Sepsis
When there is an infection, the body’s immune system acts by causing the release of proteins and some chemicals to engage the infection. This response could get out of control, causing a massive inflammation leading to sepsis. Read More
Top Doctors For Sepsis Treatments
![DR [PROF.] KARL MILLER](https://anavara.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/DR-PROF.-KARL-MILLER-244x300.jpg)
Top Hospitals For Sepsis Treatments
Sepsis
Table of contents
What is Sepsis?
When there is an infection, the body’s immune system acts by causing the release of proteins and some chemicals to engage the infection. This response could get out of control, causing a massive inflammation leading to sepsis. Sepsis is a severe and sometimes fatal disease that happens when an extreme immune response is triggered in response to an existing infection and requires immediate treatment. According to the Centre for Disease Control (CDC), there are roughly 1.7 million cases of sepsis each year, and almost 270,000 die yearly from this infection. Bacterial infections are the most common infections that cause sepsis; however, infections like covid-19, fungal infection, and influenza can lead to sepsis. It spreads through the bloodstream to another organ from the original infection within the person’s body. It is not contagious; however, the organisms responsible for the infection causing the sepsis-like covid-19 can be contagious.
Risk factors
Sepsis can affect anyone; however, some people are at a higher risk of getting it, and they include:
- people with weak immune systems like HIV patients or cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy
- young children and seniors
- patients in ICU (intensive care unit)
- patients using invasive devices like breathing tubes or intravenous catheters
Neonatal sepsis
Neonatal sepsis is also known as sepsis in newborns. This happens within the first month of the baby’s life when the baby gets an infection of the blood. It is the leading cause of death in infants; however, early diagnosis and treatment can improve the outlook of prognosis. Depending on the time of infection, it is classified as early-onset(contracted during birth) and late-onset. This is most common among infants with preterm and low birth weight due to immature immune systems. Some of the symptoms, though they can be subtle, include:
- low body temperature
- fever
- listlessness
- not feeding well
- apnea
- pale color
- jaundice
- abdominal swelling
- diarrhea
- vomiting
As one gets older, the immune system weakens. According to a 2017 review of older adults, 40 to 50 % of bacteremia occurs among that group and can lead to sepsis. Apart from age as a risk factor for the elderly, there are preexisting illnesses like diabetes, kidney disease, and hypertension, which predispose them to sepsis. Other risk factors predisposing them include malnutrition and increased use of medication. Common infections from which the elderly can contract sepsis include pneumonia or urinary tract infections. In elderly patients with dementia, symptoms like disorientation and confusion, which are also associated with sepsis, may be difficult to identify.
The number of cases is increasing in the United States yearly, according to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, and some possible reasons for this include:
- A rise in the resistance to antibiotics
- An aging population since this group of individuals is prone to developing it
- An increase in the number of people with diseases that cause the immune system to be weak.
Stages of sepsis
There are three stages and they include:
- Sepsis: Sepsis occurs when inflammation happens when an infection enters the bloodstream. Once the symptoms are noticed, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention as this will increase the chances of recovery. The symptoms can be mistaken for symptoms of other infections. The signs and symptoms include
- Difficulty in breathing
- Extreme pain
- Fever/chills
- Confusion
- Sweaty skin
- Low blood pressure or fast heart rate
2. Severe sepsis: In severe sepsis, the organs can be affected due to severe infection and inflammation. It is characterized by organ failure. The symptoms include:
- There is a blushing discoloration of the skin, especially lips, fingers, toes
- Difficulty in breathing
- A drop in temperature causing chills
- Decreased urination
- Dizziness
- Low platelet count
- Mental ability changes
- Extreme weakness
- Loss of consciousness
- abnormal heart functions
3. Septic shock or septicemia: One major characteristic of septic shock or septicemia is the significant drop in blood pressure. It is a severe complication of sepsis, and it is life-threatening. Septic shock can lead to serious complications like stroke, organ dysfunction, respiratory or heart failure, and even death. There could be an overlap of symptoms of severe sepsis and septic shock, including acute confusion, severe breathing, respiratory or heart failure, and possible death. Sepsis can progress rapidly from severe sepsis to septicemia.
Causes of Sepsis
Any infection can trigger sepsis, but there are some infections with a higher probability of causing it which include:
- Pneumonia
- Kidney infections
- Blood poisoning
- Abdominal infections
Treatment
The doctors can treat sepsis with medication. If left untreated, it can quickly develop into septic shock and cause death. The following medication can be used for treating sepsis:
- medication to increase blood pressure
- insulin to control the blood sugar
- intravenous antibiotics to treat the infection
- corticosteroids to mitigate the inflammation
- pain relievers
- if the kidneys are affected, dialysis will be required
- a respirator for breathing may be needed in severe cases
Prevention
The risk of sepsis can be reduced by preventing the spread of infection. This is possible when we ensure we are correctly vaccinated, keep good hygiene, and seek immediate help when we notice any sign of infection.
Complications
Severe cases of sepsis can be life-threatening. Symptoms can be mild or severe. Complications can occur in extreme cases, and they include:
- Death of tissue or gangrene
- Blood clots
- Increasing risk of infection
- Organ damage
- Organ failure, most especially in the heart, lungs, and kidneys
FAQ
Sepsis is a severe and sometimes fatal disease that happens when an extreme immune response is triggered in response to an existing infection and requires immediate treatment.
a) The signs and symptoms include
b) Difficulty in breathing
c) Extreme pain
d) Fever/chills
e) Confusion
f) Sweaty skin
g) Low blood pressure or fast heart rate
Depending on the severity of the condition, and any complications, one can die within hours or months of sepsis diagnosis.
Any infection can trigger sepsis, but there are some infections with a higher probability of causing sepsis which include:
a) Pneumonia
b) Kidney infections
c) Blood poisoning
d) Abdominal infections
It occurs as a result of an infection that gets to the bloodstream.