Serious infections from P. aeruginosa primarily occur in healthcare settings, but people can also develop infections from hot tubs and swimming pools.
Infection of the lungs (pneumonia)Fever and chillsDifficulty breathingChest painTirednessCough, sometimes with yellow, green, or bloody mucus
Urinary tract infections can cause:
Strong urge to urinate frequentlyPainful urinationUnpleasant odor in urineCloudy or bloody urinePain in the pelvic area
Wound infections can cause:
Inflamed wound siteFluid leakage from wound
Ear infections (like swimmer’s ear) can cause:
Ear painDecreased hearingRedness or swelling of outer earFever
Common hospital-associated P. aeruginosa infections include bloodstream infections, pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and surgical wound infections. These infections typically affect people who are ill in the hospital, particularly those with weakened immune systems from diseases or long-term treatments. When hospitalized, you have a higher risk for a serious, life-threatening P. aeruginosa infection if you have surgical wounds or burns, or are being treated with a breathing machine, such as a mechanical ventilator, or other medical devices, such as urinary or intravenous catheters. Exposure to contaminated water can also cause mild P. aeruginosa infections in healthy people. For instance, inadequately disinfected hot tubs and swimming pools can cause P. aeruginosa ear infections and skin rashes. They can also cause eye infections in users of contact lenses.
Prognosis of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
Before the lab confirms which particular drugs will work, a person may be given a combination of several antibiotics.
Prevention of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa
To prevent P. aeruginosa, there are several steps you can take.
Wash your hands often. This is the best way to prevent the spread of germs. Use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds; or, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.Keep wounds clean. If you get a cut or scrape, be sure to clean it and cover it with a bandage.Avoid sharing personal items. Don’t let others use personal items like razors or towels.Use antibiotics only as needed. If your doctor prescribes antibiotics, take the meds as prescribed.Remind others to wash their hands. If you’re in the hospital, ask visitors, doctors, and nurses to wash their hands before touching you.Keep surfaces clean. Disinfect all of the surfaces you touch such as your cell phone, door knobs, and light switches.Swim safely. if going into a hot tub or pool, make sure it is properly chlorinated and maintained.
Additional reporting by Abbi Libers and Carlene Bauer.
