When sepsis strikes, it can be fatal. Death due to sepsis occurs as a result of poor blood flow and multi-organ failure. In India, 34% of people with sepsis die in the intensive care unit. Globally, sepsis causes more deaths than heart disease and stroke combined. Despite these grave consequences, few individuals know about sepsis. Early detection of infection and timely treatment can save lives.
What are the first signs and common symptoms of sepsis?
What are the complications of sepsis?
What are the causes of sepsis?
Who is at higher risk for sepsis?
How do newborn babies and children get affected by sepsis?
How do the elderly get affected with sepsis?
Is sepsis contagious? Can a person suffering from sepsis spread it to others?
How do doctors diagnose sepsis?
What are the criteria for terming a condition as sepsis?
What is the treatment for sepsis?
Sepsis is the body’s overactive, toxic response to infection caused by an overdrive of immunoprotective chemicals. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition in response to infections that may progress to extensive damage to multiple organs and death. Sepsis is commonly noticed in infections such as pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and digestive infections. The initial septicemia (blood infection or blood poisoning), if not managed in time, may progress into a serious condition called sepsis, which may further lead to septic shock (extremely low blood pressure). In normal conditions, the immune system, or self-defense system, of the human body efficiently fights microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and fungi. In other cases, the chemicals released to fight the infection cause widespread inflammation throughout the body, leading to a cascade of events that culminates in serious organ damage and sometimes even death.
The symptoms of septicemia depend on the primary site of infection. Initial symptoms of the disease should be identified, and immediate medical intervention is required for treating blood infections effectively. Early identification of these warning signs also reduces the risk of developing life-threatening septicemia. Sepsis, if not properly managed in the early stages, may assume a severe form that is characterized by reduced functioning of various vital organs such as the lungs, kidneys, and liver.
Some of the initial signs and symptoms of sepsis include:
Septicemia and sepsis are progressive conditions that can be treated effectively with the administration of antibiotics and intravenous fluids. However, untreated sepsis may lead to a variety of complications, such as:
Bacterial infections are the most common cause of sepsis. The infection may be caused primarily by bacteria, but the causative agents may also be fungi and viruses. The infection may primarily occur in one of the following locations:
The risk of sepsis is high in individuals with a compromised immune system due to certain conditions, such as a chronic disease or recent surgery. People in these categories are at a higher risk:
Blood infection in children and newborn babies is due to their underdeveloped immune systems. Some of the other reasons that make children and babies susceptible to septicemia include:
‘Elderly or older persons’ are at higher risk for developing sepsis due to a weakened immune system. Further, organ dysfunction and organ failure are occurring at a relatively rapid pace in the elderly as compared to young individuals. The time between sepsis and the presentation of symptoms of complications is shorter, thus leading to high mortality. Elderly or older persons are more prone to chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, which is one of the risk factors for getting sepsis.
Sepsis is a severe blood infection that is not contagious. It means that a person suffering from sepsis cannot transfer it to another person. Sepsis is a condition whose severity varies from person to person depending on the immune system and associated risk factors. Sepsis itself is not contagious, but certain sepsis-causing types of bacteria, viruses, and, occasionally, fungi and parasites called pathogens may be transferred. The transfer of the causative organism may or may not cause sepsis in the other person.
Apart from the medical history and physical examination by the doctor, the primary test for diagnosis is the blood test to identify a severe blood infection. Apart from the positive test for the presence of infection in the blood, other tests are also used to diagnose the disease. These tests include white blood cell count, PaCO2 (partial pressure of carbon dioxide), and procalcitonin levels. The primary site of infection was also evaluated. For example, if the infection is believed to be in the lungs, a chest X-ray is advised, while in cases of urinary infection, a comprehensive urine analysis should be done.
Sepsis may sometimes be difficult to diagnose due to the similarity of its symptoms to those of other conditions. However, sepsis specialists usually diagnose a person with sepsis when the individual meets at least two of the following criteria, in addition to a physical exam and a blood test for the presence of an infection, according to the systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) definition for sepsis.:
Individuals with septicemia require hospitalization and immediate treatment.
The treatment method in the initial phase follows the “sepsis six” strategy. This strategy involves three treatments and three tests.
The treatment includes the administration of
The tests done during this phase include the following:
Further treatment that may accompany the main treatment includes:
Recovery from sepsis depends on a variety of factors. A primary factor is a rapid diagnosis and the immediate initiation of treatment. If the patient’s vital organs are damaged due to unmanaged sepsis, the recovery becomes difficult, and the patient may suffer from lifelong disabilities. Sometimes aggressive treatment is required to make sure that there is a complete recovery. Recovery also depends on the patient’s response to treatment. Generally, in mild and moderate sepsis, there is a complete recovery.
Sepsis is caused by an infection that is caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Most of the time, the infection is caused by bacteria. Sepsis can be prevented by eliminating risk factors like adhering to vaccination schedules, maintaining good hygiene, and early diagnosis and treatment of primary infections, especially in high-risk individuals. Early treatment of an infection is essential in order to prevent it from spreading in the blood. Sepsis can be prevented in children by providing them with vaccinations for chickenpox, influenza, and hepatitis. Good hygiene includes taking good care of one’s health as well as activities like frequent hand washing. Further, any illness should be immediately attended to, and advice from a medical professional should be taken. Immunocompromised individuals and the elderly should be provided with quality care and a healthy diet.
Sepsis, or blood infection, is characterized by an overwhelming response of the immune system against the pathogens. This leads to inflammation all over the body. Sepsis is generally caused by a delay in the diagnosis of the infection and its treatment. The diagnosis of sepsis is determined by a detailed medical history, a physical examination, and a blood test. Parameters such as body temperature, breathing rate, heart rate, and blood cell count are also taken into consideration for diagnosing sepsis.
Sepsis is a serious condition, and it should not be ignored. Even in the absence of signs of organ failure and a timely diagnosis, the chances of death may be as high as 15%–30%, and in the case of severe sepsis, the chances may even be as high as 40%–60%. Thus, in the event of any signs or symptoms of any infectious disease, like wound infections, pneumonia, or meningitis, immediate medical attention should be sought. Early treatment of infections can reduce the chance of developing sepsis, especially in high-risk groups like children, the elderly, and immunocompromised individuals.
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great information .. iam always fallow yashodha hospital blog .. i learned so many things in health issues.they saved my sister daughter life .. thanx to yashodha hospital.
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