What does septic mean in the body. Sepsis: Understanding the Deadly Complication of Infection

15.06.202309.06.2023 by alexxlab

What is sepsis and why is it so dangerous. How does sepsis affect the body. What are the symptoms and risk factors for sepsis. How is sepsis diagnosed and treated. What is the prognosis for sepsis patients. How can sepsis be prevented. What is Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) in sepsis survivors.

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What is Sepsis and Why is it So Dangerous?

Sepsis is a severe health complication that occurs when the body’s response to infection goes into overdrive. While most people have never heard of sepsis, it is actually the most expensive cause of hospitalization in the United States and the most common reason for ICU admission among older Americans.

But what exactly happens in the body during sepsis? When an infection occurs, the body releases chemicals into the bloodstream to fight off harmful bacteria or viruses. In sepsis, this defensive reaction becomes dysregulated, triggering widespread inflammation that can impair blood flow to vital organs like the brain, heart, and kidneys. This can rapidly lead to organ failure and tissue damage.

At its most severe stage, sepsis can cause dangerously low blood pressure, a condition known as septic shock. Between one in eight and one in four patients hospitalized with sepsis will die, highlighting just how life-threatening this condition can be.

The Alarming Statistics Behind Sepsis

The prevalence and impact of sepsis are staggering:

Over 1 million patients are hospitalized for sepsis annually in the U.S.
This exceeds the combined number of hospitalizations for heart attacks and strokes
Sepsis contributes to 1/3 to 1/2 of all in-hospital deaths
Only about half of Americans know what sepsis means

These statistics underscore the critical need for greater awareness and improved treatment of this deadly condition.

Who is at Risk for Developing Sepsis?

While sepsis can affect anyone, certain groups are at higher risk:

People with chronic medical conditions like:
- Neurological diseases
- Cancer
- Chronic lung disease
- Kidney disease
Older adults
Individuals with weakened immune systems

Understanding these risk factors is crucial for early identification and prompt treatment of sepsis.

How Does Sepsis Develop in the Body?

Sepsis can result from any type of infection, but it most commonly originates from:

Pneumonia
Urinary tract infections
Intra-abdominal infections (e.g., appendicitis)

It’s important to note that sepsis is not the same as “blood poisoning,” an outdated term referring to infection present in the blood. Sepsis, on the other hand, describes the body’s systemic response to any infection, regardless of its location.

The Progression of Sepsis

How does a localized infection escalate into sepsis? The process typically follows these stages:

An infection occurs somewhere in the body
The immune system releases chemicals to fight the infection
These chemicals trigger an inflammatory response throughout the body
Inflammation impairs blood flow to organs and tissues
Organ function begins to deteriorate
In severe cases, blood pressure drops dangerously low (septic shock)

This cascade of events can happen rapidly, which is why early recognition and treatment are critical.

Diagnosing Sepsis: Challenges and Approaches

Diagnosing sepsis can be challenging for several reasons:

There is no single definitive lab test for sepsis
Symptoms can mimic other serious conditions
The condition can progress rapidly

Conditions that may present similarly to sepsis include:

Severe allergic reactions
Major bleeding
Heart attacks
Blood clots
Medication overdoses

Given these challenges, how do healthcare providers diagnose sepsis? They typically rely on a combination of:

Physical examination
Patient history
Laboratory tests (blood cultures, organ function tests)
Imaging studies (to locate the source of infection)

Prompt and accurate diagnosis is crucial, as sepsis requires specific and timely treatments to improve outcomes.

Treatment Approaches for Sepsis

Once sepsis is diagnosed, treatment typically involves a multi-pronged approach:

Antibiotics: Broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered immediately to fight the underlying infection.
IV Fluids: Large amounts of intravenous fluids help maintain blood pressure and organ function.
Organ Support: This may include:
- Dialysis for kidney failure
- Mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure
- Medications to support blood pressure
Source Control: In some cases, the source of infection must be removed, such as infected medical devices or in cases of appendicitis.

Treatment often requires hospitalization, frequently in an intensive care unit (ICU). The goal is to treat the infection, support failing organs, and prevent further complications.

The Importance of Early Treatment

Why is rapid treatment so crucial in sepsis? Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes by:

Preventing the progression to septic shock
Reducing the risk of organ failure
Lowering the chances of long-term complications
Improving survival rates

This underscores the importance of both public awareness and healthcare provider vigilance in recognizing and treating sepsis promptly.

