Sepsis

A severe reaction could occur in the body against an infection leading to sepsis, which is an extremely dangerous condition, and it’s life-threatening in some cases.

Sepsis

Sepsis is when the body responses improperly against an infection. In the normal case, when an infection affects the body, the immune system attacks it to get rid of it, but in sepsis, the immune system attacks the body instead of the infection, leading to an inflammation in the body.

Sepsis can be divided into three stages: sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock (severe low blood pressure).

Causes of sepsis

Any infection can cause sepsis, especially bacterial infections. The most common infections that cause sepsis are:

• Lung infections, such as pneumonia.
• Digestive system infections, such as appendicitis.
• Urinary system infections, especially when there’s a catheter.
• Skin infections, such as the inflammation of the connective tissue.
• Central nervous system infections.
• The risk of sepsis increases in the infants, elderly, if the immunity is weak, if there are chronic health conditions (like diabetes, obesity, and others), if there are large burns and wounds, and if there are catheters, breathing tubes, and IVs.

Symptoms of sepsis

The symptoms of sepsis differ depending on the affected place, and they might include the following:

• Rash.
• Increased heartbeat and breathing.
• Sweating without a reason.
• Low blood pressure.
• High or low body temperature.
• Shivering or chills.
• Alterations in the mental status, such as confusion.
• Weakness and pain.
• Symptoms of septic shock: not being able to stand up, extreme sleepiness, and extreme alteration in the mental status.

Complications of sepsis

• Atypical blood clotting.
• Damage in the blood vessels.
• Muscle and joint pain.
• Organ failure.
• Panic attacks.
• Insomnia.

Diagnosis of sepsis

• Physical examination.
• Imaging tests.
• Blood tests.
• Urine tests.

Treatment of sepsis

• Antibiotics.
• IV fluids.
• Vasopressors.
• Surgery in some cases to remove the damaged tissue.