Sepsis

Sepsis Latest News

A global study recently finds that antimicrobial resistance in children is rising, undermining life-saving antibiotics for infections like sepsis and pneumonia.

About Sepsis

• Sepsis is a life-threatening condition that happens when the body’s immune system has an extreme response to an infection, causing organ dysfunction.
• The body’s reaction causes damage to its own tissues and organs, and it can lead to shock, multiple organ failure, and sometimes death.

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Sepsis Cause

• Sepsis happens when an infection you already have triggers a chain reaction throughout your body.
• Sepsis is usually caused by bacterial infections but may be the result of other infections such as viruses, parasites, or fungi.
• The infections are often in the lungs, stomach, kidneys, or bladder. 
• It’s possible for sepsis to begin with a small cut that gets infected or with an infection that develops after surgery. 
• Sometimes, sepsis can occur in people who didn’t even know that they had an infection. 
• It can affect anyone, but people who are older, very young, pregnant, or have other health problems are at higher risk.

Sepsis Symptoms

• Sepsis can cause one or more of these symptoms:
  • Rapid breathing and heart rate
  • Shortness of breath
  • Confusion or disorientation
  • Extreme pain or discomfort
  • Fever, shivering, or feeling very cold
  • Clammy or sweaty skin
• Severe cases of sepsis can lead to septic shock, where your blood pressure drops to a dangerous level and multiple organs can fail.

Sepsis Treatment

• It is very important to get treatment right away. Treatment usually includes:
  • Antibiotics.
  • Maintaining blood flow to organs. This may involve getting oxygen and intravenous (IV) fluids.
  • Treating the source of the infection.
  • If needed, medicines to increase blood pressure.
• In serious cases, you might need kidney dialysis or a breathing tube. 
• Some people need surgery to remove tissue damaged by the infection.

News: DTE