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Sepsis is a potentially fatal illness that arises when the body's response to an infection causes tissue damage. When the body's infection-fighting systems activate, organs operate badly and inappropriately.
Sepsis can lead to septic shock. This is a significant reduction in blood pressure that can result in severe organ damage and death.
Early antibiotic and intravenous fluid administration enhances survival chances.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF SEPSIS?
You must have a probable or proven infection as well as all of the following symptoms to be diagnosed with sepsis:
- Mental state alterations
- Systolic blood pressure, which is the first number in a blood pressure reading is less than or equal to 100 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg)
- A respiration rate of more than or equal to 22 breaths per minute
Septic shock signs and symptoms
Septic shock is characterized by a significant drop in blood pressure, which causes very atypical difficulties with how cells function and produce energy. The risk of death increases when the condition progresses to septic shock. The following are symptoms of septic shock:
- The requirement for medication to keep systolic blood pressure above or equal to 65 mm Hg.
- Lactic acid levels in your blood are elevated (serum lactate). A high level of lactic acid in your blood indicates that your cells are not efficiently utilizing oxygen.
WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF SEPSIS?
While any infection, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal, can cause sepsis, infections that are more typically associated with sepsis include:
- Lung diseases, such as pneumonia
- The kidney, bladder, and other urinary system components
- System of digestion
- Bloodstream (bacteremia)
- Catheter sites
- Burns or wounds
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS FOR SEPSIS?
Sepsis is caused by a number of factors, including:
- Older age
- Infancy
- Immune system dysfunction
- Diabetes
- Kidney or liver illness that is chronic
- Admission to an intensive care unit or extended hospitalization
- Invasive devices, such as intravenous catheters or breathing tubes
- Previous antibiotic or corticosteroid use
WHAT ARE THE COMPLICATIONS OF SEPSIS?
As sepsis progresses, blood supply to key organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys is compromised. Sepsis can produce irregular blood coagulation, resulting in tiny clots or burst blood vessels that cause tissue damage or destruction.
Most patients recover from mild sepsis, but septic shock has a 40% fatality rate. Furthermore, a severe sepsis episode puts you at an increased risk of future infections.
HOW IS SEPSIS DIAGNOSED?
Doctors frequently conduct a battery of tests to try to establish the source of an infection.
Imaging tests
If the source of the infection cannot be identified, your doctor may prescribe one or more of the imaging tests listed below:
- X-ray: Lung infections can be detected using X-rays.
- Ultrasound: This method generates real-time visuals on a television monitor by using sound waves. Ultrasound may be very helpful in detecting infections in the gallbladder and kidneys.
- Computerized tomography (CT): This technology uses X-rays from various angles to create cross-sectional slices of your body's internal structures. CT scans make it simpler to detect infections in your liver, pancreas, or other abdominal organs.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This technology creates cross-sectional or 3D photographs of your body's internal structures using radio waves and a powerful magnet. MRIs may aid in the diagnosis of soft tissue or bone infections.
Blood tests
Blood samples are used to test for the following conditions:
- Infection evidence
- Clotting issues
- abnormal liver or kidney function
- Reduced oxygen availability
- Imbalances in electrolytes
Other laboratory tests
Other lab tests to determine the source of the illness could include:
- Urine
- Secretions from wounds
- Respiratory secretions
WHAT ARE THE TREATMENTS FOR SEPSIS?
Early and intensive treatment raises the chances of recovery. Sepsis necessitates close monitoring and treatment in a hospital critical care unit. To stabilize breathing and heart function, life-saving procedures may be required.
Medications
Several drugs are used to treat sepsis and septic shock. They are as follows:
- Antibiotics: Antibiotic treatment begins as soon as possible. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, which work against a wide range of germs, are usually taken first. Following the findings of blood testing, your doctor may switch to a different antibiotic that is specifically designed to fight the bacteria that is causing the infection.
- Intravenous fluids: Intravenous fluids are administered as quickly as possible.
- Vasopressors: If your blood pressure stays too low after receiving intravenous fluids, a vasopressor medication may be administered. This medication constricts blood arteries and raises blood pressure.
Low doses of corticosteroids, insulin to assist maintain stable blood sugar levels, treatments that modulate immune system responses, and painkillers or sedatives are some of the other medications you may be given.
Supportive care
Sepsis patients frequently get supportive care, which includes oxygen. Depending on your condition, you may require the assistance of a breathing machine. If your kidneys are damaged, you may require dialysis.
Surgery
Surgery may be required to remove infection sources such as pus collections (abscesses), infected tissues, or dead tissues (gangrene).