Bacteria Largely Blamed For A Septic Infection

In most cases with a diagnosis of sepsis, there was evidence of a previous bacterial infection that may have gone untreated or failed to respond to appropriate treatment. When the septic infection enters the blood stream it releases toxins that can result in the infection spreading throughout the body, causing damage to individual cells, as well as the vital organs, resulting in what is known as septic shock.

In many instances of a septic infection, low pressure is what leads to the patient going into shock, hence the name septic shock. Other symptoms can include a fever, chills and confusion. There may also be the development of a rash and pain in joints indicating the toxins from the septic infection are moving freely through the blood stream. A patient suffering from some of the symptoms of septic shock that has previously had a known infection from a cut or bite, should seek medical advice as soon as possible.

Some of the complications of a septic infection include the infection causing blood clots as well as being spread into the brain causing the confusion, the loss of bodily functions, coma and potential death. Early response and treatment is required to insure the infection is eradicated as quickly as possible.

Sepsis Treatment Usually Requires Hospital Care

If person has experienced a bacterial infection that appears to develop red streaks along the path of blood vessels it is probable that the infection has entered the blood stream and could soon result in a septic infection. There are no known home treatments for a sepsis and in most cases hospitalization will be required. Often times the patient will be sent to the hospital by their doctor, but if the infection seems serious enough, they should head directly to the emergency room for diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

In most instances, blood work will indicate the type of septic infection that is present and antibiotics will be given through intravenous. The amount and type of antibiotics will depend on the type of septic infection showing up in the blood. Treatment will last until blood test results show that the infection has been eradicated.

Some of the simplest problems can exacerbate into a septic infection, such as a small scratch by a wild animal or even a cut that occurred in the home that went untreated. To avoid the potential for developing a septic infection all cuts, no matter how minor they may seem should be properly cleaned and protected against infection.