Blood Infecion — Blood Diseases

Sepsis is a blood infection caused by a severe infection in the body spreading throughout the bloodstream. The condition results in low blood pressure and poor blood circulation to vital organs and tissues. When these symptoms are present the condition is referred to as “septic shock”. Sepsis can cause multiple organ failure and death. Sepsis can be caused by toxic substances produced by bacteria, viruses or fungi. It can also be caused by an inflammatory response to immune system activity known as Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome. This response can occur in individuals who have no infections or prior conditions, such as burn patients, pancreatitis patients, and chemical pneumonia patients. The condition develops most rapidly when acquired during surgical procedures or by physical contact with a sepsis patient.

Who Is At Risk For Blood Infection (Sepsis)?

The number of people suffering from sepsis has nearly doubled over the last two decades. Blood infections are the tenth most common cause of death among Americans. This can be attributed to a number of causes. The main cause is most likely the increased use of strong cancer and organ transplant medications. These medications weaken the immune system. Another cause is the increase in the number of elderly people with weaker immune systems. Sepsis has also become more difficult to treat in some cases. Several bacterial strains have become antibiotic-resistant due to the increased use of antibiotic medications resulting in an increased mortality rate due to blood infections.

Blood Cells

Perfectly healthy individuals can experience sepsis but anybody who has a weakened immune system is at a much greater risk for a blood infection. Weakened immune systems are commonly caused by illnesses such as AIDS and diabetes or by medical treatments such as chemotherapy. People such as transplant recipients who require medications to suppress the immune system may develop blood infections. Elderly individuals often have weakened immune systems that can leave them exposed to infections leading to sepsis. Young babies may quickly develop sepsis from any infection due to their immature immune systems and it is often harder to diagnose the condition in children.

Other types of medical patients are at an increased risk of sepsis as well. These include people who have had the spleen removed, people who use steroids, cirrhosis patients, burn victims, and people with severe injuries or infections such as meningitis, pneumonia, bladder infections, cellulitis, and staph.

Causes and Symptoms of Blood Infection (Sepsis)

Sepsis is defined by the presence of severe inflammation throughout the body as well as symptoms caused by the initial infection. The widespread inflammation decreases proper circulation causing damage and death to the organs. A blood infection can be caused by a number of different organisms. Bacterial or viral infections in the bladder, lungs, skin, kidneys, abdomen, brain, and other areas can quickly spread to the bloodstream. Infections following surgical procedures often lead to sepsis.

A person who is experiencing a blood infection often has a fever. In some cases the body temperature may not be elevated or may even be lower than normal. The person may have chills, rapid heartbeat and respiration, and low blood pressure. They may be disoriented, irritated, confused, or dizzy. In some cases a skin rash will develop as a red discoloration or red dots all over the skin. Joint pain and vomiting are also common. Most sepsis patients experience an elevated white blood cell count.

Blood Infection (Sepsis) Treatment and Prognosis

If you notice any symptoms of sepsis consult a doctor immediately. If you or a loved one has a high-risk medical history, then it is important to be vigilant about the possibility of developing sepsis. A high-risk patient is anybody that is undergoing radiation or chemotherapy treatment, has had an organ transplant, or has AIDS or diabetes. Anybody experiencing fever, chills, dizziness, confusion, rapid heartbeat and respiration, and a rash should go to the emergency room. If an infant younger than two months shows signs of fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, a rash, or a change in behavior, call your pediatrician and go immediately to the hospital.

A rapid diagnosis is the most crucial factor for successful treatment of a blood infection. The physician will attempt to locate bacteria in the blood or bodily fluids and will use any number of techniques to determine the source of the infection. Tests will also be performed to determine blood cell and platelet counts, blood acid levels, and liver and kidney function.

A blood infection is a life-threatening medical emergency. The patient will be treated in the emergency room and in some cases will require intensive care. Sepsis is most commonly treated with very strong antibiotics and intravenous fluids to maintain blood pressure. Infected fluid is sometimes drained surgically. Blood transfusions are common. Other medications are used to treat additional issues including circulatory failure. In certain situations, corticosteroids can be used with some benefit. If the organs have been damaged, then dialysis or ventilation is often required. In the case of a prolonged illness adequate nutrition is vital.

The outcome of the condition will depend on the patient’s medical history, age, general health, the type of infection, and other factors. Elderly patients or those with poor immune activity due to certain medications experience a death rate of approximately 80 percent. This is also true in very advanced stages of sepsis. Healthy individuals with no prior conditions have a 95 percent survival rate. The average death rate from septic conditions is around 40 percent. The actual prognosis will vary depending on how fast the condition was diagnosed and how soon the treatment was started. The condition progresses rapidly and statistics suggest that a seven percent increase in mortality occurs for each hour that appropriate treatment is delayed. Permanent organ damage is common in patients that survive sepsis.

• Blood Infection
• Blood Diseases
• Blood Poisoning

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