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Blood disease sepsis. Sepsis: A Life-Threatening Response to Infection – Causes, Symptoms, and Risk Factors

What are the symptoms of sepsis. How does sepsis progress to septic shock. Who is at higher risk of developing sepsis. What infections commonly lead to sepsis. How can sepsis complications affect vital organs. When should you seek medical attention for potential sepsis.

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Understanding Sepsis: A Serious Medical Emergency

Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body’s response to infection spirals out of control. Instead of fighting off the infection, the body’s immune system turns against itself, leading to widespread inflammation and organ dysfunction. This critical medical emergency requires immediate attention and treatment to prevent progression to septic shock and potential death.

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of sepsis is crucial for early intervention. But what exactly should you look out for?

Key Symptoms of Sepsis

  • Altered mental status or confusion
  • Rapid, shallow breathing
  • Unexplained sweating
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Shivering or feeling very cold
  • Infection-specific symptoms (e.g., painful urination, worsening cough)

It’s important to note that sepsis symptoms can vary from person to person and may manifest differently in children compared to adults. The non-specific nature of these symptoms can make sepsis challenging to diagnose, emphasizing the need for vigilance and prompt medical evaluation when infection is suspected.

The Progression from Sepsis to Septic Shock

How does sepsis evolve into the more severe condition known as septic shock? Septic shock represents a critical escalation of sepsis, characterized by a dramatic drop in blood pressure that can lead to organ failure and death. The transition from sepsis to septic shock is marked by additional, more severe symptoms:

  • Inability to stand up
  • Extreme drowsiness or difficulty staying awake
  • Significant changes in mental status, including severe confusion

The progression to septic shock significantly increases the risk of mortality, with mortality rates ranging from 30% to 40%. This underscores the critical importance of early recognition and treatment of sepsis to prevent this dangerous escalation.

Identifying High-Risk Groups for Sepsis

While sepsis can affect anyone, certain populations are at higher risk of developing this condition. Who falls into these high-risk categories?

  • Adults over 65 years of age
  • Infants and young children
  • Individuals with compromised immune systems (e.g., cancer patients, HIV-positive individuals)
  • People with chronic medical conditions (diabetes, kidney disease, COPD)
  • Patients in intensive care units or those with prolonged hospital stays
  • Individuals with invasive medical devices (intravenous catheters, breathing tubes)
  • Those recently treated with antibiotics or corticosteroids

Understanding these risk factors can help both healthcare providers and individuals remain vigilant for signs of sepsis, particularly in vulnerable populations.

Common Infections Leading to Sepsis

While any infection has the potential to progress to sepsis, certain types of infections are more commonly associated with this condition. What are the primary culprits?

  1. Pneumonia and other lung infections
  2. Urinary tract infections
  3. Gastrointestinal infections
  4. Bloodstream infections
  5. Infections at catheter sites
  6. Wound or burn infections

These infections can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The body’s overwhelming response to these pathogens is what triggers the cascade of events leading to sepsis. Prompt and appropriate treatment of these infections is crucial in preventing the onset of sepsis.

The Impact of Sepsis on Vital Organs

As sepsis progresses, it can have devastating effects on the body’s vital organs. How does sepsis cause such widespread damage?

The primary mechanism of organ damage in sepsis is reduced blood flow. As the condition worsens, vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidneys don’t receive adequate blood supply. This deprivation of oxygen and nutrients can lead to organ dysfunction and failure.

Additionally, sepsis can cause abnormal blood clotting throughout the body. These small clots can further impede blood flow to organs and tissues. In some cases, blood vessels may rupture, leading to tissue damage or destruction.

The long-term consequences of severe sepsis extend beyond the immediate crisis. Survivors of sepsis face an increased risk of future infections and may experience persistent effects on their overall health and quality of life.

Recognizing When to Seek Medical Attention

Given the potentially rapid progression and severity of sepsis, knowing when to seek medical attention is crucial. When should you consult a healthcare provider or seek emergency care?

  • If you have symptoms of sepsis or an infection that isn’t improving
  • When you notice signs of mental confusion or rapid breathing
  • If you have an infection and begin to feel significantly worse
  • When you experience symptoms of septic shock, such as severe dizziness or inability to stand

Remember, early intervention is key in treating sepsis successfully. Don’t hesitate to seek medical attention if you suspect sepsis, especially if you or a loved one fall into a high-risk category.

