Description:
Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to an infection damages its own tissues. When the infection-fighting processes turn on the body, they cause organs to function poorly and abnormally.
Sepsis may progress to septic shock. This is a dramatic drop in blood pressure that can lead to severe organ problems and death.
Early treatment with antibiotics and intravenous fluids improves chances for survival.
Symptoms:
The following are the most common symptoms of sepsis. However, each person may experience symptoms differently.
People with sepsis often develop a hemorrhagic rash—a cluster of tiny blood spots that look like pinpricks in the skin. If untreated, these gradually get bigger and begin to look like fresh bruises. These bruises then join together to form larger areas of purple skin damage and discoloration.
Sepsis develops very quickly. The person rapidly becomes very ill, and may:
*Lose interest in food and surroundings
*Become feverish
*Have a high heart rate
*Become nauseated
*Vomit
*Become sensitive to light
*Complain of extreme pain or discomfort
*Feel cold, with cool hands and feet
*Become lethargic, anxious, confused, or agitated
*Experience a coma and sometimes death
Those who become ill more slowly may also develop some of the signs of meningitis. The symptoms of sepsis may look like other conditions or medical problems. Always see your healthcare provider for a diagnosis.
Causes:
These infections are most often associated with sepsis:
*Lung infections (pneumonia)
*Urinary tract infections
*Skin infections
*Infections in the intestines or gut
*These 3 germs most frequently develop into sepsis are:
Staphylococcus aureus (staph)
*Escherichia coli (E. coli)
*Some types of Streptococcus
Risk Factors:
These infections are most often associated with sepsis:
*Lung infections (pneumonia)
*Urinary tract infections
*Skin infections
*Infections in the intestines or gut
These 3 germs most frequently develop into sepsis are:
*Staphylococcus aureus (staph)
*Escherichia coli (E. coli)
*Some types of Streptococcus
Diagnosis:
The diagnose sepsis, the Doctor will look for a variety of physical finding such as low blood pressure, fever, increased heart rate, and increased breathing rate.He or she will also do a variety of lab tests that check for signs of infection and organ damage. Since some sepsis symptoms (such as fever and trouble breathing) can often be seen in other conditions, sepsis can be hard to diagnose in its initial stages.
Treatment:
Specific treatment for sepsis will be determined by the Doctor based on:
- Patient’s age, overall health, and medical history
*Extent of the condition
*Tolerance for specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
*Expectations for the course of the condition
- Patient’s opinion or preference
Sepsis is a life-threatening emergency that needs immediate medical attention. People with sepsis are hospitalized and treatment is started as quickly as possible. Treatment includes antibiotics, managing blood flow to organs, and treating the source of the infection. Many people need oxygen and IV (intravenous) fluids to help get blood flow and oxygen to the organs. Depending on the person, help with breathing with a ventilator or kidney dialysis may be needed. Surgery is sometimes used to remove tissue damaged by the infection.
Prevention:
One of the most important infection control behaviors is hand washing. One should wash hands with clean, running water for at least 20 seconds.
Wash hands:
*Before eating
*After using the toilet
*Before and after caring for a sick person
*Before, during, and after preparing food
*Before and after cleaning a wound or cut
*After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
*After touching an animal or handling pet food or pet treats
*After changing diapers or cleaning up after a child who has used the toilet
*After touching garbage
To help keep your immune system strong and prevent sepsis, also:
*Keep cuts clean and covered until healed.
*Manage chronic medical conditions such as diabetes.
*Maintain a healthy weight.
*Eat a healthy well-balanced diet.
*Exercise daily…..Yoga and meditation
*Get recommended vaccinations on schedule.
*When an infected area is not getting better or is getting worse, get medical care.
Disclaimer: This information is not meant to be a substitute for professional medical advise or help. It is always best to consult with a Physician about serious health concerns. This information is in no way intended to diagnose or prescribe remedies.This is purely for educational purpose.
Resources:
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351214
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/septicemia