HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Endocarditis
Treatment Overview
There are three main goals when treating Reference endocarditis Opens New Window:
- Quickly destroy the infection.
- Repair or replace a heart valve, if needed.
- Treat complications.
Destroy the infection
If you have endocarditis, you will need several weeks of treatment with one or more antibiotics. At first you will be treated in the hospital, because the antibiotics are given through a vein (Reference by IV Opens New Window) and you may need other tests during treatment. After your fever is gone and you are stable, you may be able to continue IV antibiotics at home with the help of a home health nurse.
Antibiotics are usually given for 4 to 8 weeks, but some people may require only 2 to 4 weeks of treatment. How long you take antibiotics may depend on what type of bacteria is causing the infection or whether you have an infection of artificial heart valves. For example, you may take antibiotics for a longer time because you have artificial heart valves. The antibiotics must be given long enough and at a strong enough dose to destroy all of the bacteria.
After the first IV antibiotics, your doctor may want you to take antibiotic pills. If so, take them exactly as prescribed until they are gone. If your symptoms return, call your doctor right away. You probably will need more antibiotics if testing shows that the bacteria were not completely destroyed.
If endocarditis is caused by a fungus, you may need intravenous antifungal medicine. And heart valve surgery usually is required for endocarditis caused by a fungus.
Surgery
If your heart valve becomes severely damaged from Reference endocarditis Opens New Window or if infection develops in an artificial heart valve, you may need surgery to repair or replace the valve.
You may need surgery if you have:
- Reference Heart failure Opens New Window.
- A fungal infection.
- An Reference abscess Opens New Window in your heart.
- Damage to the electrical system of your heart.
- Infected tissue that repeatedly breaks off the valve and travels to other parts of your body (for example, lungs, brain, or kidneys).
Your medical team
Treatment for endocarditis is usually guided by an Reference infectious disease specialist Opens New Window. A Reference cardiologist Opens New Window may also be involved if your heart muscle or valves are damaged. You will need a Reference cardiovascular surgeon Opens New Window if you have heart valve replacement surgery.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
