Sepsis: Symptoms and Treatment

Sepsis is a life-threatening condition in which bacterial infection occurs in the bloodstream of an individual. This condition is also referred to as systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). Children and people with a compromised immune system are at a higher risk to sepsis than others. Many a times, septic children suffer from osteomyelitis (bone infection); whereas in adults, sepsis may lead to meningitis.

Sepsis can be caused due to internal or external infections. In the former case, sepsis results from diseases such as pneumonia, cancer and AIDS. In case of external infections, the organisms enter the body via open wounds and/or cuts, which then inhabits the lungs, liver, gall bladder, kidney and intestines. Once the microorganisms enter the human body, they have the potential to spread to other parts of the body via blood circulation. The use of strong medications and inappropriate administration of antibiotics are major reasons for the cause of sepsis. Let's take a look at the symptoms and treatment of sepsis.

Symptoms of Sepsis

The symptoms of sepsis may vary depending upon the severity of infection. The symptoms are observed as a result of the body's own response or the toxic products generated by the microorganisms. The most noticeable signs of sepsis are low blood pressure and increase in heartbeats (tachycardia) and breathing rate. Following are some of the symptoms of sepsis.

• Very low or high body temperature
• Chills
• Body shaking
• Skin rash
• Fever
• Joint pain
• Low urine output
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
• Confusion and disorientation
• Septic shock (state of low blood pressure)

Among these symptoms, septic shock is the most life-threatening condition, accounting for about 40 - 50 percent deaths of patients with an underlying health condition. Multiple organ failure is one of the most severe complications of sepsis. On an average, 15 percent of septic patients die of complications.

Treatment of Sepsis

Diagnosis of sepsis is based on the physical examination, medical problems (if any) and medical history of the patient. For confirmation, the physician may conduct certain laboratory tests such as blood tests and culture, urine and stool analysis, kidney function test, white blood cell count and peripheral smear. The blood sample of a septic patient may have low platelet count, excess amount of immature white blood cells and fibrin degradation products.

Sepsis should be treated as early as possible to avoid certain complications. Treatment of a septic patient is undertaken in intensive care unit (ICU) with lifesaving measures for heart and respiration. The patient is closely monitored so as to notice any vital changes. Usually, broad-spectrum antibiotics are administered intravenously, even before the identification of the causal organism. Once the septic patient is stabilized, the doctor may conduct certain tests to identify the bacteria responsible for infection and the affected organs.

Considering the causal bacterium and the affected organs, the physician may prescribe certain medications such as specific antibiotics and vasopressors (to stabilize blood pressure). Another innovative medication for severe sepsis condition is activated protein C that helps in controlling the body's autoimmune responses. The side effect of this drug is that it may cause severe bleeding. Other medications may include over-the-counter pain killers, corticosteroids and insulin.