What is Whooping Cough (Pertussis)? Symptoms, Stages, Treatment, Prevention

💧 Premature Rupture of Membranes (PROM): When “the Water” Breaks Too Soon 👩🍼 For Mothers – Awareness PROM means the water around the baby breaks before labor starts. If it happens before 37 weeks → PPROM (Preterm PROM). Warning signs: sudden gush or continuous trickle of fluid, wet underwear, sometimes mixed with blood. 🔔 What to do immediately: ➡️ Don’t wait at home — go to the hospital at once. ➡️ Don’t insert anything vaginally. ➡️ Count your baby’s movements. ➡️ Be alert to fever, abdominal pain, or foul discharge (infection warning). 🧪 How Doctors Confirm PROM Sometimes it’s not easy to know if the leaking fluid is really amniotic fluid or not. Doctors may use a quick swab test (like Actim PROM): Just a simple test done in a few minutes. Confirms if the fluid is from around the baby. Helps doctors take the right decision quickly and safely. 🔹 High Leak – Trickle of Fluid Small tear in the sac → fluid leaks slowly. Mother may only feel slight wetness. Still carries risk of infection and preterm labor. 🔹 Low Break – Gush of Fluid Large tear near the cervix → sudden gush. More obvious to mother. After drainage, the risk of accidental hemorrhage increases (placental separation, cord prolapse, maternal bleeding). ⚠️ Why It Matters PROM isn’t just “waters breaking.” It can lead to serious complications: Maternal infection (chorioamnionitis). Preterm birth. Hemorrhage if placenta separates. Umbilical cord accidents. 🧪 Real-Life Example A mother at 28 weeks came with fluid leakage. We did the Actim PROM test ➝ it turned positive ✅. This confirmed that her water had broken, even though the leakage looked small. 👉 With this clear result, we could act fast: give her steroids, antibiotics, and close monitoring to protect both her and her baby. 🩺 Management Depends on Timing At term (≥37 weeks): Usually labor is started to reduce infection risk. Preterm (<37 weeks): Steroids to help the baby’s lungs. Antibiotics to prevent infection. Careful monitoring for mother and baby. If infection develops → delivery is necessary. 🌸 Take-Home Message PROM isn’t just “waters breaking” — it’s a critical moment. 👉 Early recognition + hospital care + quick tests = safer outcomes for mother and baby. 📌 #DrRababCares

🟣 𝐀𝐂𝐔𝐓𝐄 𝐎𝐓𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐒 𝐌𝐄𝐃𝐈𝐀 🟣 Acute Otitis Media (AOM) is a sudden infection of the middle ear, characterized by inflammation and fluid accumulation behind the eardrum. It is one of the most common pediatric infections, particularly affecting children between 6 months and 3 years of age. ▪️ Causes AOM is usually caused by bacterial or viral infections that follow an upper respiratory infection: 1️⃣ Bacteria: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, Moraxella catarrhalis 2️⃣ Viruses: Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, adenovirus Symptoms ✔️ Ear Pain (otalgia) – often worse when lying down ✔️ Fever – may range from mild to high ✔️ Irritability or fussiness – especially in infants ✔️ Hearing difficulty – due to fluid in the middle ear ✔️ Otorrhea – fluid or pus draining if the eardrum ruptures ✔️ Other signs: Poor appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or sleep disturbances ▪️ Diagnosis ✅ Otoscopy: Shows a bulging, red eardrum with reduced mobility. ✅ Pneumatic otoscopy or tympanometry: Confirms fluid in the middle ear. ✅ Clinical history: Recent upper respiratory infection, sudden onset of pain, and fever. ▪️ Treatment ✔️ Observation (Watchful Waiting): For children older than 2 years with mild symptoms, sometimes AOM resolves spontaneously. ✔️ Antibiotics: Amoxicillin is the first-line treatment for bacterial AOM. Duration: Typically 5–10 days, depending on age and severity. ✔️ Pain Management: Acetaminophen or ibuprofen to relieve pain and fever. ✔️ Surgical Intervention (for recurrent cases): Myringotomy with tympanostomy tubes may be considered for children with repeated infections or persistent fluid. ▪️ Prevention ✅ Vaccinations: Pneumococcal and influenza vaccines ✅ Avoiding secondhand smoke ✅ Breastfeeding for at least 6 months ✅ Minimizing exposure to respiratory infections in daycare or crowded settings . . . . . #AcuteOtitisMedia #Bacteria #Viruses #Otoscopy #Inflammation #FluidAccumulation

