Septic Shock Symptoms

Sepsis is the condition of severe infection of the blood, and thus it is also referred to as blood infection. Sepsis can be caused by infectious agents like bacteria, virus, fungus and other microorganisms. They usually cause localized infection, which under certain circumstances can spread to the bloodstream, especially when the immune system is not strong. When a weak immune system tries to prevent infection of the bloodstream, small blood clots can be formed within the blood vessels. This impairs blood circulation and hence, supply of oxygen to the different tissues and organs diminishes, which can eventually lead to septic shock. Septic shock is characterized by decreased tissue perfusion, and decreased supply of oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, which results in multiple organ dysfunction or failure. Here is a brief idea about the causes, symptoms, and treatment for septic shock.

Causes

As has been mentioned already, sepsis and septic shock can be caused by microbes like bacteria, fungi and virus. When the immune system of the body is strong, the infection caused by such microbes usually does not spread to the bloodstream. But in a condition where the immune system is weakened due to certain diseases like cancer and AIDS, such infection can spread to the bloodstream. Thus, a localized infection of an organ can ultimately become systemic infection, when the infectious agents make their way to the bloodstream and the result is sepsis and septic shock.

Individuals with a weak immune system, and those with certain diseases like diabetes, AIDS, cellulitis, pneumonia or any other infection of the lung, urinary tract infection and infection of the abdomen and kidney, are found to be most commonly affected by sepsis. People receiving chemotherapy and certain cancer medications also fall in the risk zone for sepsis or septic shock. Even the elderly and young children can have an increased risk for developing sepsis, as their immune system is not very strong. Some other risk factors for sepsis include prolonged use of antibiotics, recent surgery or organ transplantation and recent use of certain steroid medications.

Symptoms

Septic shock can affect any organ of the body, and produce systemic inflammatory response, or systemic signs and symptoms. The most commonly observed symptoms of septic shock are as follows:

• Fever, accompanied by chills and shivering
• Increased heart rate and palpitation
• Rapid breathing rate
• Flushed skin
• Skin rash or small dark, red spots all over the body
• Joint pain
• Little or no urine
• Low blood pressure
• Cool and pale extremities of the body
• Dizziness
• Disorientation
• Confusion
• Shortness of breath

In later stages of septic shock, these symptoms can become more severe in nature, and the body temperature of the patient falls below normal. The tissues in organs like liver, kidneys, and intestines begin to die and the skin turns blue due to lack of oxygen, and the individual finds it increasingly difficult to breathe.

Treatment

Septic shock is diagnosed with the help of blood test and blood culture to look for the presence of infectious agents, the level of oxygen and the count of white blood cells. Additionally, urine, sputum and spinal fluid of the patients are also tested to diagnose the condition. Chest X-ray and CT scan can help to detect infection of other organs. Immediate treatment for septic shock involves mechanical ventilation or oxygen administration with the help of breathing machine, administration of antibiotics, intravenous administration of fluid, and medications that can raise blood pressure. Sometimes, physicians can also give drotrecogin alfa (activated protein C), which can treat both inflammation and blood clotting. This drug is usually given for severe septic shock treatment in the event of failure of major organs. In certain cases, surgery may have to be performed to remove dead or infected tissue and to drain excess abscess. The death of tissue may cause gangrene, a rare but severe complication, in which case amputating the affected limb(s) might be necessary.

The effectiveness of the treatment depends to a great extent on the prompt diagnosis and treatment of the condition. Therefore, a proper understanding about septic shock symptoms and causes is very important. Generally, the chances of recovery for people with serious underlying medical condition like cancer and HIV/AIDS is comparatively less. Therefore, the underlying health conditions as well as age of the affected individuals can be some of the important factors that determine the chances of recovery from septic shock.