As soon as the cardiologist confirms that you are suffering from Endocarditis, you will be asked to undergo treatment for the condition, without any delay. You will need to be hospitalized in order to receive antibiotics intravenously. These antibiotics are usually administered for a period of 4 to 6 weeks (or maybe even longer), till the infection clears up completely. It will not be necessary for you to stay in the medical facility for the entire period. Once the worst of your symptoms have disappeared, you will be discharged from the hospital and can return home. However, it is important that you continue the intravenous antibiotic therapy through home-based care, or by visiting your doctor’s office as and when required. Trips to your doctor will probably be quite frequent during this phase, as you need to undergo regular checkups to make sure that your treatment is working. In case your infection gets worse, you will experience symptoms, like:
You may also develop a rash or itchiness in reaction to the antibiotics. These symptoms need to be reported to the doctor immediately.
If the infection has already caused a lot of damage to the heart valve, the treatment for Endocarditis will include a surgery. Surgical procedures can be used for the replacement of damaged heart valves, or to deal with an infection that is persistent. Endocarditis caused by a fungal infection also usually needs to be treated surgically.