🎯35/365 🌿 Rheumatic Fever: A Preventable Threat to Young Hearts ⚡Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can develop after an untreated or inadequately treated Group A Streptococcal throat infection (commonly known as strep throat or scarlet fever). Though less common in developed countries, it remains a major public health concern in many parts of the world, especially affecting children and adolescents. 🔹 How it develops ✨The body’s immune response to streptococcal infection mistakenly attacks healthy tissues. ✨This immune cross-reaction damages the heart, joints, skin, and nervous system. ✨Repeated episodes can cause Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD), leading to permanent valve damage. 🔹 Key Clinical Features (Jones Criteria) Major manifestations: 📌Carditis (inflammation of heart layers/valves) 📌Polyarthritis (migratory joint pain and swelling) 📌Sydenham’s chorea (abnormal involuntary movements) 📌Erythema marginatum (distinct skin rash) 📌Subcutaneous nodules (small, firm lumps under skin) Minor manifestations: 📌Fever 📌Arthralgia 📌Elevated ESR/CRP 📌Prolonged PR interval on ECG 🔹 Complications ⚡Rheumatic Heart Disease: Mitral valve stenosis/regurgitation is most common. ⚡Heart failure, arrhythmias, and increased risk of stroke. 🔹 Prevention & Management ✅ Primary prevention: Early diagnosis and complete antibiotic treatment of strep throat (usually penicillin). ✅ Secondary prevention: Long-term prophylactic antibiotics to prevent recurrence. ✅ Management: Anti-inflammatory treatment (aspirin, corticosteroids in severe cases), supportive cardiac care, and surgical intervention for advanced RHD. 🔹 Why it matters ⚡Affects over 33 million people worldwide. ⚡Causes over 300,000 deaths annually, mostly in low- and middle-income countries. ⚡Yet, it is largely preventable with timely medical care and awareness. 🌍 By strengthening early detection, antibiotic compliance, and preventive strategies, we can significantly reduce the global burden of rheumatic fever and protect young hearts from lifelong damage. 💡 Awareness today ensures healthier generations tomorrow.

Understanding Sepsis: A Must-Watch Discussion! 🚨 https://lnkd.in/dx88Ugqh Did you know sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency? In this powerful snippet from the Ruby Hall Clinic Podcast, the brilliant Dr. Prachee breaks down exactly what sepsis is and why recognizing its signs early is crucial for survival. She’s discussing this vital topic with the insightful Sonalee Kulkarni, making a complex issue accessible to everyone. Sepsis isn't just an infection; it's your body's extreme, over-the-top response to an infection, and it can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and even death. Every minute counts! ⏳ 👉 What you'll learn in this clip: The critical definition of sepsis. Why it's considered a medical emergency. A sneak peek into the broader conversation on critical care and early intervention. Don't miss the full, in-depth discussion that could potentially save a life! 🔥 WATCH THE FULL PODCAST NOW! 🔗 Click the link in bio to watch the entire episode on our YouTube channel OR simply search for "Ruby Hall Clinic Podcast on YouTube! [sepsis awareness, what is sepsis, signs of sepsis, symptoms of sepsis, sepsis explained, Dr. Prachee, Sonalee Kulkarni, Ruby Hall Clinic, medical emergency, critical care, organ failure, infection, infection control, health podcast, medical reel, hospital podcast, doctor interview, public health education, life-saving tips, early detection, patient safety, ICU]

