Sepsis (Blood Infection): Symptoms, Signs and Causes
Many of us have heard of Sepsis, but not everyone understands why so many people are scared of this health condition. In any case, it makes sense to fear this specific problem. From the medical point of view, Septicemia is the invasion of the bloodstream by the venomous, hazardous microorganism – specifical bacteria along with their toxins. In other words, the infective agents poison the human’s blood.
You can call this phenomenon in either one of the offered ways. Is it life-threatening? Yes. Can it have fatal consequences? Yes. Thus, read further. The inflammation provokes a range of interconnected changes that can harm multiple organs. The outcome is usually the failure of several organs. The rapid decrease in blood pressure is the worst situation, which is often fatal. This condition is defined as a septic shock. Older adults and those who have weak immune system are in a special group of risk.
The list of the disease contains very quickly developing symptoms. There is no need to wait until the first warning signs appear – the individual will start feeling very bad at the initial phases of Septicemia. This health condition may progress after the serious surgery, trauma, or dangerous infection.
Please keep in mind the following symptoms when trying to determine Sepsis: chills, exalted fever, too speedy rate of the heart. The patients also complain of having extremely quick respiration. In the later phases, the person will experience insanity due to the confusion, desire to vomit, red rash on the body surface, shock, and decreased amount of urine.
Are there any factors that lead to Sepsis. Of course, so that’s why many people are scared of getting infected. The disease is rather infectious as it is passed by the certain group of bacteria. The most popular cause is the fungal infection. In fact, it is possible to ‘catch’ Sepsis after being attacked by the systemic inflammatory response syndrome. The nasty bacteria may affect any part of the body, so it is impossible to predict. In most cases, the problem touches gastrointestinal tract, intravenous catheter, etc.
Is there a way to detect Sepsis, and at what stages is it possible to do so? Despite the name of this illness is quite known, many physicians face a real problem while trying to identify it. Anyway, it is critical to run through the series of examinations. For instance, the physician may find it useful to test various fluids inside the organism. It should assist in verifying the disease by discovering the responsible bacteria in blood, urine, or respiratory secretions. It is critical to check any scars, wounds, or other types of skin injuries.
Is it possible to name any risk factors? In most situations, the main reason is the weakened immune system. It is not that safe to be in the hospital’s intensive care unit among the ill patients. At the same time, it is risky to contact with healthy people as they can get infected too.
It is especially dangerous if the patient is cut or obtains a similar type of trauma. Burns are another good example. The last group of risk factors is associated with the invasive devices like breathing tubes.
What can be the particular complications? Unfortunately, too many complications exist, so it is almost impossible to avoid the consequences, especially when you are a little child or, vice versa, old man. Often, the doctors have to provide the extra respiratory support as the patient is no longer able to breathe on his own. It is caused by the overall drop in immune system capacity. The severest forms of Sepsis lead to death. Absolutely every person who suffers from Septicemia risks facing the complications.