Advancements in Sepsis Detection and Treatment

The medical community continues to make strides in improving sepsis outcomes through enhanced detection methods and treatment protocols. What are some of the recent advancements in managing this critical condition?

Improved Diagnostic Tools

Researchers are developing new biomarkers and rapid diagnostic tests to identify sepsis earlier and more accurately. These innovations aim to reduce the time between symptom onset and initiation of appropriate treatment, potentially saving lives and reducing complications.

Targeted Therapies

As our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying sepsis improves, more targeted therapies are being explored. These include immunomodulatory drugs that can help regulate the body’s inflammatory response without compromising its ability to fight infection.

Sepsis Bundles

Healthcare systems are increasingly adopting standardized “sepsis bundles” – sets of interventions that, when implemented together, significantly improve outcomes for sepsis patients. These bundles typically include rapid administration of antibiotics, fluids, and other supportive measures.

Artificial Intelligence in Sepsis Prediction

Machine learning algorithms are being developed to analyze patient data and predict the likelihood of sepsis before obvious symptoms appear. This could allow for preemptive treatment and potentially prevent the condition from developing in high-risk patients.

Living with the Aftermath: Long-Term Effects of Sepsis

While survival rates for sepsis have improved with advancements in medical care, many survivors face ongoing challenges. What are the potential long-term effects of sepsis?

Post-Sepsis Syndrome

A significant number of sepsis survivors experience what’s known as post-sepsis syndrome, characterized by:

  • Persistent fatigue and weakness
  • Recurrent infections
  • Cognitive impairment or “brain fog”
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Anxiety and depression

These symptoms can persist for months or even years after the initial sepsis event, significantly impacting quality of life and ability to return to normal activities.

Increased Risk of Future Health Problems

Sepsis survivors may also face an elevated risk of:

  • Cardiovascular events
  • Kidney dysfunction
  • Liver problems
  • Cognitive decline
  • Secondary infections

This underscores the importance of ongoing medical follow-up and support for sepsis survivors to manage these potential long-term health issues.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Many sepsis survivors require extensive rehabilitation to regain strength and function. This may include:

  • Physical therapy to address muscle weakness and deconditioning
  • Occupational therapy to help with daily living activities
  • Cognitive rehabilitation for those experiencing mental fog or memory issues
  • Psychological support to address anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress

The recovery process can be lengthy and challenging, but with proper support and care, many survivors are able to significantly improve their quality of life over time.

Preventing Sepsis: Strategies for Reducing Risk

While it’s not always possible to prevent sepsis, there are steps individuals and healthcare providers can take to reduce the risk of developing this serious condition. What are some effective strategies for sepsis prevention?

Infection Prevention

Since sepsis always begins with an infection, preventing infections is crucial. Key strategies include:

  • Practicing good hygiene, including regular handwashing
  • Keeping wounds clean and covered
  • Staying up to date with vaccinations
  • Managing chronic conditions effectively
  • Seeking prompt medical attention for infections

Antibiotic Stewardship

Proper use of antibiotics is essential in preventing antibiotic-resistant infections, which can be more likely to lead to sepsis. This includes:

  • Taking antibiotics only when prescribed by a healthcare provider
  • Completing the full course of antibiotics as directed
  • Avoiding the use of antibiotics for viral infections

Healthcare-Associated Infection Prevention

For individuals in healthcare settings, additional measures are important:

  • Proper sterilization of medical equipment
  • Adherence to hand hygiene protocols by healthcare workers
  • Minimizing the use of invasive devices when possible
  • Prompt removal of catheters and other devices when no longer needed

Early Recognition and Response

While not strictly prevention, early recognition of sepsis can prevent its progression to more severe stages. This involves:

  • Education of both healthcare providers and the public about sepsis symptoms
  • Implementation of sepsis screening protocols in healthcare settings
  • Rapid response to suspected sepsis cases

By implementing these preventive strategies and maintaining vigilance for early signs of sepsis, it’s possible to reduce the incidence and severity of this life-threatening condition.

Sepsis – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Sepsis is a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection. The infection-fighting processes turn on the body, causing the organs to work poorly.

Sepsis may progress to septic shock. This is a dramatic drop in blood pressure that can damage the lungs, kidneys, liver and other organs. When the damage is severe, it can lead to death.

