Treatments for Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Treatments for Rocky Mountain spotted fever
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Rocky Mountain spotted fever
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Is the Diagnosis Correct?
The first step in getting correct treatment is
to get a correct diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis list for Rocky Mountain spotted fever may include:
Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Research Doctors & Specialists
Research all specialists including ratings, affiliations, and sanctions.
Medical news summaries about treatments for Rocky Mountain spotted fever:
The following medical news items
are relevant to treatment of Rocky Mountain spotted fever:
Discussion of treatments for Rocky Mountain spotted fever:
Appropriate antibiotic treatment should be initiated
immediately
when there is a suspicion of Rocky Mountain spotted fever on the basis of clinical and
epidemiologic findings. Treatment should
not be delayed until laboratory
confirmation is obtained.
If the patient is treated within the first 4-5
days of the disease, fever generally subsides within 24-72 hours
after treatment with an appropriate antibiotic (usually a tetracycline). In fact, failure
to respond to a tetracycline antibiotic argues against a diagnosis
of RMSF. Severely ill patients may require longer periods before
their fever resolves, especially if they have experienced damage to
multiple organ systems. Preventive therapy in non-ill patients who have had recent tick
bites is not recommended and may, in fact, only delay the onset of
disease.
Doxycycline (100 mg every 12 hours for adults or 4 mg/kg body weight per day in two divided doses for children under
45 kg
[100 lbs]) is the drug of choice for patients with Rocky Mountain spotted
fever. Therapy is
continued for at least 3 days after fever subsides and until there is
unequivocal evidence of clinical improvement, generally for a minimum total
course of 5 to 10 days. Severe or complicated disease may require longer
treatment courses. Doxycycline is also the preferred drug for patients
with ehrlichiosis, another tick-transmitted infection with signs and
symptoms that may resemble Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Tetracyclines are
usually not the preferred drug for use in
pregnant women because of risks associated with malformation of teeth and
bones in unborn children. Chloramphenicol is an alternative drug that can be used
to treat Rocky Mountain spotted fever; however, this drug may be associated with a wide range of
side effects and may require careful monitoring of blood levels. (Source: excerpt from Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Treatment: DVRD)
Buy Products Related to Treatments for Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Book Excerpts: Treatment of Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Treatments of Rocky Mountain spotted fever: Online Medical Books
16 MEDICAL BOOKS ONLINE!
Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the treatments of Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
Fever:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Initial treatment of fever includes antipyretics (e.g., acetaminophen, NSAIDs)
-
Infection should be treated with appropriate antimicrobial therapy and tailored as antibiotic sensitivities are identified
–Many cases of deep-seated infection or abscess require percutaneous or surgical drainage
-
Fever due to malignancy will usually regress with surgical debulking, chemotherapy, and/or radiation directed at the primary tumor
-
Rheumatologic disorders may require NSAIDs, steroids, methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, or other cytotoxic agents
-
Dantrolene for malignant hypothermia
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Rash with Fever:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Supportive management and thorough evaluation for multisystem disease is imperative in this patient subset.
-
Doxycycline is the treatment of choice for RMSF, while ceftriaxone is commonly used for meningococcal therapy; because these two diseases can present similarly and rapidly evolve, many clinicians empirically treat with both of these antibiotics until the diagnosis is confirmed
-
Unfortunately, a complete discussion of fever and rash is far beyond the scope of this brief excerpt; the importance of rapid and accurate assessment of every patient presenting with this complaint cannot be overemphasized; rule out the most serious diagnoses first, then “a watch and wait” approach may be considered
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Fever – Cyclic:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
PFAPA
–Single dose prednisone with the onset of symptoms
–Prophylactic cimetidine and tonsillectomy have been
tried to prevent recurrences
-
Cyclic neutropenia
–Life-long therapy with GCSF decreases risk of infection
-
Familial Mediterranean fever
–Daily colchicine to prevent attacks and amyloidosis
-
Hyper-IgD
–Prednisone and colchicine have been used
–Even without treatment, attacks decrease with age
-
TRAPS
–Prednisone and etanercept have been reported to be effective
>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Fever – Recurrent:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Repeated viral illnesses
–Reassurance of the parents
–Advice on antipyretics
–Encourage fluid intake
–Limit of sick exposure if possible
-
UTI
–Antibiotics based on bacteria and sensitivity
–Prophylactic antibiotics if underlying cause is present
-
-
-
Bacterial infections: Bacteria-specific antibiotic
-
JRA, Behçet, or IBD
–Prednisone or immunosuppressive medications
-
TRAPS
–Prednisone and etanercept
-
Familial cold urticaria and Muckle-Wells syndrome
–Prednisone may be used
–If amyloidosis is present, colchicine may be required
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Fever – Unknown Origin:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Specific treatment once diagnosis is made
