Symptoms

Endocarditis may develop slowly or suddenly, depending on what germs are causing the infection and whether you have any underlying heart problems. Signs and symptoms of endocarditis can vary from person to person.

Common signs and symptoms of endocarditis include:

• Aching joints and muscles
• Chest pain when you breathe
• Fatigue
• Flu-like symptoms, such as fever and chills
• Night sweats
• Shortness of breath
• Swelling in your feet, legs or abdomen
• A new or changed heart murmur, which is the heart sound made by blood rushing through your heart

Less common signs and symptoms of endocarditis can include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Blood in your urine, which you might be able to see or that your doctor might see when he or she views your urine under a microscope
• Tenderness in your spleen, which is an infection-fighting organ located just below your left rib cage
• Red spots on the soles of your feet or the palms of your hands (Janeway lesions)
• Red, tender spots under the skin of your fingers or toes (Osler's nodes)
• Tiny purple or red spots, called petechiae (puh-TEE-kee-ee), on the skin, in the whites of your eyes or inside your mouth

When to see a doctor

If you have signs or symptoms of endocarditis, see your doctor as soon as possible — especially if you have risk factors for this serious infection, such as a heart defect or history of endocarditis. Although less serious conditions can cause similar signs and symptoms, you won't know for sure until you're evaluated by your doctor.

If you've been diagnosed with endocarditis, tell your doctor about any signs or symptoms that may mean your infection is getting worse, such as:

• Chills
• Fever
• Headaches
• Joint pain
• Shortness of breath

If you're being treated with antibiotics for endocarditis, tell your doctor if you develop diarrhea, a rash, itching or joint pain. These signs and symptoms may mean you're having a reaction to your prescribed antibiotic.