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An infection is the detrimental colonization of a host organism by a foreign species. In an infection, the infecting organism seeks to utilize the host's resources to multiply (usually at the expense of the host). The infecting organism, or pathogen, interferes with the normal functioning of the host and can lead to chronic wounds, gangrene, loss of an infected limb, and even death. The host's response to infection is inflammation. Colloquially, a pathogen is usually considered a microscopic organism though the definition is broader, including faeces, parasites, fungi, viruses, prions, and viroids. A symbiosis between parasite and host, whereby the relationship is beneficial for the former but detrimental to the latter, is characterised as parasitism. The branch of medicine that focuses on infections and pathogens is infectious disease.
Fever, chills, sweating, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue are symptoms common to many infections, however there are symptoms specific to different types of infections.
Bacteria, viruses, fungi are what cause infections by invading body tissue, stealing nutrients from healthy cells, and releasing toxins some parasites kill healthy cells.
These micro-organisms readily infect the eyes, ears, mouth, genitals, and the skin itself. Some enter straight into the bloodstream.
Food poisoning occurs when pathogen (invading bacteria) enter the gastrointestinal tract, usually through contaminated food or water.
Most respiratory infections, including common colds, flu and mild forms of pneumonia, are caused by inhaling or ingesting viruses.
The urinary tract usually flushes out pathogens but is prone to infection when it is swollen, irritated, or obstructed. Ailments ranging from common bladder infections to serious kidney infections are usually bacterial.
Most infections stay localised but some can spread throughout the entire body.
Your doctor will do tests to determine where your infection is and it’s severity.
Minor infections are of short duration and usually clear up on their own, but serious infectious diseases require medical treatment.
Antibiotics are the usual treatment against bacterial infections however this course of action will not work against viral infections. In these cases the doctor can usually only relieve the symptoms and help the body to heal itself.
Over-the-counter and prescription medications can relieve typical symptoms and speed recovery from minor infections.
Good nutrition, rest, and stress-reducing activities can help prevent and combat infection.
Herbal Treatments - Some herbs which are particularly helpful for infections are - aniseed, Echinacea, eucalyptus, garlic, goldenseal, horseradish, myrrh, pau d’arco, tea tree oil.
Aromatherapy - Try a warm compress on the affected area with geranium in it, for coughs and colds, try inhaling grapefruit oil, lemongrass, lime or lemon oil. For more information on the essential oils - see our aromatherapy section)
Homoeopathic Treatments - Pulsatilla is great for ridding the body of mucus or discharge - ask for the required dosages.
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