The Long-Term Impact of Sepsis: Beyond Hospital Discharge

Contrary to previous beliefs, surviving the initial hospitalization for sepsis doesn’t mean patients are out of danger. Recent research has revealed significant long-term impacts:

40% of sepsis patients are readmitted to the hospital within 3 months
Sepsis survivors have an increased risk of dying for months to years after the acute infection
Many survivors develop Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS)

Understanding Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS)

What is Post-Intensive Care Syndrome, and how does it affect sepsis survivors? PICS is a chronic health condition that can arise after critical illness, including sepsis. Common symptoms include:

Physical weakness
Cognitive issues (e.g., forgetfulness)
Anxiety
Depression

These long-term effects significantly impact quality of life and often require ongoing medical care and support.

The “Revolving Door” of Sepsis Care

The high rate of hospital readmissions among sepsis survivors creates a “revolving door” effect. Each subsequent hospitalization can be:

Costlier than the last
Riskier for the patient
More physically and emotionally taxing

This cycle highlights the need for comprehensive post-sepsis care and support to prevent readmissions and improve long-term outcomes.

The Economic Burden of Sepsis

The true cost of sepsis extends far beyond the initial hospitalization. While $5.5 billion is spent annually on initial sepsis hospitalizations in the U.S., this figure doesn’t account for:

Frequent rehospitalizations
Nursing home care
Professional in-home care
Unpaid care provided by family members

When these factors are considered, the economic impact of sepsis is substantially higher than previously estimated. This underscores the need for improved prevention, treatment, and post-sepsis care strategies to reduce both the human and financial costs of this condition.

Advancing Sepsis Care: Challenges and Opportunities

Despite its prevalence and severity, progress in improving sepsis care has lagged behind advancements in other areas like cancer and heart disease. Why has sepsis been overlooked, and what can be done to address this gap?

Challenges in Sepsis Research and Treatment

Complexity of the condition
Difficulty in diagnosis
Rapid progression of the disease
Variability in patient responses to treatment

Opportunities for Improvement

Despite these challenges, there are several avenues for advancing sepsis care:

Increasing public awareness to promote early recognition and treatment
Improving diagnostic tools and techniques
Developing more targeted and effective treatments
Enhancing post-sepsis care to prevent readmissions and long-term complications
Investing in research to better understand the mechanisms of sepsis and identify new treatment approaches

By focusing on these areas, we can hope to reduce the devastating impact of sepsis on individuals, families, and healthcare systems.

Prevention and Early Recognition: Key to Combating Sepsis

While not all cases of sepsis can be prevented, there are steps that can be taken to reduce risk and improve outcomes:

Preventing Infections

Practice good hygiene, including regular handwashing
Keep wounds clean and covered
Stay up to date on vaccinations
Manage chronic conditions effectively

Recognizing Sepsis Early

Knowing the signs and symptoms of sepsis can lead to faster treatment. Common signs include:

Fever or low body temperature
Rapid breathing and heart rate
Confusion or disorientation
Extreme pain or discomfort
Clammy or sweaty skin

If these symptoms occur, especially in the presence of an infection, immediate medical attention should be sought.

The Role of Healthcare Providers

Healthcare providers play a crucial role in combating sepsis through:

Implementing sepsis screening protocols
Providing prompt treatment when sepsis is suspected
Educating patients about infection prevention and sepsis awareness
Ensuring appropriate follow-up care for sepsis survivors

By combining public awareness with improved medical practices, we can hope to reduce the incidence and impact of sepsis, saving lives and improving outcomes for those affected by this serious condition.

Is Sepsis Fatal? Septic Shock Treatment & Diagnosis

What Are Septic Shock and Sepsis? The Facts Behind These Deadly Conditions

When sepsis strikes, it can be fatal, with estimates suggesting it contributes to one-third to one-half of all in-hospital deaths.

June 7, 2016
12:00 PM

Author |
Hallie Prescott, M.D., M.Sc.

Most Americans have never heard of it, but according to recent federal data, sepsis is the most expensive cause of hospitalization in the U.S., and is now the most common cause of ICU admission among older Americans.

Sepsis is a complication of infection that leads to organ failure. More than one million patients are hospitalized for sepsis each year. This is more than the number of hospitalizations for heart attack and stroke combined. People with chronic medical conditions, such as neurological disease, cancer, chronic lung disease and kidney disease, are at particular risk for developing sepsis.

And it is fatal. Between one in eight and one in four patients with sepsis will die during hospitalization – as most notably Muhammad Ali did in June 2016. In fact sepsis contributes to one-third to one-half of all in-hospital deaths. Despite these grave consequences, fewer than half of Americans know what the word sepsis means.

What is sepsis and why is it so dangerous?

Sepsis a severe health problem sparked by your body’s reaction to infection. When you get an infection, your body fights back, releasing chemicals into the bloodstream to kill the harmful bacteria or viruses. When this process works the way it is supposed to, your body takes care of the infection and you get better. With sepsis, the chemicals from your body’s own defenses trigger inflammatory responses, which can impair blood flow to organs, like the brain, heart or kidneys. This in turn can lead to organ failure and tissue damage.

