Septic shock

What is septic shock?

Septic shock is a condition that occurs when an infection causes dangerously low blood pressure. This condition can be caused by any type of bacteria. The body responds in an inflammatory manner to toxins, which can lead to organ damage.

Symptoms of septic shock

This disease can damage any part of the body, the heart, brain, kidneys, liver and intestines. Symptoms may include the following conditions.

  • Cold and pale extremities.
  • Abnormal body temperature, or very high or very low, the patient may also feel chills.
  • Slight feeling of dizziness.
  • Decreased or absent urge to urinate.
  • Low blood pressure, particularly when standing still.
  • Palpitations.
  • Rapid heart rate.
  • Agitation, restlessness, confusion or lethargy.
  • Trouble breathing normally.
  • Change in skin color or rash.
  • Not being conscious at times.

Tests to diagnose septic shock

First, blood tests are done to check the patient’s body for the presence of any of the following conditions.

  • Infection in any part of the body.
  • Complete blood count and blood chemistry.
  • Occurrence of bacteria and other organisms.
  • Low oxygen level in the blood.
  • Acid-base balance is disturbed.
  • Organs are not functioning properly or are working less efficiently.

However, there are other tests that can help the specialist to get the diagnosis right. Among them:

  • Chest X-ray to identify pneumonia or the existence of fluid in the lungs (pulmonary edema).
  • Taking a urine sample to detect an infection.

Finally, extra studies to identify the condition, such as blood cultures, may be negative for several days after the blood test or a few days after the onset of shock.

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Any type of bacteria can cause septic shock.

What are the causes of septic shock?

This type of illness can be caused by any type of bacteria, including fungi and viruses. The toxins released by bacteria and fungi can lead to tissue damage. Consequently this can cause the patient to experience low blood pressure and improper functioning of some organs. The body may become inflamed as a defensive response to toxins that can damage organs. In terms of risk factors for septic shock, the following are present:

  • Diabetes.
  • Diseases of the biliary system, genitourinary system or digestive system.
  • Diseases such as AIDS, which weaken the immune system.
  • Permanent probes.
  • Leukemia.
  • Long-term use of antibiotics.
  • Lymphoma.
  • Recent infection.
  • Recent surgery or surgical intervention.
  • Steroid use.
  • Organ or bone marrow transplant.

Can it be prevented?

In most cases septic shock cannot be prevented, however, properly treating bacterial infections can help to cope with the disease.

Treatments for septic shock

Septic shock is a medical emergency. Therefore a large percentage of patients are admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital. Treatments include:

  • Breathing machine, through mechanical ventilation.
  • Dialysis.
  • Medications to combat low blood pressure, infection or blood clotting.
  • High volume of fluids administered intravenously.
  • Oxygen.
  • Sedatives.
  • Surgery in order to drain the infected areas whenever necessary.
  • Antibiotics.

Hemodynamic monitoring can check the pressure of the heart and lungs. This can only be done with specialized equipment and intensive nursing care.

What specialist treats you?

The specialist who is in charge of treating sepsis is the professional who specializes in intensive care medicine. From Top Doctors you will be able to choose the doctor that best suits your geographical and personal needs.