- Sepsis By Food Contamination
- A Reoccurring Problem Can Be Sepsis
- Internal And External Symptoms Of Sepsis
- The Causes Of Sepsis
- Information About Sepsis
- Diagnosis And Treatment Of Sepsis
- Some Facts About Sepsis
- Sepsis And The Way It Infects The Children
Some Facts About Sepsis
Sepsis
It is a medical illness that comes into existence due to the presence of bacteria in the blood stream which causes the WBCs present to behave abnormally affecting the various organs in the body as the amounts of oxygen required by them is not made available to them. The blood pressure reduces and the heart gets affected consequently. Because the organs do not get their required amounts of nutrients, they begin to die and the problem worsens. Conditions of septic shock can lead to the failure of the vital organs of the body like the liver and kidney. Recovery from the advanced levels of sepsis is very rare as it becomes impossible to control the body mechanisms.
Rate of people getting affected by Sepsis
Sepsis is fairly common with 3 out of every 1000 people getting affected by it in their lifetime. If one considers the mortality rate, 50 to 60 percent of these people die either due to inadequate facilities available or due to delays in treatment. It is more significant in countries where the average age of the population is high.
People who are at a risk of acquiring Sepsis
People who have a weak immune system are more exposed to the danger of acquiring sepsis. This includes the elderly whose immune system tends to become weaker and the children whose immunity is still to grow to its full potential. Even the healthy people have the risk of getting it. Sepsis is one illness that can come without warning. People who suffer from illness such as AIDS or cancer wherein the body mechanisms tend to get weaker over time are also at the risk of getting it.
Diagnostic measures taken for Sepsis
To diagnose sepsis, the blood and the urine samples are taken which are checked for their bacterial content. The amount of WBCs is checked for unusual numbers and the blood pressure is measured. Sepsis is reduces the blood pressure due to dilation of the blood vessels. At times, to check for dead tissues, CT scans may be taken to calibrate the area of infection so that appropriate measures can be taken.
Treatments for Sepsis
The only treatment of sepsis known is taking steps to reduce its spread in the body along with providing antibiotics which are meant to destroy these bacteria. The effect increases if the specific bacteria causing sepsis is known. Protein C in its activated mode is helpful in reducing the inflammation of the body parts. In case some tissues die from the infection, they need to be removed through surgery so as to avoid further damage.
Implications of sepsis in the long term
People who are lucky enough to survive sepsis have no visible side effects. They can live a healthy life. However in very rare cases, the immune system can be severely affected. One would need to be careful throughout the year and take precautions against all illnesses. Chronic illness patients can experience further setbacks as the affected organs may be completely damaged.