What is
bacterial endocarditis?
Bacterial endocarditis is an infection of
the lining inside of the heart muscle and valves. Bacteria
attach themselves to the lining, usually on the heart
valves. They grow there and can damage the valves. Children
with heart defects or heart diseases (such as rheumatic
fever) are more likely to get bacterial endocarditis. This
infection can usually be prevented by taking antibiotics
before medical or dental procedures.
When should
my child take antibiotics?
Dental Procedures:
The most common reason your child will need
antibiotics is for dental work. Your child should receive
antibiotics before dental procedures when bleeding is
expected, such as:
- cleaning teeth
- cutting tissue
- probing the gums
- reimplanting a tooth
- placing orthodontic bands.
Your child does not need to take the medicine if there will
be no bleeding. Procedures that usually do not cause
bleeding include:
- filling cavities
- getting a shot to numb the mouth
- adjusting braces that are already in
place
- getting fluoride treatments.
Antibiotic treatment is not needed when your child loses
baby teeth.
Medical Procedures:
Your child should take antibiotics before
operations and procedures that involve:
- The respiratory system, including the
nose, mouth, and upper part of the airway (such as
removing tonsils or having a rigid bronchoscopy).
- The stomach and intestines, including
the esophagus (the swallowing tube), bile ducts, and
colon.
- The genitals or urinary system,
including the bladder and the urethra (the tube that
urine goes through).
Procedures that do not require antibiotics include:
- putting in ear tubes
- circumcision.
Your health care provider is the only one who can decide if
your child needs antibiotics. Always talk to your provider
if you have any questions about the need for antibiotics.
Be sure to tell your provider if your child
has any allergies to any medicines.
