Sepsis is a life-threatening bacterial infection, although it can also be caused by viral and fungal infections. The condition is widespread inflammation, clots, and leaky blood vessels. This leads to impaired blood flow and organ damage. Sometimes, the condition results from a noninfectious insult such as a cut or sprain. In such a case, the body releases immune mediators to fight the infection or insult.
Symptoms of sepsis
Sepsis is an infection that can occur in newborns, young children, and older adults. It starts with a germ infection and can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Symptoms of sepsis can be hard to recognize at first, so a doctor must often diagnose sepsis properly.
The main symptoms of sepsis are high body temperature, rapid breathing, shaking, chills, and confusion. If a patient experiences these symptoms, they should seek medical attention immediately. If they do not get treatment in time, sepsis can lead to septic shock ad dangerously low blood pressure.
In severe sepsis, organs are damaged and cannot function normally. Although sepsis usually develops in hospital settings, it can also happen in other locations. The sooner symptoms are treated, the better the chances the patient will recover. Some of the symptoms of sepsis are similar to those of pneumonia, COVID-19 infection, and cancer. Despite the similarity of the symptoms, it is essential to seek immediate medical assistance so that a doctor can properly diagnose sepsis.
Causes
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that most commonly occurs after an infection, usually bacterial. However, it can also be triggered by noninfectious insults such as blood clots. When this happens, the body produces immune mediators that cause widespread inflammation and leaky blood vessels. This impaired blood flow causes organ damage.
Some of the most common symptoms of sepsis include confusion, skin changes, rapid breathing, and heart rate. In severe cases, blood pressure can fall dangerously low. If these symptoms are present, it is best to consult a medical professional as soon as possible. The first step in treating sepsis is getting proper medical care.
If your doctor suspects sepsis, they will likely treat you with antibiotics and manage blood flow to your organs. You may also need oxygen and intravenous fluids. In addition, your physician may prescribe corticosteroids to fight inflammation and insulin to control blood sugar. If your sepsis symptoms are severe, your doctor may recommend that you be hospitalized.
Treatments
Treatment for sepsis symptoms is usually administered in the intensive care unit of a hospital. The treatment includes boosting oxygen levels in the blood and giving intravenous fluids. It may also include drugs that modify the immune system’s response to infection. In severe cases, patients may require a breathing machine or dialysis. During treatment, the patient will be closely monitored and may require additional tests.
Sepsis is a potentially fatal illness that begins with a bacterial infection. However, it can also be caused by fungal or viral infections. In severe cases, sepsis can even be triggered by a noninfectious insult. When this happens, the body releases immune mediators that can damage internal organs and cause organ failure.
In most cases, a doctor will administer antibiotics to treat the infection. However, antibiotics may not be enough to cure sepsis. Sometimes, the patient may also require surgery to remove the damaged tissue.
Survival rates
The survival rate of patients with sepsis symptoms is low. According to a study, only one out of seven patients will survive the disease. In this study, survival rates were lower for those who had sepsis symptoms and were not in critical condition. The study included 439 patients. Of these, 85 patients responded to the SF-36 physical component score. In the early and late stages of the disease, the SF-36 physical component score was lower than those of population controls.
Of these patients, 198 died immediately after developing sepsis. Of the remaining 102, sepsis occurred during hospitalization, and in 44 cases, sepsis contributed to the death. The most common infectious causes were pneumonia and endovascular and intra-abdominal infections.
When sepsis symptoms occur, the body’s immune system releases chemicals and proteins to fight the infection. Unfortunately, this response can lead to extensive inflammation. Most cases of sepsis are caused by bacterial infections, although influenza and fungal infections can also be the cause. Severe cases of sepsis can cause rapid heart rate, severe tissue damage, and even death.