseases.
How are infectious diseases treated?
The Pulmonary Medicine Associates specialists diagnose an infectious disease after discussing your symptoms, completing a physical exam, and reviewing your medical history. They may recommend a blood test, swab, or other diagnostic tests.
Some medications can cure infectious diseases, while others help you manage bothersome symptoms of diseases without cures. Other treatments include rest, fluids, IV therapy, and breathing treatments. Vaccinations help protect you against contracting certain types of infectious diseases.
Schedule an evaluation at Pulmonary Medicine Associates by phone or request one online today if you’re at risk of or develop symptoms of an infectious disease.