Sepsis Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Definition
Sepsis is a rare but quite dangerous complication. This condition occurs due to inflammation caused by infection. Sepsis is serious enough to cause failure of the body’s vital organs such as the lungs and kidneys.
This condition occurs when the body detects an infection which then responds in the form of inflammation in the body. Furthermore, inflammation causes blood clots which then stop the flow of blood in the arteries.
As a result, vital organs in the body do not get the nutrients and oxygen they need.
In severe cases, sepsis can cause a drastic drop in blood pressure. This condition is called septic shock which can be fatal, such as death.
Sepsis Symptoms
Some recognizable signs of sepsis include:
- confusion or disorientation
- difficulty breathing or rapid breathing
- fast heartbeat
- fever, chills, or feeling very cold
- intense pain or discomfort
- moist or sweaty skin
- lack of urine production
Septic shock can be recognized by severe sepsis accompanied by very low blood pressure and cannot be treated with intravenous fluids. In cases of septic shock, the possibility of death reaches 50%.
Sepsis Reason
Sepsis arises from a serious body reaction after an infection. Infections that often cause sepsis are infections of the lungs (pneumonia), kidneys (urinary tract infection), skin, and digestive tract.
The bacteria most often identified when an infection turns into sepsis are Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and several types of Streptococcus.
Sepsis basically can strike anyone. However, some people have a higher risk, such as:
- People with impaired immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS.
- People undergoing autoimmune therapy.
- Patients with diabetes, chronic meningitis, pneumonia, appendicitis, or urinary tract infections.
- People who have undergone invasive surgery.
Diagnosis
Generally, in the process of determining the diagnosis, a detailed history or medical interview and physical examination can confirm sepsis.
Signs and symptoms commonly found in patients with sepsis are fever, low blood pressure, increased heart rate and respiratory rate.
To find the source of infection, several supporting examinations can also be carried out. For example, such as complete blood tests, urine analysis, X-rays, and so on.
Sepsis Treatment
Treatment of sepsis is very dependent on the source of infection and the patient’s condition. Treatment that can be given is:
- Antibiotics are given if the infection occurs due to bacteria.
- addressing the source of infection, for example by drainage of pus/pus, surgery, and so on.
- maintaining a good flow of blood and oxygen to the organs, for example by administering oxygen, intravenous saline fluids, and administering drugs that maintain blood pressure.
- Insulin administration to stabilize blood sugar levels.
Dialysis is needed if sepsis causes impaired kidney function or kidney failure occurs. This action is intended to replace kidney function in filtering harmful wastes in the blood and regulating salt and fluid balance.