What is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a severe response to infection, causing organ failure and tissue damage. Immune chemicals trigger inflammation, leading to blood clotting and reduced blood flow, harming organs.
What are the stages of sepsis?
Sepsis is divided into three stages:
- Sepsis
- Severe Sepsis
- Septic Shock
Sepsis
Sepsis is a condition in which an infection enters the bloodstream and produces inflammation throughout the body.
Severe Sepsis
The infection and inflammation have progressed to the point that they are interfering with organ function.
Septic Shock
Septic shock, a severe consequence of sepsis, causes a significant drop in blood pressure, leading to potential organ damage.
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What are the sepsis symptoms?
If you notice signs of sepsis, seek immediate medical help for better chances of recovery.
Symptoms of sepsis can include:
Symptoms of severe sepsis include:
What are the sepsis causes?
Any bacterial, viral, or fungal infection can cause sepsis, with respiratory infections being common culprits.
What are the risk factors of sepsis?
A lot of factors and conditions increase the risk for sepsis, including:
- Older age
- Infancy
- Weak immune system
- Diabetes
- Chronic kidney or liver illness
- More extended hospital stays or ICU admission.
- Extended use of IV catheters and breathing tubes.
- Prior use of antibiotics or corticosteroids.
What is the prevention of sepsis?
Vaccinate yourself against the flu, pneumonia, and other illnesses.
Keep wounds clean and practice good hygiene to prevent infections and sepsis.
If you have an infection and notice these signs, get treatment to prevent sepsis.
How is sepsis diagnosed?
If someone has symptoms of sepsis, the doctor will do a blood test to check for:
- Infection clotting issues
- Liver or kidney abnormalities
- Low oxygen levels
- Electrolyte imbalances
- Blood acidity levels
Based on symptoms and blood test results, the doctor might order more tests like:
- Urine test for bacteria
- Wound secretion test for infection
- Mucus secretion test for identifying germs
If initial tests don't find the source, the doctor might suggest:
- Chest X-rays for lungs
- CT scans for appendix, pancreas, and colon
- Ultrasounds for gallbladder or ovaries
MRI scans for soft tissue infections
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What are the treatments for sepsis?
Treatments for sepsis typically include:
- Antibiotics
- IV fluids
- Vasopressors
- Oxygen therapy
- Corticosteroids
- Supportive care
What are the medications for sepsis?
Sepsis and septic shock are treated with a variety of drugs. They include the following:
Antibiotics
Start antibiotics promptly, preferably broad-spectrum initially. A doctor may switch to a targeted antibiotic based on blood test results.
Intravenous fluids
Intravenous fluids should be started as soon as feasible.
Vasopressors
For low blood pressure despite fluids, vasopressors tighten blood vessels. Low-dose steroids, insulin for stable blood sugar, immune system regulators, and pain/sedatives are other treatments.
Supportive care
Sepsis patients often get supportive care like oxygen. Some might need breathing machines. Dialysis may be necessary if kidneys are harmed.
Surgery
Surgery may be required to remove infection sources such as pus collections (abscesses), diseased tissues, or dead tissues (gangrene).