✅ PNEUMONIA (Text-Only Summary) ✅ 1. Definition Pneumonia is an infection of the lung tissue, affecting the alveoli and surrounding structures, leading to inflammation and consolidation. ✅ 2. Types (Based on Setting) • Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP) – occurs outside hospitals. • Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP) – develops ≥48 hours after admission. • Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP) – occurs ≥48 hours after intubation. • Aspiration Pneumonia – results from inhalation of stomach or oropharyngeal contents. ✅ 3. Common Causes (Pathogens) Community-Acquired: • Streptococcus pneumoniae (most common) • Haemophilus influenzae • Mycoplasma pneumoniae • Chlamydophila pneumoniae • Legionella • Viruses (Influenza, RSV) Hospital-Acquired/ Ventilator-Associated: • Staphylococcus aureus (including MRSA) • Pseudomonas aeruginosa • Klebsiella and other Gram-negative bacteria Aspiration: • Anaerobes (e.g., Bacteroides, Fusobacterium) ✅ 4. Risk Factors • Extremes of age • Smoking • COPD or asthma • Diabetes • Immunosuppression • Alcoholism • Dysphagia or reflux • Prolonged hospitalization or ventilation ✅ 5. Symptoms • Fever and chills • Cough (dry or productive) • Shortness of breath • Pleuritic chest pain • Fatigue, weakness • Confusion (especially elderly) ✅ 6. Physical Signs • Rapid breathing (tachypnea) • Fast heart rate (tachycardia) • Crackles/rales on auscultation • Decreased breath sounds • Dullness to percussion • Increased vocal fremitus ✅ 7. Investigations • Chest X-ray: shows consolidation or infiltrates • CBC: elevated WBC • CRP or ESR: usually elevated • Sputum culture and Gram stain • Blood cultures (if severe) • Pulse oximetry or ABG • PCR for atypical pathogens (if needed) ✅ 8. Treatment (General Approach) Mild (Outpatient) • Amoxicillin • Azithromycin or Doxycycline (if atypical suspected) Moderate to Severe (Inpatient) • Ceftriaxone + Azithromycin or • Levofloxacin (respiratory fluoroquinolone) Suspected Aspiration • Ampicillin-sulbactam • Clindamycin Hospital-Acquired • Piperacillin-tazobactam • Meropenem ± Vancomycin (for MRSA) ✅ 9. Complications • Pleural effusion • Empyema • Lung abscess • Respiratory failure • Sepsis and septic shock ✅ 10. Prevention • Vaccinations (Pneumococcal, Influenza) • Stop smoking • Hand hygiene • Aspiration precautions • Infection control in hospitals

Recent studies underscore the importance of understanding glycemic control challenges in critically ill patients, particularly regarding infection management and outcomes. The reviewed articles encompass diverse topics related to blood glucose levels and their implications in critical care settings. They highlight the significant role of hyperglycemia in sepsis, linking it to adverse outcomes and complications. Studies also explore the molecular mechanisms underlying inflammation, insulin resistance, and their interactions with glucose variability. Notably, research illustrates how both hyperglycemia and glycemic fluctuations can affect mortality rates among critically ill patients. The creation of predictive scoring systems, such as the PRESEP Score, is emphasized for the early identification of septic patients, improving patient management strategies. To delve deeper into the intricacies of glycemic management in intensive care and its relevance to sepsis and infection control, visit www.onehealthupdate.com for comprehensive insights and resources. https://lnkd.in/gRqfQzP4

Here's an interesting article in Wednesday's Age newspaper on Sepsis. https://lnkd.in/ggRWYJZa It's interesting for 2 things, the first is someone is talking about sepsis in a major Australian newspaper and secondly, is it pays particular attention to Sepsis deaths (estimated at 12,000/year) and how Sepsis, all too often, slips through diagnosis by medical staff. Don't get me wrong, there are multiple stories of how one nurse or doctor has seen the red flags and initiated a Sepsis protocol with life saving outcomes. The article also mentions half of Australian don't know what sepsis is and I feel this is partially because when you see graphs and tables about deaths in Australia, Sepsis is no where to be seen. That's because in Australia the cause of deaths are generally reported as the primary disease i.e. infection, influenza, COVID, etc., not the secondary condition, which in these cases is Sepsis. The table titled "Australian deaths per annum" is a great example of how deadly Sepsis is. Generally, most people recover from bacterial and viral infections but when your body overreacts to these infections you can rapidly spiral down the Sepsis path to organ failure and in worst cases, death. The article and the link to the national sepsis program https://lnkd.in/gfNPjUHG goes into some detail about UN-diagnosed sepsis and sending patients home only to have them return in a critical condition in which organ failure has already started. The article also quotes testimony at coroner's inquests that "the diagnostic pathway for identifying Sepsis was still not being used as often as it should be". I personally feel we need a clearly defined "Is it Sepsis" or "Suspect Sepsis" question that triggers a "Code Sepsis" response. This would enable the medical staff to now treat the patient as a medical emergency. Which is what Sepsis is. Yugeesh Lankadeva Connie Ow Mark Plummer Taku Furukawa

