How Dangerous is Cotton Fever? Symptoms and Relief

cotton fever symptoms

To prevent cotton fever and infective endocarditis, you should only use a clean needle one time to inject drugs. However, the best way to prevent cotton fever is to stop injecting drugs altogether. This often requires getting professional treatment for a substance use disorder. If you believe you are currently experiencing cotton fever, or are with someone who is, you may want to consider going to the emergency room. While cotton fever symptoms typically subside within hours, there is always a chance of contracting a bacterial infection that could potentially become dangerous. If you are seeking help for drug addiction, please contact Rock Recovery Center.

Instead, it is believed to be a reaction to bacteria, endotoxins, or other contaminants that may be present on or within the cotton used as a filter during the drug preparation process. While cotton fever is not generally considered life-threatening, it can be dangerous in some cases. If the symptoms are severe or last for a long time, it is important to seek medical attention. Even if you feel hesitant or embarrassed, healthcare professionals are there to help you without judgment.

Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT)

When dealing with cotton fever, it is crucial to seek appropriate medical attention. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding when to seek help is essential for prompt diagnosis and treatment. In this section, we will discuss when to seek medical attention and the diagnosis and treatment options available for cotton fever. The name “cotton fever” originated from the common practice of using small pieces of cotton to filter drugs and remove debris before injection. When the cotton is heated to prepare the drug solution, the bacteria and other substances on the cotton can release endotoxins, which are believed to be responsible for the symptoms of cotton fever.

Long-Term Risks of IV Drug Abuse

If you do get cotton fever, rest and stay hydrated, take over-the-counter pain relievers, and apply a cold compress to your forehead to help alleviate your symptoms. Over time, it was found that the purported cause of cotton fever being due to cotton in the bloodstream was not the catalyst for these individuals symptoms. According to medical research, cotton fever is the name given to infections that can occur one of two ways, but neither of them involve cotton finding its way into the victim’s bloodstream. Cotton fever is a condition that some drug users experience after injecting drugs. While the exact cause of cotton fever is not known, it’s important to seek medical attention if you experience symptoms of this condition. Prevention is the best way to avoid cotton fever, and this can be achieved by using clean needles and syringes and avoiding cotton swabs or filters when preparing drugs for injection.

Rapid Heartbeat and Chest Pain

Cotton fever occurs when cotton or other materials used to filter drugs get into the bloodstream during injection. It’s typically caused by bacteria that cling to those fibers, particularly a bacteria called Enterobacter agglomerans. When these bacteria enter the body, they cause a reaction similar to a severe infection, which can be very frightening for the person experiencing it. Cotton fever, also known as “the shakes,” is a flu-like illness that can occur shortly after injecting drugs. It is not caused by an infection, but rather by the body’s reaction to bacteria or endotoxins that are present in the cotton or other materials used to filter the drugs. These substances can enter the bloodstream and trigger an immune response, leading to the symptoms of cotton fever.

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. Under most circumstances, cotton fever is quite benign, but it is possible for it to turn into something much more serious, like pneumonia.

cotton fever symptoms

However, it is widely speculated that the bacteria or endotoxins present in cotton fever symptoms the cotton filter are responsible for initiating the immune response. Raising awareness and providing support are essential steps in combating Cotton Fever and addressing addiction-related issues. By educating the community and connecting individuals to appropriate resources, we can contribute to a safer and healthier environment, fostering understanding, empathy, and recovery.

  1. Following an extensive inpatient evaluation for an occult infection in a febrile injection drug user, only the serendipitous insight from the patient ultimately led to the diagnosis of cotton fever.
  2. Without medical attention, the strain on the system can prove deadly for mother or child, or both.
  3. The symptoms of cotton fever are very uncomfortable and medical care will provide treatment for symptoms so you can be a little more comfortable while you recover.
  4. Another significant risk factor for cotton fever is unsanitary drug preparation practices.
  5. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified health provider with questions regarding a medical condition.

Additionally, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires insurance companies to provide coverage for addiction treatments in Florida. This means that insurance plans sold through the ACA marketplace must cover addiction treatment services, including detoxification, inpatient and outpatient treatment, and aftercare programs. However, the specific details of coverage may vary depending on the insurance plan and the individual’s specific situation.

We understand what it’s like to feel trapped in this endless loop of on-again-off-again. The symptoms of Cotton Fever can last for hours and knowing the source of the problem may prevent this from happening again. It can be difficult for an individual to determine the source of the symptoms. Cotton fever has many of the same symptoms as a bad flu or other issues. The severity of symptoms, such as tremors, is also an indication of cotton fever over another type of infection. Known to strike within a half an hour of injection, in some cases, it takes as little as five minutes to set in.

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