Question 1

is osteomyelitis contagious?  if im not the one with the disease and i have a small open sore from a surgery on the stomach would i be at risk

Accepted Answer

Yes, but not very: contagious.  After you come in contact with the person with osteomyelitis, you should wash your hands before you touch your abdominal area.

Question 2

is vertebral osteomyelitis contagious?

Accepted Answer

Nope: Not contagious, but really difficult to eradicate   it may require 1 year or more of antibiotics.

Question 3

a member of my family has osteomyelitis of the middle toe!  if using the same shower what is the possibility of it being contagious to another member of the family ?

Accepted Answer

See below: osteomyelitis is an infection of bone -- in and itself it is not contagious, but the bacteria causing the infection can be passed from one person to another - I think that you are probably at low risk, but if it is concerning - use another shower or bath, and or clean the area thoroughly before using the shower

Question 4

what are the symptoms of osteomyelitis?

Accepted Answer

Variable: Symptoms of bone infections can be quite variable depending on what bone is involved and how acute or chronic the infection is.  Acute bone infections are usually painful with use of the affected area.  There may be tenderness when pressed on, or red, and even swollen.  Chronic bone infections can be very subtle with minimal pain, a dull ache, possible chronic draining wound.  Get it checked out!

Question 5

will osteomyelitis kill me?

Accepted Answer

Possible: Osteomielitis it is a severe infection of the bone. This can lead to sepsis which has a very high mortality rate.

Question 6

will biopsies help to detect osteomyelitis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: There are a few ways to diagnose osteo . From my experience, bone biopsies are done less these days because imaging modalities like MRI are so sensitive.

Question 7

what is chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis?

Accepted Answer

Destruction to bone: A chronic penetrating cellular infection can cause this.  The risk can be high if untreated including sepsis.

Question 8

what is chronic osteomyelitis and how can you treat it?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends on where you have it, what bone is involved, the extent of the infecitons and your overall health, medications and previous treatments.  You may need surgery to take out infected bone, then may need months of IV antibiotics, hyperbaric oxygen therapy and more of each of these depending on response.  You may need multiple doctors and treatments.  Good luck!

Question 9

can chronic osteomyelitis affect or cause other diseases?

Accepted Answer

Contiguous infection: Chronic osteo can cause the surrounding soft tissues to get infected and may lead to what is called a sinus tract, which is a tunnel that leads to the skin. I am not aware of other issues.

Question 10

what is the mechanism by which drug users get osteomyelitis?

Accepted Answer

Bloodborne: Usually, blood born infection , from use of non sterile needles, is the cause of bone infection in drug users.

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Doctor answers about:

Is osteomyelitis contagious

A member asked:

Is osteomyelitis contagious? if im not the one with the disease and i have a small open sore from a surgery on the stomach would i be at risk

A member asked:

Is vertebral osteomyelitis contagious?

A member asked:

A member of my family has osteomyelitis of the middle toe! if using the same shower what is the possibility of it being contagious to another member of the family ?

A member asked:

What are the symptoms of osteomyelitis?

A member asked:

Will osteomyelitis kill me?

A member asked:

Will biopsies help to detect osteomyelitis?

A member asked:

What is chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis?

A member asked:

What is chronic osteomyelitis and how can you treat it?

A member asked:

Can chronic osteomyelitis affect or cause other diseases?

A member asked:

What is the mechanism by which drug users get osteomyelitis?

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