Sepsis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
As a result of an overreactive immune system to an infection, sepsis can cause widespread inflammation, poor blood flow, organ damage, and even death. Sepsis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. We will explain what sepsis is, what causes it, how to recognize its symptoms, how to diagnose it, how to treat it, and how to prevent it in this blog post.
What is sepsis?
An infection causes your body to react to it in a very extreme way. When you have an infection, your immune system works hard to fight it. When your immune system stops fighting the infection, it damages your normal tissues and organs, causing widespread inflammation throughout your body as a result. Blood clots can also form in your blood vessels as a result of an abnormal chain reaction in your clotting system. As a result, blood flow to your organs is reduced and can cause significant damage or even failure.
You can't treat sepsis at home. It requires treatment in a hospital with close monitoring, sometimes in an intensive care unit (ICU).
What causes sepsis?
Infections such as bacterial, viral, and fungal ones can cause sepsis. The infection can originate anywhere in the body, including the lungs, skin, urinary tract, abdomen, or bloodstream. Infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, appendicitis, kidney infections, and wound infections can trigger sepsis.
Some people are more likely to develop sepsis than others. These include:
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People older than 65 years old, newborns and infants, and pregnant people.
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People with medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and kidney disease.
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People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, AIDS, or cancer.
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People who are in the hospital for other medical reasons, such as surgery or trauma.
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People with severe injuries, such as large burns or wounds.
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People with catheters, IVs, or breathing tubes.
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
Sepsis can affect many different areas of your body, so there are many possible symptoms. If an infection triggered your condition, you may also have symptoms of the infection, such as fever, pain, or pus. Some common symptoms of sepsis are:
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High fever (greater than 101 degrees F) or low body temperature (below 96.8 degrees F)
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Fast breathing (in general greater than 22 breaths per minute, depends on the individual)
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Heart rate more than 90 beats per minute (bpm)
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Change in mental status; confusion or disorientation
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Low blood pressure
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Chills or shivering
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Clammy or sweaty skin
If you have any of these symptoms, you may have sepsis, in mild to severe forms, as it is difficult to differentiate between sepsis and septic shock, which is more severe. If you are fighting an infection and notice these symptoms, get medical attention as soon as possible. Call 911 or go to the hospital. If you are experiencing these symptoms without being infected, you should also see a doctor.
Identifying sepsis in children can be difficult when they’re too young to express how they feel. Signs of sepsis in newborns and infants can include any of the above symptoms, as well as these symptoms:
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Changes in skin color, such as blue or pale skin
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Jaundice
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Bulging soft spot on head
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Pauses in breathing
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Lethargy
Sepsis in children also starts with an infection. Seek immediate medical attention if your child develops any of these symptoms while he or she is fighting an infection.
How is sepsis diagnosed?
Diagnosing sepsis can be difficult because its signs and symptoms can be caused by other disorders. Physicians often use a pattern of tests to try to pinpoint the underlying infection and the extent of organ damage. Some of the tests that may be used are:
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Blood test: Blood samples are tested for infections, clotting, oxygen availability, electrolyte imbalances, and liver or kidney function.
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Urine test: Done to check for urinary tract infection.
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Wound culture test: To find out the suitable antibiotics that work best.
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Sputum culture test: To determine the type of germ causing the infection.
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X-ray: To check for infection in the lungs.
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Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): To identify soft tissue infections.
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CT scan: CT scan of abdomen to check for infection in appendix, pancreas, or bowel area.
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Ultrasound: To check for infection in the gallbladder or ovaries.
How is sepsis treated?
Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate and aggressive treatment. The main goals of treatment are to:
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Control the infection with antibiotics or antifungal medications. These are administered intravenously; within the first 6 hours or earlier to the infection. Initially, the treatment starts with broad-spectrum antibiotic to treat a variety of bacteria.
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Support the vital organs with fluids, oxygen, and medications. These include:
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Intravenous fluids: To prevent dehydration and kidney failure.
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Oxygen: To help with breathing and oxygen delivery to the tissues.
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Vasopressors: To constrict blood vessels and help increase the blood pressure if it is too low after receiving intravenous fluids.
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Steroids: To reduce inflammation.
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Remove the source of infection if possible. This may involve surgery to drain an abscess, remove a catheter, or amputate a gangrenous limb.
How can sepsis be prevented?
The best way to prevent sepsis is to prevent infections or treat them promptly. Some of the prevention tips are:
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Get vaccinated against common infections, such as flu, pneumonia, and meningitis.
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Follow good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands frequently, keeping wounds clean and covered, and avoiding contact with sick people.
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Seek medical attention if you have signs of an infection, such as fever, pain, redness, swelling, or pus.
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Follow your doctor’s instructions if you have a chronic condition, such as diabetes, cancer, or kidney disease, that increases your risk of sepsis.
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Be aware of the symptoms of sepsis and seek emergency care if you develop them.
Conclusion
As a serious condition, sepsis can be fatal if left untreated. The signs and symptoms of sepsis should be recognized and medical help should be sought as soon as possible. You can prevent sepsis by following good hygiene practices and avoiding or treating infections. Talk to your doctor or healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about sepsis.