Early treatment of sepsis improves chances for survival.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of sepsis

Symptoms of sepsis may include:

  • Change in mental status.
  • Fast, shallow breathing.
  • Sweating for no clear reason.
  • Feeling lightheaded.
  • Shivering.
  • Symptoms specific to the type of infection, such as painful urination from a urinary tract infection or worsening cough from pneumonia.

Symptoms of sepsis are not specific. They can vary from person to person, and sepsis may appear differently in children than in adults.

Symptoms of septic shock

Sepsis may progress to septic shock. Septic shock is a severe drop in blood pressure. Progression to septic shock raises the risk of death. Symptoms of septic shock include:

  • Not being able to stand up.
  • Strong sleepiness or hard time staying awake.
  • Major change in mental status, such as extreme confusion.

When to see a doctor

Any infection could lead to sepsis. Go to a health care provider if you have symptoms of sepsis or an infection or wound that isn’t getting better.

Symptoms such as confusion or fast breathing need emergency care.

Causes

Any type of infection can lead to sepsis. This includes bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Those that more commonly cause sepsis include infections of:

  • Lungs, such as pneumonia.
  • Kidney, bladder and other parts of the urinary system.
  • Digestive system.
  • Bloodstream.
  • Catheter sites.
  • Wounds or burns.

Risk factors

Some factors that increase the risk infection will lead to sepsis include:

  • People over age 65.
  • Infancy.
  • People with lower immune response, such as those being treated for cancer or people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Admission to intensive care unit or longer hospital stays.
  • Devices that go in the body, such as catheters in the vein, called intravenous, or breathing tubes.
  • Treatment with antibiotics in the last 90 days.
  • A condition that requires treatment with corticosteroids, which can lower immune response.

Complications

As sepsis worsens, vital organs, such as the brain, heart and kidneys, don’t get as much blood as they should. Sepsis may cause atypical blood clotting. The resulting small clots or burst blood vessels may damage or destroy tissues.

Most people recover from mild sepsis, but the mortality rate for septic shock is about 30% to 40%. Also, an episode of severe sepsis raises the risk for future infections.

Sepsis – Symptoms & causes

Overview

Sepsis is a serious condition in which the body responds improperly to an infection. The infection-fighting processes turn on the body, causing the organs to work poorly.

Sepsis may progress to septic shock. This is a dramatic drop in blood pressure that can damage the lungs, kidneys, liver and other organs. When the damage is severe, it can lead to death.

Early treatment of sepsis improves chances for survival.

Products & Services

Symptoms

Symptoms of sepsis

Symptoms of sepsis may include:

  • Change in mental status.
  • Fast, shallow breathing.
  • Sweating for no clear reason.
  • Feeling lightheaded.
  • Shivering.
  • Symptoms specific to the type of infection, such as painful urination from a urinary tract infection or worsening cough from pneumonia.

Symptoms of sepsis are not specific. They can vary from person to person, and sepsis may appear differently in children than in adults.

Symptoms of septic shock

Sepsis may progress to septic shock. Septic shock is a severe drop in blood pressure. Progression to septic shock raises the risk of death. Symptoms of septic shock include:

  • Not being able to stand up.
  • Strong sleepiness or hard time staying awake.
  • Major change in mental status, such as extreme confusion.

When to see a doctor

Any infection could lead to sepsis. Go to a health care provider if you have symptoms of sepsis or an infection or wound that isn’t getting better.

Symptoms such as confusion or fast breathing need emergency care.

Causes

Any type of infection can lead to sepsis. This includes bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Those that more commonly cause sepsis include infections of:

  • Lungs, such as pneumonia.
  • Kidney, bladder and other parts of the urinary system.
  • Digestive system.
  • Bloodstream.
  • Catheter sites.
  • Wounds or burns.

Risk factors

Some factors that increase the risk infection will lead to sepsis include:

  • People over age 65.
  • Infancy.
  • People with lower immune response, such as those being treated for cancer or people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
  • People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
  • Admission to intensive care unit or longer hospital stays.
  • Devices that go in the body, such as catheters in the vein, called intravenous, or breathing tubes.
  • Treatment with antibiotics in the last 90 days.
  • A condition that requires treatment with corticosteroids, which can lower immune response.

Complications

As sepsis worsens, vital organs, such as the brain, heart and kidneys, don’t get as much blood as they should. Sepsis may cause atypical blood clotting. The resulting small clots or burst blood vessels may damage or destroy tissues.

Most people recover from mild sepsis, but the mortality rate for septic shock is about 30% to 40%. Also, an episode of severe sepsis raises the risk for future infections.

Sepsis: causes, symptoms and recommendations for the treatment of the disease. Dr. Peter

Doctors talk about sepsis when the blood is infected (breakthrough of the infection into the blood). The term comes from the Greek word for “decay” or “decomposition” and is currently defined as an acute, life-threatening organ dysfunction in which the body does not properly respond to infection. Sepsis is caused not by the presence of pathogens in the blood, as is often assumed, but by the body’s response to these pathogens. The immune system tries to defend itself against pathogens, but this fight harms not only the invaders, but the body itself. Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening disease and requires the fastest and most consistent treatment possible.

Finding bacteria in the blood (bacteremia) does not mean that it is a blood infection. Small amounts of bacteria enter the bloodstream, for example, when brushing teeth, through microtrauma in the gums, without causing a general immune response.

The healthy immune system of the body easily copes with such a small number of pathogens. Only when the defense is exhausted and as a result of the immune struggle the body becomes ill, doctors talk about blood poisoning.

When blood pressure is no longer maintained at a sufficient level due to the body’s own inflammatory response, doctors refer to “septic shock”. This end stage of blood poisoning compromises the blood supply to vital organs and often leads to multiple organ failure and even death.

Causes

Under special circumstances, each infection can lead to blood poisoning. The most common causes of sepsis are respiratory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, skin, and soft tissue infections. In principle, it is recommended that every infection be treated by a doctor at an early stage, even if it seems harmless at first.

In principle, causes of blood poisoning include all local infections such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections. Hospital (nosocomial) infections are often the trigger for sepsis. The risk of blood poisoning is especially high if:

  • Newborns, especially premature babies, infants in the first months of life, as well as very old people and pregnant women.

  • Weakened immune system, for example due to cancer chemotherapy or high-dose cortisone therapy for rheumatism or respiratory problems.

  • Wounds or injuries such as extensive burns.

  • Certain treatments and examinations such as blood vessel catheters, bladder catheters, wound drainage.

  • Drug addiction, alcoholism.

  • Genetic predisposition to sepsis.

Symptoms of sepsis

Initially, there is usually a localized infection, often caused by bacteria, sometimes also by viruses, fungi (candidiasis sepsis) or so-called protozoa (single-celled organisms). The immune system launches protective reactions against invaders in the form of inflammation: blood flow to the affected tissues increases, vascular permeability increases. As a result, a large number of leukocytes (white cells) reach the site of infection and penetrate the tissues, where they destroy pathogens and destroyed cells.

However, the concentrated defenses of the immune system are sometimes not enough to contain and eliminate the infection at the site of its origin. Then pathogens take over: pathogens and their toxins enter the bloodstream. According to the definition of sepsis, doctors in this case are not talking about blood poisoning, but about bacteremia (bacteria in the blood).

If these substances cause an inflammatory reaction in the body, this corresponds to the typical course of sepsis. Associated symptoms are associated with this active battle between the immune system and pathogens.

Vessels throughout the body dilate and lead to a drop in blood pressure. At the same time, signs of inflammation in the blood increase sharply, while the heart and lungs try to compensate for the lack of reverse blood flow and its enrichment with oxygen due to increased work. This increases the frequency of breathing and heartbeat.

Blood clots clot faster due to changes in blood flow and vascular and tissue damage caused by pathogens and the immune system.

Possible complications and risks

A particular case of blood poisoning is the so-called neonatal sepsis. She describes blood poisoning in babies of the first month of life. There are two types, depending on how quickly sepsis occurs after birth.

So-called early-onset sepsis, in which the pathogen is most likely transmitted from the mother during childbirth, occurs within the first four days of life. This is followed by late sepsis (late-onset sepsis). However, new research suggests that this subdivision is not essential for treatment.

Criteria for blood contamination in neonatal development are more difficult to identify than in adult patients. Neonatal sepsis is feared because of its fulminant course. In infants, blood poisoning leads to a life-threatening disease much faster.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of sepsis is difficult, especially in the early phase, since the symptoms are very diverse and also depend on the infection that caused it. Until now, the criteria for the so-called SIRS (systemic inflammatory response syndrome) were considered innovative for detecting early sepsis.

However, these criteria are not specific enough to include other diseases with similar symptoms. This means that it is not always sepsis if the criteria for SIRS are met. They also provide little information about the possible likelihood of death from the disease, which is an important criterion in the case of blood poisoning. Therefore, clinicians no longer use only the SIRS criteria to diagnose sepsis. Rather, they serve for in-depth analysis and help to choose the appropriate form of therapy.

SIRS criteria indicate possible blood poisoning but are not sufficient to confirm the actual condition. They are not sensitive enough to detect patients with acute sepsis.

Therefore, additional criteria are used: The so-called Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) is a very sophisticated screening tool well known from critical care.

A somewhat simplified model is called “rapid SOFA” (qSOFA) and includes three important clinical parameters:

  • Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) < 15 (used to assess impairment of consciousness and brain function).

  • Systolic blood pressure ≤ 100 mmHg

  • Blood poisoning is suspected if two or more of these items are present in the patient.

    Physicians consider other clinical signs according to SIRS criteria, such as:

    • Presence of infection, for example, by microbiological detection of pathogens in a patient sample (blood sample, urine sample, wound swab) or pneumonia based on x-ray.

    • Fever (at least 38 degrees Celsius) or hypothermia (36 degrees Celsius or less), measured with a thermometer in the anus (rectally), in a blood vessel (intravasally), or in the bladder (intravesical).

    • Heart rate of at least 90 beats per minute (tachycardia).

    • Certain changes in the complete blood count: the number of leukocytes is either increased (≥12,000/μL), or decreased (≤4,000/μL), or ≥ 10% of immature neutrophils (young, myelocytes).

    • Increased inflammatory parameters of CRP (C-reactive protein) or procalcitonin.

    Organ dysfunction, e.g.:

    • brain (decreased vigilance, disorientation, agitation, confusion, delirium, coma, loss of sensation of a part of the body, restriction of movement),

    • liver ( increased levels of liver enzymes and bilirubin, discoloration of the skin),

    • kidneys (decreased diuresis, decreased blood pH, increased creatinine),

    • lungs (decreased oxygen levels and increased carbon dioxide levels in the blood).

    • Blood clotting disorders, drop in the number of platelets in the blood.

    Surgical or occult causes of sepsis are determined by ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

    If the organs function in a limited way, doctors speak of an infection in the sense of severe sepsis. This also applies to cases where the causes of sepsis have not yet been clarified. If a critical drop in blood pressure occurs, it is called septic shock.

    How to treat sepsis

    A prerequisite for the successful treatment of sepsis is the treatment of the underlying disease – i.e. infection leading to blood poisoning. This is done either surgically or with medication. Treatment always begins with looking for the source of the infection, such as an inflamed appendix, an infected joint prosthesis, or seemingly mundane things like a vascular access in the arm or a urinary catheter. The focus is most often in the lungs, abdomen, urinary tract, skin, bones and joints, teeth, or in the central nervous system (eg, meningitis, encephalitis).

    Foreign material in the body is also sometimes a source of infection, such as screws and plates used in bone surgery or “IUDs” for contraception. With the so-called control of the causes, the doctor eliminates this starting point of sepsis as quickly as possible. However, in some patients, the source of infection cannot be identified.

    If the blood poisoning is less severe, a stay in the intensive care unit is usually not required. It is often sufficient to eliminate the source of the infection and start antibiotic therapy (eg, broad-spectrum penicillin), since blood poisoning is usually caused by bacteria.

    If it is a fungal (candidal sepsis), viral or parasitic infection, it is treated accordingly. Therefore, immunosuppressed people usually receive antimycotics against possible fungal pathogens in addition to broad-spectrum antibiotics.

    In severe blood poisoning, in addition to eliminating the source of infection and antibiotic therapy, it is necessary to stabilize the impaired functions of organs. In this more dangerous course of sepsis, treatment is almost always carried out in the intensive care unit. For the best therapy, it is necessary to identify the pathogen. Then, depending on the pathogen, targeted therapy with an antibiotic or antimycotic is carried out.

    Additional measures for the treatment of sepsis in the intensive care unit are:

    • Infusion of fluids (saline or crystalloid solution) to stabilize blood pressure and the cardiovascular system and maintain tissue supply.

    • Nutrient solutions when patients can no longer feed on their own, for example by inserting a tube through the nose into the stomach (gastric tube).

    • If necessary, exchange of blood cells and plasma by transfusion.

    • Supporting the function of affected organs, eg by artificial respiration in case of (imminent) lung failure or dialysis, which frees the kidneys from the task of filtering the blood.

    • Administration of painkillers and sedatives.

    • If necessary, insulin therapy to lower blood sugar levels, because some patients with sepsis have elevated blood sugar levels.

    Prevention of so-called stress ulcers – gastric or duodenal ulcers caused by body stress that causes bleeding. In particular, so-called proton pump inhibitors or histamine-2 receptor blockers (H2 blockers) are used, which prevent the release of gastric acid by the stomach.

    Administering anticoagulants to prevent blood clots (thrombosis), which sometimes form anywhere in the body in severe sepsis.

    New treatments using artificial antibodies (immunoglobulins) for severe cases are still controversial. There is still insufficient data on which antibodies are most effective in which form of sepsis. Therefore, this treatment is not yet recommended as a standard for blood poisoning.

    How to recognize sepsis | Doctor’s guide Clinics EndoMedLab Moscow, st. Novodmitrovskaya, 5A, building 2

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    Sepsis and how to beat it

    Sepsis is considered a serious disease that occurs when an infection enters the human body. It can proceed rapidly or covertly, depending on the reasons. Therapy should be carried out in a timely manner to avoid serious consequences.

    When the blood is infected, intoxication occurs in the body, which provokes chills, fever, and a strange gray color of the skin. If a person does not turn to specialists for a long time, he may develop arthritis, conjunctivitis, abscesses and other dangerous pathologies.

    The development of sepsis (pathogenesis)

    Sepsis is considered a general infection of the body, where the infection is transmitted by blood flow. All organs are inflamed. Many patients complain of abscesses, inflammations, boils, pneumonia and other diseases.

    Important! Sepsis begins to develop actively during the exhaustion of the body due to a prolonged inflammatory process.

    The causative agents of the disease are bacteria and fungi.

    Types of sepsis

    Types of sepsis can be classified depending on the onset of the initial infection:

    • pleuropulmonary – purulent diseases of the lungs, pneumonia;
    • odontogenic – diseases of the jaw and teeth;
    • tonsillogenic – sore throats;
    • surgical – after surgery;
    • gynecological – after childbirth and termination of pregnancy;
    • urosepsis – problems with the genitourinary system;
    • dermal – purulent formations on the skin;
    • peritoeal – diseases of the abdominal cavity;
    • rhinogenic – problems with the nose and paranasal sinuses.
    • otogenic – diseases of the ear;
    • umbilical – in newborns.

    Sepsis can be early, occurring within 10 days, and late, manifesting over a long period of time.

    Causes of development

    The causes of sepsis are pathogens that enter the body:

    • fungus;
    • bacterium;
    • virus.

    All infections cause inflammation.

    Symptoms and early signs of sepsis

    Pathology can take many forms , because sepsis varies by type. Symptoms appear gradually, and it is possible to determine the presence of the disease:

    • first there is a fever, if it disappears, then the body has managed to cope with the disease;
    • then the body temperature constantly rises and falls, gives way to chills, the person begins to sweat;
    • patient changes appearance;
    • facial features become sharper;
    • skin becomes sallow;
    • rashes and ulcers appear on the integument;
    • lips suffering from herpes;
    • possible dehydration, bedsores and malnutrition;
    • the patient becomes nervous and irritable, sometimes lethargic;
    • insomnia or drowsiness occurs;
    • constant headache;
    • arrhythmia begins;
    • breathing problems sometimes;
    • anorexia, constipation and diarrhea appear.

    If these symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a specialist, blood poisoning is possible.

    Diagnostic methods

    Sepsis can be detected using certain clinical and laboratory methods:

    • complete blood count ;
    • blood cultures multiple;
    • bakposev from a purulent focus;
    • biochemistry ;
    • PCR ;
    • Ultrasound, x-ray, MRI, tomography.

    These methods help to identify the presence of the disease and understand how to treat it.

    Treatment

    Sepsis should only be treated in an inpatient setting, in intensive care or resuscitation. In this case, it is necessary to take into account the severity of the disease and the possibility of death. In the treatment are used:

    • intravenous antibiotics;
    • measures against toxicosis;
    • activation of the immune system, restoration of body processes.