What is Sepsis ? What Are The Symptoms & Causes of Sepsis ?

Sepsis is caused by your body’s immune system (immune system) working overtime to fight infection. It is sometimes called blood poisoning.

The large number of chemicals that get into the blood during this process causes widespread inflammation. This can cause organ damage. Blood clotting during sepsis reduces blood flow to the limbs and internal organs. This deprives them of nutrients and oxygen. In severe cases, one or more organs can fail.

Symptoms of Sepsis

Since it can start in different parts of the body, this disease can have many different symptoms. The first signs may be rapid breathing and confusion. Other common warning signs are:

• Fever and chills
• Urinating less than usual
• Nausea and vomiting
• Low body temperature
• Diarrhea
• Rapid pulse
• Breathe quickly

What Causes Sepsis?

Bacterial infections are usually to blame. But sepsis can also result from other infections. It can start anywhere where bacteria or viruses enter the body. So it can sometimes be caused by something as small as a scraped knee or a notched cuticle. If you have a more serious medical problem, such as appendicitis, pneumonia, meningitis, or a urinary tract infection, you are also at risk. If you have an infection of the bone called osteomyelitis, it can lead to sepsis. The bacteria that cause sepsis can enter the body through IV lines, surgical incisions, urinary catheters, and bedsores if you are in hospital.

Sepsis Risk Factors

While some people have a higher risk of infection, anyone can get sepsis. People at risk include:

• young children and seniors,
• people with a weaker immune system, such as people with HIV or people receiving chemotherapy for cancer,
• people being treated in an intensive care unit (ICU),
• people who have been exposed to invasive devices, such as intravenous catheters or breathing tubes.

Treatment of Sepsis

If you have sepsis, your doctor will likely put you in the hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU). There he tries to stop the infection, keep vital organs functioning and regulate your blood pressure (IV fluids and extra oxygen can help with this).

Once your doctor knows for sure what is causing your sepsis, he will give you drugs that target that specific germ. Often doctors prescribe vasopressors (medicines that constrict blood vessels) to improve blood pressure.

If your case is severe, you may need other types of treatment, such as a respirator or kidney dialysis even surgery in some cases.

Conclusion

Sepsis is a serious issue and needs urgent medical support. Every minute is important for someone who is having sepsis. Get medical assistance from your doctor or hospital immediately if you think you have sepsis. You can also get in touch with us if you have any questions regarding it. Thanks for reading, stay safe and healthy.