Sepsis

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On this page, you will find everything you need to know about sepsis.

 

What is toxemia?

Sepsis is an abnormal immune response to infection that affects the body’s tissues and organs and often leads to the infection entering the bloodstream. It is a serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention. Sepsis is also referred to as septicemia, blood poisoning, or blood infection.

What are the symptoms of sepsis?

The symptoms may resemble those of other illnesses, making it difficult to distinguish sepsis.

It is particularly difficult to distinguish sepsis in:

  • Children and infants.
  • Elderly people with dementia

What are the causes of sepsis?

Usually, the immune system fights infections by releasing intermediary proteins into the blood to confront the infection. When it fails to combat the infection, the infection or inflammation spreads, possibly resulting in blood clotting and blood vessel leakage, weakening blood flow, and causing complications such as organ damage. Sepsis often results from infections such as:

  • Bacterial infection.
  • Viral infections such as the novel coronavirus or influenza
  • Fungal infections
  • Injuries.

Certain risk factors increase the incidence of sepsis:

  • Advanced age.
  • Children under one year and premature infants.
  • Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or organ transplantation.
  • Those with chronic conditions such as diabetes, lung diseases, kidney diseases, cancer, AIDS, and liver diseases.
  • People who have suffered injuries or undergone surgeries.
  • Hospitalized patients in intensive care.
  • Individuals with a history of sepsis.
  • People who have developed resistance to antibiotics.
  • Pregnancy.

How is sepsis diagnosed?

The doctor will take a medical history and perform a physical examination. They may also request additional procedures as needed, such as:

  • Blood tests.
  • Chest X-ray or CT scan to detect any infection.

What are the treatment methods for sepsis?

Treatment involves several procedures, as needed, and may include:

  • Antibiotics.
  • Fluids and nutrients.
  • Artificial respiration.
  • Dialysis in advanced cases, when the kidneys are damaged.
  • Surgery.

Currently, there is no treatment targeting the abnormal immune response.

How can sepsis be prevented?

  • Talk to your healthcare specialist about steps to prevent infections that could lead to sepsis.
  • Maintain personal hygiene.
  • Ensure vaccinations are up to date.
  • Do not ignore the sepsis symptoms mentioned above.
  • Care for wounds according to your doctor’s instructions.
  • Follow your physician’s antibiotic instructions if prescribed.
  • Manage your chronic illnesses.

What are the complications of sepsis?

  • If sepsis is not treated early, it may lead to organ damage.
  • Weakening of the immune system.
  • If sepsis is not treated early, it can lead to death.

When should you consult a doctor?

  • If the skin or mouth appears pale, bluish, or reddish.
  • If there is a rash.
  • Difficulty breathing.
  • When there is a high or low body temperature.
  • Swelling, redness, or pain around wounds.
  • If there is no urination for a day or more.

For children and infants:

  • When the child does not interact as usual.
  • If your child is sleepier than usual.
  • When your child is continuously vomiting.
  • If the child has not urinated for 12 hours or more.

 

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is sepsis contagious?

Sepsis itself is not contagious, but the infection causing sepsis may be contagious.

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