The Real Risk of Sepsis
Apr 11, 2016 4:05:39 GMT -8
Post by Lαrα on Apr 11, 2016 4:05:39 GMT -8
This post was mostly prompted by recent discussions on the serious health risks association with Neurogenic bladders and infections. Sepsis develops from a source of infection that progresses to the blood stream and is therefor more commonly known as blood poisoning.
Sepsis, also referred to as blood poisoning or septicaemia, is a potentially life-threatening condition, triggered by an infection or injury. In sepsis, the body’s immune system goes into overdrive as it tries to fight an infection. This can reduce the blood supply to vital organs such as the brain, heart and kidneys. Without quick treatment, sepsis can lead to multiple organ failure and death. Source
Septic shock is severe sepsis with a drop in blood pressure leading to organ failure. Both sepsis and septic shock are life threatening. Treatment is most successful within the first hour of onset.
General Symptoms
Some or all of the following symptoms may be present:
Infection
Elevated temperature, greater than 38.30C or 101.30F
Fast heart rate, greater than 90 beats per minute
Fast respiratory rate, greater than 20 breaths per minute
Other symptoms that may be present:
Confusion or coma
Edema especially in the extremities, neck, face
Elevated blood sugar without diabetes
Lower temperature below 36C or 97F
Diagnosis of sepsis might include components of these variables:
Inflammation at the site of the initial infection or anywhere in the body
Inability to maintain internal blood pressure to ensure that enough oxygen-carrying blood reaches all vital organs
Tissue perfusion, lack of oxygen to any part of the body, most readily seen in the fingers/arms, toes/legs
The above symptom checklist is taken from a specialist Spinal Cord Injury website, to read more click Here
