MRSA Superbug - Chest Pain

MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) superbug can have many symptoms (like chest pains) that are similar to other healthcare issues, diseases, infections, etc. When it comes to chest pains, immediate medical care is needed to rule out a heart attack. Once a heart attack is ruled out, then other causes, like a MRSA infection, can be considered. When you have a MRSA infection, additional symptoms like chest pain, can mean that the infection has spread to other parts of the body or to organs. Communication with your healthcare professional is important for successful treatment of MRSA.

Chest Pain and MRSA Symptoms

Initial symptoms of MRSA include a sore, skin infection, flu-like symptoms, skin abscesses, drainage from a wound, and other skin problems. When it has spread there can be additional symptoms including chest pain. Other signs that this superbug infection has include the following:

• Chills
• Cough
• Fatigue
• High fever
• Shortness of breath
• Rash

The only way to diagnose MRSA is with tests since many symptoms and signs of this bacteria infection are the same as other health issues and other types of infections.

Causes of chest pains and MRSA

When there are chest pains with a MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) infection it can mean the infection has spread to the heart or to the lungs. When it is in the lungs it can result in coughing that can cause chest pain because the muscles of the chest become sore. If the lungs are unable to function properly because of the bacterial infection, the heart may not get enough oxygen and it will cause chest pains also.

MRSA can lead to endocarditis (infection of the membrane that lines the heart). One of the symptoms of endocarditis is chest pain. Due to the seriousness of it spreading, when additional symptoms like chest pains occur, immediate medical care will be needed.

Treatment of chest pains caused by MRSA

When there are chest pains caused by MRSA, a healthcare professional will do tests to rule out other causes, like a heart attack. If it is determined the chest pains are caused by an infection, the infection will be treated. If it is already being treated and it still spreads to the heart, lungs, blood, or other parts of the body then the treatment will need to be re-evaluated. If the infection is serious then hospitalization may be necessary. Depending on the cause, medication may be given to relieve the discomfort of chest pains while waiting for treatment to eliminate the infection.

Avoiding chest pains caused by MRSA

The best way to avoid chest pains caused by MRSA is to avoid being infected with the bacteria. Proper hygiene and a strong immune system are essential to avoiding infection. When coming in contact with open sores or shared equipment proper precautions should be used to avoid direct or indirect contact with the bacteria. When this superbug infection is suspected, prompt diagnosis and treatment will prevent the spread of the bacteria to other parts of the body.

When it comes to chest pains from MRSA superbug or any other cause, prompt medical treatment is needed.

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