Infections Specialist

Ram Clinic PC

Primary Care, Internal Medicine, and Aesthetics located in Norwood, MA

Infections represent a broad range of health conditions that can be mild or quickly turn life-threatening, which is why it’s important to never ignore symptoms, such redness and swelling in your skin or fever. Prabhu Ram, MD, has extensive experience diagnosing all types of infections in men and women and providing customized treatments at his clinic, Ram Clinic PC in Norwood, Massachusetts. To learn more, book an appointment online or over the phone today.

Infections Q & A

You develop an infection when foreign organisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi, invade your body and multiply. Infections can occur in any part of your body and can stay in one area or spread to multiple body systems.

The following conditions are commonly caused by a virus, but some can also be caused by bacteria:

• Common cold and flu
• Sinusitis
• Gastroenteritis
• Meningitis
• Warts
• HIV

 

The following conditions are commonly caused by bacteria, but some can also be caused by a virus:

• Ear infection
• Pneumonia
• Food poisoning
• Skin infections
• Urinary tract infections
• Upper respiratory tract infection

 

The following conditions are caused by a fungal infection:

• Athlete’s foot
• Ringworm, which can cause multiple types of skin and nail infections

A fever may be the first or only sign of an infection, but your symptoms will depend on the type of infection and its location in your body.

What should I know about pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection that occurs in air sacs inside your lungs. In men and women, it’s typically caused by bacteria, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, but patients with chronic illnesses or weak immune systems are also susceptible to developing pneumonia caused by fungi.

When you have pneumonia, you’ll develop symptoms, such as:

• Chest pain when you breathe
• Shortness of breath
• A cough that may bring up mucus
• Fatigue
• Fever, sweating, and chills
• Lower than normal body temperature (in older men and women or those with weak immune systems)

A mild case of pneumonia may cause cold-like symptoms that last longer than a typical cold.

What is cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that develops in the deep layers of your skin and the layer of fat that lies beneath your skin. It can occur on any part of your body where bacteria can get through a cut, ulcer, or skin problem, such as like dry, flaky skin. However, it most often affects your lower legs.

The symptoms of cellulitis include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain or tenderness
• Warm to the touch
• Blisters
• Skin dimpling
• Fever

It’s important to call Dr. Ram at the first sign of cellulitis because it can spread rapidly to your lymph nodes and bloodstream, where it can become a life-threatening infection. When should I seek medical attention for a foot ulcer?

An ulcer is an open wound that doesn’t heal. Ulcers usually begin as an area of red skin that gradually breaks down and forms an open sore.

Foot ulcers commonly occur due to:

• Diabetic nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy)
• Impaired blood circulation (peripheral artery disease, chronic venous insufficiency, and vasculitis)
• Other underlying health conditions (kidney failure, lymphedema, hypertension, lupus, and other rheumatological conditions)

Foot ulcers are prime areas for an infection to develop. They also require prompt and specialized treatment to help promote healing.

If you develop a fever or other signs of an infection, call Ram Clinic PC or book an appointment online.

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