Further awareness and study are needed to better characterize the epidemiologic and pathogenesis of this syndrome, as there is currently a paucity of information. This case should again remind us to never underestimate the potential diagnostic and therapeutic insights that are housed in our patients’ awareness—if we only think to ask. Symptoms begin shortly after injecting drugs and often subside within 12 hours, with severe cases lasting up to 24 hours. There are no reported long-term effects of the condition, but if symptoms become severe or last more than 12 hours, it is important to seek medical attention to rule out other conditions and get the necessary treatment.
The latter may be crushed and dissolved into water to inject into a vein. The information on this website is not intended to be a substitute for, or to be relied upon as, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of a physician or qualified health provider with questions regarding a medical condition.
- To prevent cotton fever and infective endocarditis, you should only use a clean needle one time to inject drugs.
- By using sterile filters and injection equipment, you can reduce your risk of experiencing cotton fever and other injection-related complications.
- The severity of these aches and pains can range from mild discomfort to intense soreness.
- By understanding the causes and recognizing the symptoms of cotton fever, individuals can take steps to minimize the risk of exposure and seek prompt medical attention if necessary.
- The bacteria introduced into the bloodstream during drug use can travel to the heart and cause inflammation and damage.
Pharmacologic response
In fact, in the 1940s, cotton pickers began to exhibit similar symptoms. They weren’t IV drug users but rather people who had frequent contact with cotton plants. These symptoms can last anywhere from a few hours to a full day, but the sudden onset and intensity can lead to panic and fear, especially if you’re unfamiliar with what’s happening. For some, the symptoms may be confused with more severe infections like sepsis or even an overdose, but cotton fever tends to resolve on its own, given time. Remember, seeking medical help promptly is crucial not only for diagnosing cotton fever accurately but also for ensuring the well-being and safety of individuals experiencing its symptoms. The exact mechanisms behind the development of cotton fever are not fully understood, and research on the topic is limited.
How Can You Relieve Symptoms of Cotton Fever?
This condition typically has a sudden onset after using an IV drug filtered with cotton. If there are no other possible causes, such as infectious diseases, it is a diagnosis of exclusion. 1st Step Behavioral Health is a licensed dual-diagnosis long-term addiction treatment facility that is accredited by the Joint Commission. We focus on the physiological rebalancing of the individual through medical, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual care. If you or a loved one inject drugs, our treatment programs at First Step Behavioral Health can help you achieve sustainable recovery.
Cotton fever is a self-limiting condition, meaning it resolves on its own without specific treatment. No, cotton fever only occurs when drugs are injected intravenously and filtered through cotton. Remember, seeking medical attention is crucial, even if you are uncertain about the cause of your symptoms. Healthcare professionals can properly evaluate your condition and provide appropriate care. These pains can affect various parts of the body, including the legs, arms, back, and joints. The severity of these aches and pains can range from mild discomfort to intense soreness.
Supporting Individuals in Recovery
The severity of symptoms is so intense that cotton fever is often described as the worst experience of one’s life, by a long shot. Whether from sepsis or cotton plant-born bacteria, the presence of such symptoms demands immediate medical attention. If you’re struggling with addiction and have experienced cotton fever, you’re cotton fever symptoms not alone. Many people find themselves in similar situations, and it can feel overwhelming.
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There are blood clots, collapsed veins, hitting arteries, and more that can be quite painful and make life unpleasant. Cotton fever rarely requires medical treatment but is sometimes warranted if the high fever does not break within a few hours of the onset. Soaking in a warm bath along with a fever reducer can alleviate symptoms. Extreme cases (particularly severe or long-lasting) can be treated with antibiotics. While cotton fever is not usually life-threatening, it can be a sign of a more serious infection or condition. By sharing these resources, individuals can access the support and information they need to address cotton fever and related concerns effectively.
There is no cure for the condition, so any treatment you receive will be to help you cope with the symptoms. If you recently injected drugs and you experience some or all of the symptoms listed above, you are likely suffering from cotton fever. It’s especially likely if you used a dirty needle or cotton when you injected the drugs. Usually, symptoms will arise within 30 minutes of injecting drugs, so you’ll know soon after if you have it. Additionally, cotton fever can be the response to an infection brought on by Pantoea agglomerans.
As sepsis is caused by transmission of bacteria from a dirty needle, using a needle only once and using a new, sterile needle every time will prevent cotton fever. Typically, people who use dirty needles would prefer and try to use clean needles, however, it is just not always possible. Unfortunately, there is no simple way to ensure the sterilization of an already used needle. Discover safe drug detox treatment options to manage withdrawal with medical support, tailored programs, and expert care for a strong start on the path to recovery.