Injecting a drug into the vein leads to a faster onset of effects than other methods of use because it delivers the drug directly to the bloodstream. An editorial policy or process is the guiding principle that influences any content or resources that are written, edited, and shared by our team, including both web and print media. Our standard for educational material is high and promotes accuracy and integrity with every publication. However, in extreme cases, cotton fever can resemble sepsis and can be misdiagnosed as such if hospitalization is required. Usually cases of cotton fever do not require hospitalization because they clear up rather quickly.
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Once detox is complete, you should undergo addiction treatment on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Treatment is always individualized but may include individual therapy, group counseling, peer support groups, family therapy, holistic therapies, or behavioral therapies. Depending on the drug involved, medical detox is often the first step to keep you safe and comfortable. Withdrawal can be unpleasant at best and dangerous at worst, but detox offers a medical team to manage your symptoms, administer medications as needed, and prevent complications. Comprehensive addiction treatment programs can help you manage the physical withdrawal and discomfort, as well as the social and emotional aspects that contribute to addiction. Cotton fever became a slang term in the 1970s to describe a mild, self-limited fever and other symptoms that occur when using IV drugs filtered through cotton fibers.
Sustained Recovery
During detoxification, the body works to metabolize and eliminate the toxins accumulated from prolonged substance abuse. Cotton fever may develop soon after someone uses a non-medical intravenous drug, such as heroin or opioids. Intravenous (IV) drug use can cause serious, sometimes life-threatening complications. People who what is cotton fever symptoms, causes, and treatment abuse IV drugs are at risk of infections, overdose, addiction, and many other severe consequences. While cotton fever is generally not life-threatening, the symptoms can have a rapid onset while being severe and frightening.
- The most widely accepted theory behind the illness is that it occurs as a result of an endotoxin response.
- To learn more about our substance abuse treatment programs or to get started with a confidential, risk-free assessment, please contact us today.
- Additionally, accessing support and resources can provide assistance and guidance for those struggling with addiction.
- In more advanced cases, Lyme disease can lead to arthritis, especially in the knee.
Treatment and Recovery
We maintain strict accuracy standards, sourcing information exclusively from credible sources for our website content. IV drug addiction is a complex condition that requires comprehensive treatment and ongoing support. Antibiotics are only used if lab tests (such as blood cultures) indicate a serious bacterial infection.
Antibiotics (Only If a Serious Infection Is Suspected)
Cotton fever is an illness that occurs primarily in individuals who use intravenous drugs, particularly heroin or other opioids. It is believed to result from bacterial contamination of the cotton used to filter the drug into the needle. The most commonly accepted theory is that the fever and flu-like symptoms are triggered by Enterobacter agglomerans (now known as Pantoea agglomerans), a type of bacteria commonly found in cotton plants. When drug users filter their substances through cotton before injection, trace amounts of bacteria or endotoxins may enter the bloodstream, leading to an immune system response that mimics an infection. Cotton fever is an illness that occurs when bacteria-contaminated cotton fibers are introduced into the bloodstream during intravenous drug use. This condition often results in symptoms like high fever, rapid heart rate, and general weakness.
- Though cotton fever is uncomfortable, it doesn’t usually have dangerous symptoms or complications.
- Mononucleosis is also contagious through saliva, and knowing this diagnosis can help you avoid sharing drinks and utensils with others.
- By understanding its symptoms and causes, and following the treatment strategies outlined above, individuals can manage the condition more effectively.
- If you or someone you love struggles with IV drug use or you want to learn more about cotton fever, contact the Archstone Behavioral Health specialists today.
Serious complications are rare, occurring in approximately one in every 1,000 cases. However, certain groups face higher risks, including young babies, elderly people, and adults with underlying health conditions. Occasional complications affecting the eyes, nervous system, heart, and digestive system have been reported.
Severe symptoms of Lyme disease
Unfortunately, there is no simple way to ensure the sterilization of an already used needle. Known to strike within a half an hour of injection, in some cases, it takes as little as five minutes to set in. The bones ache, muscles can spasm, accompanied by cold and severe migraines the body will also shake, sometimes violently. Of course, there is also a fever on top of everything else going on, which, in turn, brings about nausea and vomiting. In rare cases where symptoms persist or complications arise, antibiotics may be prescribed if a secondary bacterial infection is suspected. While cotton fever is typically self-limiting, proper hydration, rest, and over-the-counter pain relievers can help alleviate symptoms and speed recovery.
Intravenous drugs can be heated before being drawn into a syringe for injection. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help reduce fever and alleviate pain. Treatment of cat scratch disease is done with antibiotics such as amoxicillin, ceftriaxone, clindamycin, according to the doctor’s orientation, so that the bacteria can be eliminated effectively.
This may be inpatient or outpatient treatment, but often includes group counseling, talk therapy, behavioral therapies, support groups, and other evidence-based care. Cotton fever can have intense and uncomfortable symptoms but is not usually life-threatening. If you’re using IV drugs often enough to get cotton fever, however, it is a concerning sign of drug abuse. It is not considered dangerous or life-threatening, however, symptoms can be uncomfortable and frightening. Cotton fever rarely requires medical treatment but is sometimes warranted if the high fever does not break within a few hours of the onset.