by What is Sepsis?
Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that develops from blood poisoning. It occurs when the immune system attacks the body as it fights off infection. This is a medical emergency that should be treated as soon as it develops.
This remains one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients.
Septic, Septicemia, or blood poisoning are the other names of Sepsis. Both medical personnel, as well as laymen, interchangeably used these terms.
What are the stages of Sepsis?
It progresses in three stages;
- sepsis,
- severe sepsis,
- septic shock.
What are the symptoms of Sepsis?
The symptoms of sepsis depend on the stage of the disease.
- At the sepsis stage, symptoms are high fever, rapid breathing, and high pulse.
- Severe sepsis shows a sign of slurred speech, dizziness, and confusion. The skin could also change color, become pale, clammy, and very cold.
- Septic shock causes lung inflammation due to the complications of the infections.
Who is most affected by sepsis?
People at risk :
- Pregnant women,
- Newborns,
- Old age people with low immunity.
- People with chronic conditions, like diabetes, kidney or lung disease, or cancer.
- The people who are living in life-supporting devices.
What is the blood test for this disease?
Diagnosis of sepsis is made through a blood test to check for bacteria. It also checks if there are excess waste products and abnormal kidney function. Doctors may also recommend mucus secretion tests, and urine, and spinal fluid tests.
Note: Always avoid making your own diagnosis at home as it could be wrong.
Also Read About: Diabetes: Types And Diagnostic Test
What does the treatment of this entail?
Early the symptoms are detected, the earlier the treatment is administered and the higher the chances of survival. A patient might be admitted to the Intensive care unit to commence treatment.
Medication could include intravenous antibiotics, insulin, and corticosteroid. A respirator to aid in breathing may also be administered. Prevention of the condition can be through vaccination against pneumonia. Keep the wound clean and covered to prevent the infection. Stay alert and look out for the symptoms of sepsis.
( Disclaimer: Information provided in this piece of article is purely for educational purposes only. All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s data to make an accurate diagnosis.)