-
Empiric treatment with antibiotics is to be considered only for critically ill patients
-
Empiric steroids may be justified only if Still disease is suspected
-
Anti-inflammatory agents are sometimes used for a limited period of time and subsequently the patient is observed for recurrence of the fever
-
Cessation of offending drugs
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Fever – Acute:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Treating febrile episodes is common despite substantial evidence that fever is more beneficial than harmful; exception is patient with history of febrile seizures
-
Antipyretics are relatively safe drugs that inhibit prostaglandin synthesis and reduce hypothalamic set point to normal
-
Acetaminophen is safest antipyretic for young children
-
Aspirin must be avoided (risk of Reye syndrome)
-
NSAIDs are potent antipyretics and have antiinflammatory effects
-
Physical methods (cooling blankets, lukewarm baths) may be counterproductive if not combined with an antipyretic; alcohol baths are not recommended
-
Most viral syndromes are self-limited, requiring only antipyretics and increased fluid intake for risk of dehydration
-
Empiric treatment with antibiotics and hospitalization recommended only in neonates and critically ill patients
>>>>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Fever:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If you detect a fever higher than 106° F, take the patient’s other vital signs and determine his level of consciousness (LOC). Administer an antipyretic and begin rapid cooling measures: Apply ice packs to the axillae and groin, give tepid sponge baths, or apply a cooling blanket. These methods may evoke a cooling response; to prevent this, constantly monitor the patient’s rectal temperature.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Rocky Mountain spotted fever:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Treatment requires careful removal of the tick and administration of antibiotics, such as chloramphenicol or tetracycline (preferably doxycycline), until 3 days after the fever subsides. Treatment also includes symptomatic measures and, in DIC, heparin and platelet transfusion.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Colorado tick fever:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
After correct removal of the tick, supportive treatment focuses on relieving symptoms, combating secondary infection, and maintaining fluid balance. Colorado tick fever needs to be differentiated from Rocky Mountain spotted fever and tularemia.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Lassa fever:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Treatment of Lassa fever includes I.V. ribavirin, I.V. colloids for shock, analgesics for pain, and antipyretics for fever. Infusion of immune plasma from patients who have recovered from Lassa fever may be useful, but test results on the benefit of this type of therapy are inconclusive.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Relapsing fever:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Doxycycline or erythromycin is the treatment of choice and should continue for 4 to 5 days. In cases of drug allergy or resistance, penicillin G may be administered as an alternative. However, neither drug should be given at the height of a severe febrile attack because it may cause Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction, resulting in malaise, rigors, leukopenia, flushing, fever, tachycardia, rising respiration rate, and hypotension. This reaction, which is caused by toxic by-products from massive spirochete destruction, can mimic septic shock and may prove fatal. Antimicrobial therapy should be postponed until the fever subsides. Until then, supportive therapy (consisting of parenteral fluids and electrolytes) should be given.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Effective management eradicates the streptococcal infection, relieves symptoms, and prevents recurrence, reducing the chance of permanent cardiac damage. During the acute phase, treatment includes penicillin, sulfadiazine, or erythromycin. Salicylates such as aspirin relieve fever and minimize joint swelling and pain; if carditis is present or salicylates fail to relieve pain and inflammation, corticosteroids may be used. Supportive treatment requires strict bed rest for about 5 weeks during the acute phase with active carditis, followed by a progressive increase in physical activity, depending on clinical and laboratory findings and the response to treatment.
After the acute phase subsides, low-dose antibiotics may be used to prevent recurrence. Such preventive treatment usually continues for 5 years or until age 21 (whichever is longer). Heart failure necessitates continued bed rest and diuretics. Severe mitral or aortic valve dysfunction that causes persistent heart failure requires corrective valvular surgery, including commissurotomy (separation of the adherent, thickened leaflets of the mitral valve), valvuloplasty (inflation of a balloon within a valve), or valve replacement (with prosthetic valve). Such surgery is seldom necessary before late adolescence.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Fever [Pyrexia]:
Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If you detect a fever higher than 106° F (41.1° C), take the patient’s other vital signs and determine his level of consciousness (LOC). Administer an antipyretic and begin rapid cooling measures: Apply ice packs to the axillae and groin, give tepid sponge baths, or apply a cooling blanket. These methods may evoke a cooling response; to prevent this, constantly monitor the patient’s rectal temperature.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
Effective management eradicates the streptococcal infection, relieves symptoms, and prevents recurrence, reducing the chance of permanent cardiac damage.
