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Pseudomonas are most dangerous for people who are in hospitals and have weakened immune systems. Newborns have a higher risk. As an adult, you may have a higher risk if: You are being treated for cancer You have HIV/AIDS You have cystic fibrosis You are on a breathing machine You are recovering from surgery You have a catheter You are recovering from severe burns You have diabetes mellitus Tell your doctor as soon as possible because you will need prompt attention. Pseudomonas can manifest as many different types of infections, depending on where they are located in your body. You may have: Pneumonia. This may be associated with an infected breathing machine. An eye infection An ear infection A urinary tract infection that is introduced by a catheter An infected surgical wound An infected ulcer. This may occur to patients that are on prolonged bed rest and develop sores. A blood infection that enters through an intravenous line Your doctor may take a swab sample and send it to the lab to confirm exactly what strain is infecting you. The lab may also be able to help determine what drugs are likely to be effective against the infection. Pseudomonas are often resistant to many commonly prescribed drugs. For many of the drugs that are effective, it is important that your doctor know your complete medical history, particularly if you think you could be pregnant or if you have renal (kidney) impairment. The doctor may prescribe: Ceftazidime. This is usually effective against a common form, Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It may be administered as an intramuscular injection or through an IV. It may not be appropriate for patients who are allergic to penicillin. Piperacillin/Tazobactam (Tazocin). This is also effective against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. It may interact with other medications, so give your doctor a complete list of what you take. This includes over-the-counter medications, herbal remedies, and supplements. Imipenem. This is a broad-spectrum antibiotic which is often administered with cilastatin. The cilastatin increases the half-life of the imipenem and can also help it better penetrate tissue. Aminoglycosides (Gentamicin, Tobramycin, Amikacin). The dosages of these drugs may need to be adjusted according to your body weight and the health of your kidneys. Your doctor may monitor your blood and hydration levels during these treatments, as side effects can include kidney damage (such as nephrotoxicity) or ear and hearing damage. Ciprofloxacin. This can be taken orally or intravenously. Tell your doctor if you have epilepsy, renal impairment, or think you may be pregnant. Colistin. This can be taken orally, intravenously, or in a nebulized form. Some patients, such as those with cystic fibrosis, may need to change their diet and activity levels to ensure proper nutrition and promote healing. If you are on a ventilator to help you breathe, your doctor may recommend a diet that is higher in fats and lower in carbohydrates. Carbohydrates can increase the amount of carbon dioxide your body produces, making breathing more difficult when you are on a ventilator. If you have a systemic infection, you may need to limit your activity levels. This may not be the case for a localized infection.
Talk to your doctor if you may be at risk. Alert your doctor if you think you are infected. Discuss medications with your doctor. Make dietary and activity changes as recommended by your doctor.