At its most severe, the body’s response to infection can cause dangerously low blood pressure. This is called septic shock.

Sepsis can result from any type of infection. Most commonly, it starts as a pneumonia, urinary tract infection or intra-abdominal infection such as appendicitis. It is sometimes referred to as “blood poisoning,” but this is an outdated term. Blood poisoning is an infection present in the blood, while sepsis refers to the body’s response to any infection, wherever it is.

Once a person is diagnosed with sepsis, she will be treated with antibiotics, IV fluids and support for failing organs, such as dialysis or mechanical ventilation. This usually means a person needs to be hospitalized, often in an ICU. Sometimes the source of the infection must be removed, as with appendicitis or an infected medical device.

It can be difficult to distinguish sepsis from other diseases that can make one very sick, and there is no lab test that can confirm sepsis. Many conditions can mimic sepsis, including severe allergic reactions, bleeding, heart attacks, blood clots and medication overdoses. Sepsis requires particular prompt treatments, so getting the diagnosis right matters.

The revolving door of sepsis care

As recently as a decade ago, doctors believed that sepsis patients were out of the woods if they could just survive to hospital discharge. But that isn’t the case – 40 percent of sepsis patients go back into the hospital within just three months of heading home, creating a “revolving door” that gets costlier and riskier each time, as patients get weaker and weaker with each hospital stay. Sepsis survivors also have an increased risk of dying for months to years after the acute infection is cured.

If sepsis wasn’t bad enough, it can lead to another health problem: Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS), a chronic health condition that arises from critical illness. Common symptoms include weakness, forgetfulness, anxiety and depression.

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome and frequent hospital readmissions mean that we have dramatically underestimated how much sepsis care costs. On top of the US$5.5 billion we now spend on initial hospitalization for sepsis, we must add untold billions in rehospitalizations, nursing home and professional in-home care, and unpaid care provided by devoted spouses and families at home.

Unfortunately, progress in improving sepsis care has lagged behind improvements in cancer and heart care, as attention has shifted to the treatment of chronic diseases. However, sepsis remains a common cause of death in patients with chronic diseases. One way to help reduce the death toll of these chronic diseases may be to improve our treatment of sepsis.

Rethinking sepsis identification

Raising public awareness increases the likelihood that patients will get to the hospital quickly when they are developing sepsis. This in turn allows prompt treatment, which lowers the risk of long-term problems.

Beyond increasing public awareness, doctors and policymakers are also working to improve the care of sepsis patients in the hospital.

For instance, a new sepsis definition was released by several physician groups in February 2016. The goal of this new definition is to better distinguish people with a healthy response to infection from those who are being harmed by their body’s response to infection.

As part of the sepsis redefinition process, the physician groups also developed a new prediction tool called qSOFA. This instrument identifies patients with infection who are at high risk of death or prolonged intensive care. The tools uses just three factors: thinking much less clearly than usual, quick breathing and low blood pressure. Patients with infection and two or more of these factors are at high risk of sepsis. In contrast to prior methods of screening patients at high risk of sepsis, the new qSOFA tool was developed through examining millions of patient records.

Life after sepsis

Even with great inpatient care, some survivors will still have problems after sepsis, such as memory loss and weakness.

Doctors are wrestling with how to best care for the growing number of sepsis survivors in the short and long term. This is no easy task, but there are several exciting developments in this area.

The Society of Critical Care Medicine’s THRIVE initiative is now building a network of support groups for patients and families after critical illness. THRIVE will forge new ways for survivors to work with each other, like how cancer patients provide each other advice and support.

As medical care is increasingly complex, many doctors contribute to a patient’s care for just a week or two. Electronic health records let doctors see how the sepsis hospitalization fits into the broader picture – which in turn helps doctors counsel patients and family members on what to expect going forward.

The high number of repeat hospitalizations after sepsis suggests another opportunity for improving care. We could analyze data about patients with sepsis to target the right interventions to each individual patient.

Better care through better policy

In 2012, New York state passed regulations to require every hospital to have a formal plan for identifying sepsis and providing prompt treatment. It is too early to tell if this is a strong enough intervention to make things better. However, it serves as a clarion call for hospitals to end the neglect of sepsis.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are also working to improve sepsis care. Starting in 2017, CMS will adjust hospital payments by quality of sepsis treatment. Hospitals with good report cards will be paid more, while hospitals with poor marks will be paid less.

To judge the quality of sepsis care, CMS will require hospitals to publicly report compliance with National Quality Forum’s “Sepsis Management Bundle.” This includes a handful of proven practices such as heavy-duty antibiotics and intravenous fluids.

While policy fixes are notorious for producing unintended consequences, the reporting mandate is certainly a step in the right direction. It would be even better if the mandate focused on helping hospitals work collaboratively to improve their detection and treatment of sepsis.

Right now, sepsis care varies greatly from hospital to hospital, and patient to patient. But as data, dollars and awareness converge, we may be at a tipping point that will help patients get the best care, while making the best use of our health care dollars.

This is an updated version of an article originally published on July 1, 2015 on The Conversation, and updated on June 7, 2016. You can read the original version here.

Theodore Iwashyna, Ph.D., M.D., also contributed to this report.

Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Risks, and More

Sepsis is a life threatening illness caused by your body’s response to an infection. Your immune system protects you from many illnesses and infections, but it’s also possible for it to go into overdrive in response to an infection.

There are approximately 1.7 million cases of sepsis each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, this type of infection kills nearly 270,000 people in the United States every year.

Keep reading to learn more about sepsis symptoms, treatment, and complications.

Sepsis develops when an existing infection triggers an extreme immune system response in your body.

When you experience an infection, your immune system responds by releasing proteins and other chemicals to fight it. Sepsis occurs when this response gets out of control, triggering extensive inflammation.

Most infections that cause sepsis are bacterial. But other infections — including COVID-19, influenza, and fungal infections — can also lead to sepsis.

Sepsis causes fever, a rapid heart rate, and difficulty breathing, among other symptoms. It’s a serious condition that requires swift medical treatment.

Severe sepsis can lead to septic shock, a medical emergency. Septic shock is associated with a significant drop in blood pressure, organ failure, and widespread tissue damage. If left untreated, it can be fatal.

Stages of sepsis

There are three stages of sepsis:

Sepsis. An infection gets into your bloodstream and causes inflammation in your body.
Severe sepsis. The infection and inflammation is severe enough to start affecting organ function.
Septic shock. Septic shock is a severe complication of sepsis that causes a significant drop in blood pressure. This can lead to many serious complications including:
- organ dysfunction
- respiratory or heart failure
- stroke
- possible death

While sepsis often occurs in hospital settings, it can also happen in other locations. In some cases, you might not even know you have an infection that could potentially lead to sepsis.

It’s important to seek immediate medical attention if you have any symptoms of sepsis. The earlier you seek treatment, the greater chance you have of recovering.

Signs and symptoms of sepsis

Symptoms of sepsis can include:

fever and/or chills
confusion or disorientation
difficulty breathing
fast heart rate or low blood pressure (hypotension)
extreme pain
sweaty skin

It’s possible to mistake the symptoms above for those of another condition, like pneumonia, COVID-19, or cancer.

In addition, sepsis symptoms can be particularly hard to identify in infants, children, and people with:

communication challenges
learning disabilities
dementia

It’s best to seek medical assistance right away if you suspect sepsis. A health professional can examine you or the person you care for to make a diagnosis.

Signs and symptoms of severe sepsis

Severe sepsis is characterized by organ failure. You must have one or more of the following signs to be diagnosed with severe sepsis:

difficulty breathing
bluish discoloration of the skin, especially lips, fingers, toes
chills due to a drop in body temperature
decreased urination
dizziness
changes in mental ability
extreme weakness (asthenia)
low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
abnormal heart functions
unconsciousness

Signs and symptoms of septic shock (septicemia)

Sepsis can advance very quickly to severe sepsis and septic shock. As it transitions, it becomes more life threatening.

Some severe sepsis and septic shock symptoms can overlap, like severe difficulty breathing, acute confusion, and bluish skin. Another key symptom of septic shock is very low blood pressure.

If you need help finding a primary care doctor, then check out our FindCare tool here.

Any infection can trigger sepsis, but the following types of infections have a higher risk of causing sepsis:

pneumonia
abdominal infections
kidney infections
blood poisoning

According to the National Institute of General Medical Sciences, the number of sepsis cases in the United States increases every year. Possible reasons for the increase include:

an aging population, due to the fact that sepsis is more common in seniors
an increase in antibiotic resistance, which happens when an antibiotic medication loses its ability to resist or kill bacteria
an increase in the number of people with illnesses that weaken their immune systems

Although some people have a higher risk of infection, anyone can get sepsis. People who are at the highest risk include:

young children and seniors
people with weaker immune systems, including people with HIV or those undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer
people in intensive care units (ICUs)
people exposed to invasive devices, like intravenous catheters or breathing tubes

Neonatal sepsis occurs when a baby gets a blood infection within the first month of life.

Neonatal sepsis is classified based on the timing of the infection, according to whether the infection was contracted during birth (early-onset) or after birth (late-onset). This helps the doctor decide what kind of treatment to administer.

Low birth weight and premature babies are more susceptible to late-onset sepsis because their immune systems are immature. While symptoms can be subtle and nonspecific, some signs include:

listlessness
not breastfeeding/feeding well
low body temperature
apnea (gaps in breathing)
fever
pale color
poor skin circulation with cool extremities
abdominal swelling
vomiting
diarrhea
seizures
jitteriness
yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

Neonatal sepsis is still a leading cause of infant death. With early diagnosis and treatment, most babies can recover completely and have no other problems.

In addition, universal maternal screening and proper neonatal testing have significantly reduced the risk of neonatal sepsis.

The immune system tends to weaken with age. According to a 2017 review, around 40 to 50 percent of all bacteremia cases occur in older adults, which can lead to sepsis.

But age isn’t the only factor that puts seniors at an increased risk. Older adults are also more likely to have existing chronic illnesses, like diabetes, kidney disease, cancer, or high blood pressure.

Other risk factors pertinent to seniors include increased use of medication, malnutrition, and imbalances in intestinal microbiota.

Older adults can contract sepsis from common infections, like pneumonia or urinary tract infections (UTIs). Infections from pressure sores can also lead to sepsis.

Finally, sepsis symptoms like confusion and disorientation may be particularly difficult to identify in older adults with dementia.

If you have sepsis symptoms, your doctor will order tests to diagnose and determine the severity of your infection. One of the first tests is a blood test. Your blood is checked for complications like:

infection
clotting problems
abnormal liver or kidney function
decreased amount of oxygen
an electrolyte imbalance, which affects the amount of water in your body and the acidity of your blood

Depending on your symptoms and the results of your blood test, your doctor may order other tests, including:

a urine test (to check for bacteria in your urine)
a wound secretion test (to check an open wound for an infection)
a mucus secretion test (to identify germs responsible for an infection)

If your doctor can’t determine the source of an infection using the above tests, they may order an internal view of your body using one of the following:

chest x-rays to view the lungs
CT scans to view possible infections in the appendix, pancreas, or bowel area
ultrasounds to view infections in the gallbladder or ovaries
MRI scans, which can identify soft tissue infections

There are two sets of criteria doctors use to determine the severity of sepsis. One set of criteria is for systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS).

SIRS is defined when you meet two or more of the following criteria:

a fever of more than 100.4°F (38°C) or less than 96.8°F (36°C)
a heart rate of more than 90 beats per minute
a respiratory rate of more than 20 breaths per minute or arterial carbon dioxide tension (PaCO₂) of less than 32 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg)
an abnormal white blood cell count

Another tool is the quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA). It uses the results of three criteria:

low blood pressure reading (systolic blood pressure of less than 100 mm Hg)
high respiratory rate (greater than 22 breaths per minute)
Glasgow coma scale score of 14 or less to determine your level of consciousness

A positive qSOFA occurs when two or more of the above measurements are abnormal. Some physicians prefer using qSOFA because, unlike the SIRS criteria, qSOFA doesn’t require laboratory tests.

The results of either of these assessments will help your doctor determine the best course of treatment.

Sepsis can quickly progress to septic shock and death if it’s left untreated. Doctors use a number of medications to treat sepsis, including:

intravenous (IV) antibiotics to fight the infection
medications to increase blood pressure
insulin to stabilize blood sugar
corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
pain relievers to help with discomfort

Severe sepsis may also require large amounts of IV fluids and a respirator for breathing.

Dialysis might be necessary if the kidneys are affected. Your kidneys help filter harmful wastes, salt, and excess water from your blood. With dialysis, a machine performs these functions.

In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the source of an infection. This may include draining a pus-filled abscess or removing infected tissue.

Treatment options may vary slightly for older adults, depending on their risk factors. According to a 2016 review, older adults may be more sensitive to medications that increase blood pressure and antibiotics.

Additionally, seniors are more likely to develop delirium in the ICU and should be regularly screened for sepsis symptoms.

Sepsis isn’t contagious. But the pathogens responsible for the original infection, like viral pneumonia or COVID-19, can be contagious.

Sepsis spreads within a person’s body from the original source of infection to other organs through the bloodstream.

Recovering from sepsis depends on the severity of your condition and any pre-existing health issues you might have. While many people make a full recovery, others report lasting effects.

The UK Sepsis Trust reports that it can take up to 18 months before people who’ve had sepsis start feeling like their usual selves again.

According to the Sepsis Alliance, around 50 percent of sepsis survivors deal with a condition called post-sepsis syndrome (PSS). This condition includes long-term effects like:

damaged organs
insomnia
nightmares
disabling muscle and joint pains
fatigue
poor concentration
lowered cognitive functioning
lowered self-esteem

You can reduce your risk of sepsis by preventing the spread of infection. In the current COVID-19 pandemic, this is more important than ever.

Severe COVID-19 infections cause symptoms similar to sepsis. In addition, contracting COVID-19 puts you at an increased risk of developing another infection. A 2021 review reported that up to 17 percent of people admitted to the ICU with COVID-19 had additional infections.

You can help prevent both COVID-19 and other infections by taking the following precautions:

Stay up to date on your vaccinations. Get vaccinated for COVID-19, the flu, pneumonia, and other common infections.
Keep your distance from people outside your household. Avoid non-essential travel and activities, and stay 6 feet away from people you don’t know.
Wear a mask. Masks help protect you and others from respiratory infections. Wear a mask in indoor public spaces, like grocery stores and movie theaters.
Practice good hygiene. This means practicing proper wound care, hand-washing, and bathing regularly.
Get immediate care if you develop signs of infection. Every minute counts when it comes to sepsis treatment. The sooner you get treatment, the better the outcome.

Sepsis symptoms can range from mild to severe. Complications are more likely in severe cases. These complications can include:

blood clots
an increased risk of infection
tissue death (gangrene)
organ damage
organ failure, particularly the kidneys, heart, and lungs

Severe cases of sepsis can be fatal. A 2020 review found that the mortality rate for sepsis after 90 days was 32.2 percent. The mortality rate for septic shock after 90 days was 38.5 percent.

Sepsis is a life threatening illness caused by your body’s response to an infection. Sepsis occurs when your body’s immune system response gets out of control, triggering extensive inflammation.

Sepsis isn’t contagious. But bacterial, viral, and fungal infections that can trigger sepsis can be spread from person to person. COVID-19 is an example of one such infection that can lead to sepsis. Those at the highest risk of sepsis include newborns, seniors, and people with pre-existing health conditions.

Among other symptoms, sepsis causes fever or chills, a rapid heart rate, confusion, and difficulty breathing. Sepsis is a medical emergency.

Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that you have sepsis, especially if you have a known infection.

Read the article in Spanish.

What is a sewer septic tank

Contents

In almost any suburban or summer cottage, you can now find a modern autonomous sewage system. Most often, a septic tank is used – a local treatment system that allows you to create all the necessary amenities in the house and at the same time do without connecting to a public sewer.

Septic tanks are easy to install and easy to maintain, they are convenient to use both in summer and winter. Their use is economically feasible and avoids expensive installation work. Let’s see what features such a product has and how to choose the right equipment for suburban housing.

What is a septic tank for a site

A septic tank is the main element of autonomous systems used for the improvement of private cottages or country houses, when it is impossible to connect a sewer to a common highway. It is a treatment plant, consisting of one or more chambers, where wastewater enters for further processing. The use of the device allows you to increase the level of comfort of life, as well as reduce the risk of undesirable situations, such as the appearance of an unpleasant odor, the penetration of harmful substances into the soil, etc.

Taking into account the needs and wishes of modern owners of country houses, manufacturers offer a wide selection of septic tanks for sewerage, differing in manufacturing materials, cleaning methods, performance levels and other parameters. Depending on the type of construction and its features, the efficiency of cleaning human waste that enters the storage tank will be determined.

Installation of septic tanks

The design may include the following elements:

Zone A is a receiving well. It is not found in all models, sometimes wastewater immediately enters the sump.
Zone B – the first chamber (sump). This is the place where the effluent enters directly from the sewer or from the receiving well. In the sump, effluent is filtered or decomposed (depending on the type of construction used).
Zone C – filtration well. This chamber is designed in such a way that the water entering inside is filtered and then absorbed into the ground.

A septic tank can have one, two or three chambers. Depending on this, the wastewater treatment process differs.

The first zone of the septic tank is directly connected to the sewer line on one side, and on the other – to the second section. Next, zone B is connected to zone C. In zone A, only primary, rough sewage treatment can be performed. Usually suspended particles are removed from them, sand and other small and large elements settle to the bottom of the chamber. In zone B, aerobic or anaerobic treatment of wastewater is carried out. Decomposition of chemical and organic compounds occurs. The third part is used to clarify domestic wastewater, which allows you to achieve the maximum level of purification.

If the septic tank involves soil post-treatment of wastewater, then it is carried out after the passage of water through all the chambers of the septic tank.

Types of devices

All septic tanks on sale can be classified according to several parameters: by the material used in the manufacture, by the method of cleaning, by the method of installing the container, by the location of the tank. We propose to consider each of these types in more detail.

Septic tank chambers for sewerage can be made from several types of materials:

fiberglass;
from metal;
from reinforced concrete;
from brick.

Each of the materials has its own distinctive advantages and disadvantages. Therefore, before buying a system, it is recommended to consult with a specialist in advance who will help you choose a device that suits your requirements and financial capabilities. The most preferred today are fiberglass products – they are durable, practical, have a long service life. In addition, fiberglass does not deteriorate under the influence of moisture and temperatures, withstands the effects of chemical compounds.

According to the cleaning method, the systems are divided into the following types:

Storage (cesspool) containers. These are tanks of various sizes in which waste accumulates. Waste water is removed using special equipment.
Ground filtration devices. The tank consists of several chambers. In the first, waste is accumulated, where it is sorted according to its structure. Then the partially purified liquid passes into the next chamber, where it is purified by the action of special bacteria. Half-treated wastewater passes the final filtration directly through the ground, after which it goes into the soil.
Systems with bioremediation. The septic tank, like the previous type, consists of several departments. In the first section, wastewater is divided into liquid and solid substances depending on its structure. In the second chamber, the liquid is filtered by microorganisms, whose work is supported by a special aerator. Then the drains are treated with chemical compounds that help purify the liquid, after which clean water is removed from the system.

According to the installation method, waste tanks are divided into vertical and horizontal. The first is a volumetric tank, in the upper part of which there is a hatch. This type requires the implementation of a pit of great depth, but a small area. Horizontal septic tanks outwardly resemble a large cistern with several hatches. Their installation will require digging a less deep pit, but a much larger area.

Since the device can have a different location, septic tanks are also classified into underground-type models and tanks with a surface placement method.

Also, speaking about how a treatment plant works in a private house, it should be noted that the device can be either autonomous (not dependent on the presence of any source of energy) or based on the use of electricity.

Features of different septic tanks

Bacteria are almost always involved in the processing of sewage water in septic tanks (these are the so-called bio-treatment systems). Depending on this, septic tanks can be aerobic and anaerobic.

In the first case, the purification process occurs in the presence of oxygen. It enters through the vents or is delivered using compressors and aerators. Anaerobic devices work by microbiological decomposition of organic matter in an oxygen-free environment.

Deep cleaning septic tanks are usually aeration units that can be additionally supplied with UV disinfection. Aeration devices are installed in separate chambers of such a septic tank, as a result of which the drains are saturated with oxygen.

In the event that a septic tank with soil aftertreatment is installed on the site, then an anaerobic filtration system is used. However, in this case, a two- or three-stage treatment is required, since the efficiency of oxygen-free decomposition of wastewater is quite low.

As for autonomous and volatile models, they also have a number of differences in operation. Autonomous (or non-volatile) devices do not need conservation for the winter period, they are also quite simple to install and operate. Volatile septic tanks are used less frequently today, as they are not so profitable during operation, although they often cost less.

General principle of operation

The treatment system can be located up to 20 meters from the house. Wastewater flows through the outlets into the first chamber of the device, where the preliminary separation of impurities into heavy and light ones takes place.
The liquid flows into the second chamber, where the insoluble elements remain at the bottom. The water part begins to ferment as a result of the vital activity of anaerobic bacteria, which decompose the remaining organic matter, turning it into silt masses. In this compartment, the liquid is cleaned up to about 60-70%.
In the third chamber, practically treated effluents undergo final processing. Bacteria are also present here, which completely destroy sewage. If the liquid is drained in the filtration field, the remaining impurities settle to the bottom. In the event that a chamber without a sealed bottom is used, particles are deposited on the filter bed (gravel, gravel, etc.). The insoluble sediment remaining at the bottom of the device must be periodically removed using a sewage truck about 1 time per month.

It should be noted that this description is schematic, conveying the operation of the structure in general terms. In practice, this process is more complicated, because a septic tank can consist of one large tank with several chambers, or it can be a complex of several tanks. The more compartments the device has, the cleaner the liquid will be at the outlet.

Soil post-treatment

Soil post-treatment is mandatory if the septic tank serves as one of the elements of the treatment system. The method and type of soil post-treatment depends on the soil, the required quality of cleaning, the terrain, the level of groundwater and various climatic features.

In the event that the discharge of clarified wastewater without post-treatment is prohibited by sanitary standards, then the filtration field is additionally used. It is a pipeline of drainage pipes that are laid over a layer of rubble in the thickness of a sandy base. In this case, the water first passes through the sand, then enters the rubble, and only after that it is absorbed into the soil.

The cleaning scheme in this case is as follows:

filter well;
absorbent trench;
sand and gravel filter;
underground filtration field.

Advantages and disadvantages of septic tanks

Of course, many owners of country houses reasonably raise the question of the appropriateness of using treatment facilities. First of all, the use of septic tanks for sewerage allows you to achieve the following goals:

High-quality wastewater treatment from harmful impurities.
No need for constant monitoring of the operation of the device.
Possibility of installation of the equipment practically in any conditions.
Long service life.
Complete absence of unpleasant odors.
Rare frequency of pumping out the tank.
Ease of use and improve the quality of human life.

Among the shortcomings, one should highlight the rather high cost of some types of equipment. However, experts do not recommend saving on the purchase of a septic tank, as the device allows you to completely forget about the problems associated with wastewater disposal. It should also be noted that some models require an electrical network, which is somewhat problematic for certain regions of our country.

Maintenance and care of the septic tank

Like any sewer system, a septic tank will require special maintenance. Regular removal of the solid sludge layer (sewer waste that does not decompose by anaerobic fermentation) with a sewage truck will be required. Otherwise, the septic tank may overflow, which will lead to soil contamination with sewage. This is not only dangerous for the environment, but will also require expensive repairs or a complete replacement of the septic tank.

Also, during the operation of the device, a number of rules must be observed:

Do not use alkali and acids to clean the septic tank, as they can affect bacteria.
Do not dump large and non-degradable garbage into the septic tank, including construction waste and polymers.
Do not plant trees closer than 15-20 meters from the device, as the root system can destroy the septic tank or affect its operation.
Carry out maintenance of the device and pumping out solid sediment in time.
Periodically check the performance of the system, it is best if the inspection is performed by a specialist.

Selection tips

Several important factors influence the choice of treatment plant. In order for the purchase of a septic tank to fully meet your expectations, we recommend using these simple tips:

Estimate the average amount of wastewater generated in 24 hours. The total volume of cells should not be less than the average daily water consumption of all residents (approximately 200 liters per person) multiplied by 3. This figure may vary upwards depending on the number of plumbing fixtures and the presence of large household appliances (such as dishwashers or washing machines). It is clear that in a country house with several bathrooms and a large number of residents, the water consumption will be much greater than in the country, where there are enough fully equipped toilets and showers.
It is necessary to take into account the composition of the soil and the level of groundwater in the area. This will determine the feasibility and expediency of arranging filtering fields. For example, if the groundwater level is high, the installation of filter elements becomes difficult, in some cases even impossible.
Check the quality of the power supply. During intermittent power outages, volatile systems require additional equipment such as a generator, stabilizer, etc. Otherwise, the design can quickly fail.

If you have any questions about choosing a suitable septic tank, its types and features of work, please contact our company Composite Technologies Ru LLC. We will give detailed answers to each of them and help you choose the model that is ideal for your conditions. Call us by phone: 7 (812) 602-12-03 or order a call back.

Why can’t a septic tank be installed without a bottom?

There is an opinion that it used to be like, they dug a hole in the garden, built a wooden toilet on top and used it for years, and even fertilizers and no harm. That’s right, but you can call it a compost pit, but you just need to take into account one thing – this “structure” did not pour such an amount of water and chemical compounds.

This is the whole point, because in such a septic tank in modern realities, water entering in large quantities dissolves biomass that did not have time to decompose – go through the composting process, enters the soil layers, and then penetrates into the aquifers.

This is called an infiltrate, it is a very, very dangerous phenomenon, it carries with it a bunch of microbes that are dangerous for the human – especially the children’s body, complex microbiological compounds – dangerous to health, and of course odors. And therefore, if you understand this, and a neighbor who has arranged a sewage system for himself in this way does not understand this, then it is worth talking to him about it.

Because it can affect you directly and your neighbors in the form of an unpleasant smell from the well, or a hidden danger in the form of dangerous microbes and, as a result, sudden illnesses. But in this case, it is not worth calling the SES immediately, because with a probability of 99%, the subject will be issued a very impressive fine from 50,000 to 100,000 rubles. with an order to dismantle this structure. Therefore, it is better to start by trying to explain in words, and try to convince to upgrade the old septic tank to the standards of the relevant SNiP.

Consider the following scenario: a conscientious owner independently made a sewerage project that complies with SanPiN, or simply made an airtight cesspool, or used the services of contractors, and as a result successfully launched a sewerage system in his house. But due to poor environmental conditions or simply due to a complaint from neighbors about poor-quality water, the SES will go to the area and make a “raid” on private households, and will require documents confirming the tightness or compliance with MPC standards (maximum permissible concentrations) for your septic tank. And if you do not have any document on hand at this moment, then you are unlikely to be able to take it anywhere – even for a fee. No one wants to take responsibility for you, because this entails serious consequences, an impressive fine and an order to dismantle structures.

Is it possible to make a sewerage system in the house with your own hands?
Of course you can! So you can save the construction budget and get a good result. It is only necessary to be guided by working schemes for an autonomous sewage device, or a cesspool drive, and it is imperative to have documents confirming this, for example, a passport for a septic tank and a certificate.
The first thing you need to pay attention to is the tightness of concrete and ease of construction. After all, the time saved in the process of installing a septic tank will reduce the cost of equipment. Remember that not all concrete is hermetic, but only concrete of special grades with hydraulic additives.

You also need to take into account the composition of the soil, landscape features – the slope of the relief, groundwater level, etc., if you do not have such skills, then it is better to talk to professionals in this matter, ask more questions.