Treatment in acute phase
During the acute phase, treatment includes low doses of antibiotics, such as penicillin, sulfadiazine, or erythro-mycin. Salicylates, such as aspirin, can help relieve fever and minimize joint swelling and pain; if carditis is present or the salicylate fails to relieve pain and inflammation, corticosteroids may be used.
Supportive treatment requires strict bed rest for about 5 weeks during the acute phase with active carditis, followed by a progressive increase in physical activity, depending on clinical and laboratory findings and the patient’s response to treatment.
Preventive treatment
After the acute phase subsides, the patient is maintained on low-dose antibiotic therapy, especially during the first 3 to 5 years after the initial episode of rheumatic fever, to prevent recurrence. Such preventive treatment usually continues for 5 to 10 years.
Surgery and other measures
Heart failure necessitates continued bed rest and diuretic therapy. Severe mitral or aortic valvular dysfunction causing persistent heart failure requires corrective valvular surgery, including commissurotomy (separation of the adherent, thickened leaflets of the mitral valve), valvuloplasty (inflation of a balloon within a valve), or valve replacement (with a prosthetic valve). Corrective valvular surgery is rarely necessary before late adolescence.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Fever:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Regularly monitor the patient’s temperature, and record it on a chart for easy follow-up of the temperature curve. Provide increased fluid and nutritional intake. When administering a prescribed antipyretic, minimize resultant chills and diaphoresis by following a regular dosage schedule. Promote patient comfort by maintaining a stable room temperature and providing frequent changes of bedding and clothing. Prepare the patient for laboratory tests, such as complete blood count and cultures of blood, urine, sputum, and wound drainage.
Patient teaching
If the patient hasn’t been admitted to the facility, ask him to measure his oral temperature at home and record the time and value. Explain that fever is a response to an underlying condition that plays an important role in fighting infection. For this reason, advise him not to take an antipyretic until his body temperature reaches 101° F (38.3° C). Discuss signs and symptoms related to dehydration and when to notify the physician.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Fever:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If you detect a fever higher than 106° F (41.1° C), take the patient’s other vital signs and determine his level of consciousness (LOC). Administer an antipyretic and begin rapid cooling measures: Apply ice packs to the axillae and groin, give tepid sponge baths, or apply a hypothermia blanket. These methods may evoke a cooling response; to prevent this, constantly monitor the patient’s rectal temperature.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Fever [Pyrexia]:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Regularly monitor and record the patient's temperature.
▪ Provide increased fluid and nutritional intake.
▪ When administering a prescribed antipyretic, minimize chills and diaphoresis by following a regular dosage schedule.
▪ Promote patient comfort by maintaining a stable room temperature and providing frequent changes of bedding and clothing.
▪ For high fevers, initiate treatment with a hypothermia blanket.
▪ Prepare the patient for laboratory tests, such as complete blood count and cultures of blood, urine, sputum, and wound drainage.
Patient teaching
▪ Instruct the patient about the proper way to take an oral temperature at home.
▪ Emphasize the importance of increased fluid intake.
▪ Discuss the proper use of antipyretics and antibiotics.
▪ Teach signs and symptoms that require immediate medical attention.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
How do you know if you have depression? Learn what's involved in diagnosing the problem, and if your depression is the result of a biological...
"I authorize the release of any medical or other information necessary to process this claim." Do you recognize these words? You should, if...
Sexual contact can sometimes result in problems. An unwanted pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases may be some of those consequences. But by...
Sleep is necessary to feel refreshed, but now we know sleep actually impacts the way the body functions. Sleeping poorly can affect how often you get...
See full list of 4 related videos
» Next page: Doctors and Medical Specialists for Rocky Mountain spotted fever
Rate This Website
What do you think about the features of this website?
Take our user survey and have your say:
Website User Survey
Medical Tools & Articles:
Next articles:
Tools & Services:
Medical Articles:
Forums & Message Boards
- Ask or answer a question at the Boards:
