Sepsis

Overview

Sepsis (septicemia) is a severe medical condition where the body's immune system responds negatively to an infection, resulting in severe complications such as organ dysfunction or failure. An individual may experience common symptoms including fever, confusion, rapid heart rate, and low blood pressure. Besides bacterial infection, sepsis can also develop from lungs, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal system infection.

One must seek an early diagnosis, involving blood tests and imaging scans. Treatment can include antibiotics, IV fluids, and intensive care in a hospital. Preventive measures that an individual can take focus on timely infection management and maintaining hygiene to reduce risks.

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis or septicemia is a medical emergency that occurs when a body reacts severely to an infection. This condition causes the body’s immune system to attack its tissues, triggering inflammation that can cause organ damage.

It can also cause blood clots to reduce the flow of blood to the internal organs, restricting them from receiving the oxygen and nutrients they require. In severe stages of sepsis, it can cause a huge drop in blood pressure (septic shock), which can escalate to kidney, lung or liver damage.

Symptoms of Sepsis

Different body parts can be affected by sepsis, leading to many symptoms. If a blood poisoning (septicemia) infection triggers sepsis, an individual may notice a sepsis rash on their skin, which may make the skin appear discoloured or red. An individual may also notice tiny, dark-red spots on their skin.

Other common symptoms may include extreme pain or discomfort, confusion or agitation, sweaty or warm skin, chills or shaking, hypothermia or fever, rapid heart rate, low energy or fatigue, low blood pressure, shortness of breath or hyperventilation, and urinal issues including an urge to urinate or reduced urination.

Neonatal sepsis in babies occurs when they get a blood infection within the first month of birth. Symptoms may include fever, irritability, jaundice, difficulty breathing, lethargy, not feeding well, and blueish skin discolouration.

Causes of Sepsis

Sepsis is caused mainly by bacterial infections. Other potential sepsis causes involve viral, parasitic and fungal infections. Hence, when an infection enters the body, it triggers a chain reaction and causes the organs to be dysfunctional. This sepsis-causing infection can start across different body parts, including the respiratory system (pneumonia) urinary tract system (urinary tract infections), gastrointestinal system (bowel problems, gall bladder or liver problems, appendicitis and peritonitis), skin (cellulitis) and the central nervous system (brain or spinal cord infection).

Any individual who gets an infection can develop sepsis, however, the risk is especially increased for individuals younger than 1 year old; aged 65 or older; with a weakened immune system (by undergoing chemotherapy); pregnant or chestfeeding; taking corticosteroids; have diabetes, kidney or liver disease or cancer; in an intensive care unit (ICU); have undergone surgery; and exposed to breathing tubes or intravenous catheters.

Diagnosis of Sepsis

A doctor examines the symptoms and recommends a blood test to help diagnose the infection and its severity. The blood test can also help to check for low oxygen levels, electrolyte imbalances, clotting issues, and dysfunctions of the kidney, liver and other organs. To check for bacteria in the body or examine different organs, a healthcare professional may recommend CT scans, MRI scans, ultrasounds, chest X-rays, urinalysis, mucus secretion tests, and wound secretion tests.

A medical professional categorises sepsis into three stages including the following:

Sepsis: This stage causes symptoms including rapid heart rate, fever, confusion, fast breathing and confusion.

Severe Sepsis: Symptoms that this stage may cause include the symptoms of sepsis, difficulty breathing, reduced urination, and abnormal liver function.

Septic Shock: This stage is an amalgamation of the sepsis and sepsis severe stage, causing further symptoms including extremely low blood pressure which can damage organs or lead to death.

Treatment for Sepsis

Diagnosed sepsis patients must receive treatment immediately to avoid complications. A doctor will place a patient in a hospital’s intensive care unit (ICU) for special treatment which may include intravenous (IV) fluids, antibiotics, mechanical ventilation (for respiratory failure), dialysis (for kidney failure), vasopressor medications, or surgery to remove the infected tissues. A patient may also receive insulin to stabilise their blood sugar, and corticosteroids to reduce inflammation.

Prevention of Sepsis

Sepsis can be prevented by treating infections timely while practising measures such as proper handwashing, wound care and regular bathing. One must also manage chronic conditions by taking the prescribed medications and staying up to date with vaccinations.

Myths and Facts Related to Sepsis

Following are the common myths and facts about sepsis:

Myth 1: Sepsis is an Infection
Fact: Sepsis is a medical condition where the body responds negatively to a viral, parasitic, bacterial or fungal infection.

Myth 2: Sepsis can be Diagnosed Easily
Fact: Sepsis symptoms are common to other conditions including hypothermia and kidney disease. This makes it difficult to diagnose the condition early.

Myth 3: A Red Line on the Skin Implies Sepsis
Fact: The red line on the skin may indicate an inflammation of the lymphatic system, which may or may not be a sign of sepsis. Other symptoms that may indicate the condition include heavy breathing, a drop in blood pressure, heavy breathing, and confusion.