Sepsis: Diagnosis, Risks, and Treatment
A blood infection, also known as septicemia or blood-poisoning, occurs when a pathogen enters the bloodstream. If a blood infection is left untreated, it has the potential to worsen into a condition known as sepsis. Sepsis is characterized by the body’s overwhelming immune response to a blood infection, which can cause tissue damage, organ failure, illness, and death. Sepsis is an extremely serious medical condition that requires immediate hospitalization. The CDC reports that approximately 250,000 Americans will die from sepsis every year, and that 1 out of every 3 hospital deaths are the result of sepsis.
The four primary ways that a person can get an infection of the blood is through the lungs, the kidney, the skin, or the gut. While an infection in any of these organs is usually easily curable and relatively harmless, the infection can have the potential to develop into a blood infection if left untreated. Pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and cuts or burns in the skin are all common ways through which a primary infection can develop, that can later develop into septicemia. While bacteria are the most common source of infection, septicemia can also result from a fungal, viral, or parasitic infection.
A person with a bacterial blood infection is said to have sepsis if they display at least two of the following three symptoms:
Sustained, high fever (101oF or more)
Accelerated heart rate (90+ beats per minute)
Accelerated respiratory rate (20+ breaths per minute)
A very low blood pressure is also a common indicator of septic shock. If the patient exhibits only one of the above symptoms, they are not considered to have entered a state of sepsis yet, but it is still critical that they receive treatment as quickly as possible to prevent the progression of the infection into sepsis. However, these are not the only symptoms that may indicate an infection of the blood. In the earlier stages of the infection, the patient may experience a wide array of symptoms, including but not limited to: clammy skin, uncontrollable shivering, fever, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, loss of consciousness and confusion. With so many possible symptoms, it can be difficult to distinguish what may be a common cold or flu from what may be a life-threatening infection. However, because sepsis is such a serious condition, it is advised that one get medical advice immediately if they suspect the possibility of a blood infection.
Sepsis is considered a medical emergency, and thus the most critical factor in the case of blood poisoning is time. Early identification and treatment of the infection greatly increase chances of successful and speedy recovery. When one has been identified as having sepsis, the first step in treatment is antibiotics. The patient will usually receive antibiotics intravenously, and the type of antibiotics will vary depending on the type of bacteria, fungus, or parasite that has been identified. Depending on the severity of the case, oxygen and supplementary IV fluids may also need to be delivered into the bloodstream to ensure proper blood and oxygen flow. It is possible that surgical procedures or even amputation may be required to remove damaged tissue.
It is important to be aware of sepsis, and the potential dangers that can ensue from a seemingly routine infection. Time is the most important factor in safely curing septicemia, and one should never take chances with their health if they suspect they may have a blood infection.
References:
https://www.cdc.gov/sepsis/what-is-sepsis.html
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351214