🔬 Weekly Case: Respiratory Mycoplasma in Cats & Dogs Last week, we discussed hemotropic Mycoplasma species that cause anemia. This week, let’s focus on Mycoplasma species that target the respiratory system. 🦠 Description Mycoplasma are unique bacteria that lack a cell wall, making them resistant to antibiotics like penicillin. Important species include Mycoplasma felis in cats and Mycoplasma cynos in dogs. 😷 Clinical Signs Cats (M. felis): conjunctivitis (sometimes in one eye only), sneezing, nasal discharge, and upper respiratory infection. Dogs (M. cynos): coughing, nasal discharge, and pneumonia — often part of the kennel cough complex. 🧪 Diagnosis Clinical signs supported by PCR testing. Culture is possible but challenging. Co-infections with viral pathogens are common. 💊 Treatment Systemic: Doxycycline is the first-line therapy; fluoroquinolones (use with caution in kittens or pregnant animals) for severe cases. Ocular: topical antibiotic eye drops or ointments (e.g., tetracycline-based) can help relieve conjunctivitis and control local infection. ❓"Have you ever encountered a cat with conjunctivitis affecting only one eye that didn’t respond to standard therapy? Could it be Mycoplasma felis? How did you manage it?"

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria enter the urinary system, causing infection in the kidneys, ureters, bladder, or urethra. Here's what you need to know: *Symptoms:* - Painful urination (burning sensation) - Frequent urination - Cloudy or strong-smelling urine - Pelvic pain or pressure - Fever, chills, and nausea (if the infection spreads to the kidneys) *Causes and Risk Factors:* - Bacteria (E. coli is the most common cause) - Poor hygiene practices - Sexual activity - Urinary retention due to stones or obstruction - Use of catheters - Weakened immune system - Female anatomy (shorter urethra makes it easier for bacteria to reach the bladder) *Treatment:* - Antibiotics ( Nitrofurantoin, Sulfonamides, Amoxicillin, Cephalosporins) - Pain relief medications (Phenazopyridine) - Staying hydrated to help flush out bacteria - Completing the full course of antibiotics to prevent recurrence *Prevention:* - Practicing good hygiene (wiping front to back, washing hands) - Drinking plenty of water - Avoiding bladder irritants (alcohol, caffeine) - Urinating when needed (don't hold it in) - Considering dietary changes (cranberry products may help prevent UTIs) *Complications:* - Repeated infections - Permanent kidney damage - Sepsis (life-threatening inflammation) - Narrowed urethra (in men)¹ ² ³ If you suspect you have a UTI, consult a healthcare provider for proper diagnosis and treatment. They may perform a urinalysis or urine culture to confirm the infection.

TriStar Skyline is stopping sepsis in its tracks This week, we recognize Sepsis Awareness Month. Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. Why it matters: • Sepsis affects more than 1.7 million adults in the U.S. each year. • It can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death if not treated quickly. Know the warning signs (think “SEPSIS”): • Slurred speech or confusion • Extreme shivering or fever • Pain or discomfort (severe) • Shortness of breath • I feel like I might die (sense of doom) • Skin—clammy or discolored What causes sepsis? Sepsis can develop from common infections such as: • Pneumonia • Urinary tract infections (UTIs) • Skin infections (including cellulitis) • Abdominal infections ✅ How to help prevent sepsis: • Stay up to date on vaccinations (flu, pneumonia, COVID-19). • Treat infections early—don’t ignore worsening symptoms. • Practice good hygiene—wash hands often and keep wounds clean. • Manage chronic conditions (like diabetes or lung disease) with regular care. Sepsis is a medical emergency—early recognition and rapid treatment save lives. At TriStar Skyline, our teams are committed to raising awareness, steering prevention, and ensuring quick action to protect our patients. Together, we’re the driving force to stop sepsis in its tracks.