The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reiterated that there are over a million cases of sepsis annually. The number of deaths in the USA due to sepsis has reached a staggering 258,000 deaths a year causing the condition to be ranked among the top ten killer diseases in America. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition which occurs when the body responds to an infection. In the non-medical sphere, it is referred to as blood poisoning.
In normal cases, the immune system is responsible for protecting the body against numerous illnesses but in some instances, the system goes into a state of hyperactivity as it fights various infections. The chemicals from the immune system infiltrate the bloodstream and trigger inflammatory responses instead of fighting infection. Such inflammation has the potential to cause a cascade of events that result in multiple organ damage and eventual failure of the organs.
Sepsis can attack anyone. However, older adults and individuals with weak immune systems are particularly susceptible to the condition. To improve the chances of survival, medical professionals usually aim to treat the condition early enough with antibiotics and copious amounts of intravenous fluids. Sepsis tends to occur when the patient is in the recovery period in the hospital. Other triggers that can lead to septic infection include pneumonia, kidney infection, bloodstream infection, and abdominal infections. The risk factors for the condition also include having wounds or injuries such as burns, severe health condition usually in the intensive care unit, or having invasive devices such as breathing tubes or catheters.
Sepsis progresses in three stages which include sepsis, followed by severe sepsis, and eventually leading to septic shock. In sepsis, the infection affects the bloodstream and results in inflammation throughout the body. Severe sepsis then occurs where the infection impedes blood flow to vital organs and blood clots cause tissue death in various organs. In the septic shock stage, the individual’s blood pressure drops significantly and experiences multiple organ failure. Frequently, the kidneys, liver, and lungs tend to fail.
1. Fever Above 101.8
Fever has always been considered to confer the body a survival advantage during infection with researchers showing that the increase in body temperature impedes microbial growth and enhances the immune system through improved cytotoxic cell function. However, during septic infections, the high fever may complicate an already life-threatening condition and result in additional physiological complications.
The increased temperature can result in increased metabolic rate and higher oxygen consumption thus leading to overstimulated cytotoxic effectors that invoke tissue death and injury. There is no succinct definition for hyperthermia but the general consensus is that it is a core temperature above 101.8. Research shows that the brain and heart are sensitive to elevated body temperature and could become damaged. A fever above 101.8 is considered a significant manifestation of infection and could have adverse effects.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]2. Heart Rate above 90 BPM
Most patients suffering from septic infections tend to have a heart rate above 90 BPM. The rapid heart rate is evoked by the overactive immune system which consistently triggers the heart to pump blood through the system faster than usual. The heart feels like its racing even when the individual is not overly active. In this case, the heart usually tries to compensate for decreased blood pressure and also to fight infection by trying to get blood to reach the damaged tissues. The elevated heartbeat can compromise the efficiency of the heart because the heart becomes weaker and this can also interfere with blood supply to the various vital organs of the body.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]3. Breathing Rate Higher Than 20 Breaths Per Minute
Since the body is in overdrive, it tends to elevate its need for oxygen and also produces a higher level of carbon dioxide than usual. To meet the higher demand for oxygen, the body attempts to compensate for the increased demand by breathing faster. Also, lung function tends to be compromised in septic infections. The blood vessels located in the lungs leak fluid which accumulates and compromises lung function. Consequently, interrupted lung function makes breathing difficult and causes the individual to have a breathing rate higher than 20 breaths per minute and to a point where the individual cannot breathe on their own.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]4. Probable Or Confirmed Injection
Research shows that 2.6% of individuals over thirteen years self-inject with drugs. Many of these individuals do not observe hygiene when self-injecting and thus introduce a hoard of toxins and pathogens in the veins and blood. The addiction causes them to overlook their health. Apart from the risks of developing numerous illnesses such as HIV and Hepatitis, such people increase the risk of contracting infections that can deteriorate and lead to sepsis.
If an individual seems to have probable or confirmed injection of an IV drug and there are other accompanying symptoms and signs of sepsis, then it is imperative to seek medical attention immediately and inform the healthcare professional or doctor about the injections. This enables the doctor to save valuable time diagnosing and treating the septic infection.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]5. Decreased Urination
Decreased urination is indicative of the fact that the sepsis has occurred. Individuals who suffer from the condition tend to have a diminished urge to pass urine and also pass out urine in minimal amounts. The decrease urination is usually a consequence of affected kidney function. Additionally, when the body experiences low blood pressure, it tends to hold on to more fluid. The decreased kidney function coupled with excessive sweating causes the body to lose ample amounts of fluid, thus causing decreased urination. Some patients suffering from sepsis even stop urinating entirely.
[nextpage title=“Next” ]6. Changes In Mental Ability
The septic infection has the potential to cause changes in mental ability and agility. Following blood infection, the brain can suffer damage and the neurotransmission capacity of the nervous system could be affected. Additionally, the increase in core temperature of the body can cause brain damage. The decreased level of blood flow to the brain can also affect mental ability. Subsequently, the individual may suffer light-headedness, confusion, poor concentration, and aloofness to the goings on in the environment. It is easy to misconstrue the altered mental state as a typical disorientation caused by stress.
