Blood Infections

Blood infection is also known as sepsis. Sepsis is characterized by the severe infection of blood, due to the presence of infectious agents and toxins. Sepsis can be caused by microorganisms like bacteria, fungi or virus. These microorganisms can cause infection in any part of the body and can eventually spread to the blood stream, especially if the immune system is not strong enough to prevent their invasion.

However, the immune system does try to prevent the infection of the bloodstream, but in the process small blood clots are formed in the blood vessels. This impairs normal blood flow and the supply of oxygenated blood to the tissues and organs. When tissues and organs do not receive sufficient oxygen, they fail to perform their normal activities. This ultimately leads to the medical condition, called shock. Shock is characterized by the lack of oxygen and nutrients in the tissues, which can lead to organ failure and death of the individual, if not treated on time.

What Causes Blood Infection
Though, blood infections are most commonly caused by bacteria, other microbes like fungi or virus can also be responsible for this condition. One of the most common bacteria that causes sepsis, is E.Coli, which is normally found in the digestive tract. But more poisonous strains of this bacteria can enter our body through the consumption of contaminated foods. They first enter the digestive system and then pervade the bloodstream. Similarly, viral and fungal infections can also cause sepsis. The population of fungi in our body is kept under control by a healthy immune system. But, a weakened immune system fails to control their population, and as a result, the fungi spread throughout the body and gradually make their way to the bloodstream.

Any condition or disease that can weaken the immune system can increase the risk of developing sepsis or infection in the blood. When the immune system is not strong, infection in any part of the body like lungs, skin, abdomen or kidneys can lead to sepsis. People with diabetes, pneumonia, HIV/AIDS, cellulitis and urinary tract infection are more prone to develop sepsis. Chemotherapy and certain medications that are given to the cancer and organ transplant patients, can also increase the risk of blood infections. Even the elderly individuals, along with the young children, fall under the risk zone for sepsis. Here's more on blood infection causes.

Blood Infection Symptoms
Fever is one of the most common symptoms of blood infections. Fever is usually accompanied by chills and shivering. Apart from these, the heart rate increases in the patients and they may experience disorientation, confusion as well as dizziness. The patient may also develop skin rashes, as small small, dark red spots spreading throughout the body. Along with these symptoms, low blood pressure and joint pain, especially in the back, hips, knees and ankles have been observed in the patients of sepsis.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Blood Infections
Blood infections is generally diagnosed with the help of a blood test and blood culture. Sputum, urine, abscess and spinal fluid are also tested to look for the infectious agents. Chest X-ray, CT scan, etc. are carried out to find out infections in other organs. Generally, antibiotics are prescribed to destroy the infectious bacteria causing sepsis. In the meantime, the patient may be required to be put on oxygen support and admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). If the blood pressure of the patient falls to a very low level, saline can be administered. In recent times, inappropriate uses of antibiotics have made many virus strains resistant to these medications, which is posing a great challenge to the treatment of sepsis.

The effectiveness of the treatments for blood infections depends on a number of factors, including the age of the individual as well as the underlying conditions. If the person is already struggling with a serious disease then the chances of recovery become less. But healthy individuals with no major disease or condition can recover easily, if treated on time. Therefore, timely diagnosis plays an important role in the treatment of blood infections.