What May Increase The Risk Of Sepsis?

Sepsis seems to be a fairly serious condition. Patients may have it if their body responds abnormally to an infection. Doctors should confirm that patient has an infection first. If they have one, they may then measure the patient's blood pressure and respiration rate. Sepsis may cause a systolic reading of less than 100 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg). A patient's respiration rate seems to have to be at least twenty-two breaths a minute for sepsis to be possible. Some individuals may also experience issues with their mental state.

Most patients seem to need fast sepsis treatment. This may prevent septic shock. It appears that treatment starts with intravenous antibiotics for sepsis. Other sepsis medications may include vasopressors and pain medication. Patients may benefit from supportive care for sepsis as well. However, the best treatment for sepsis can vary depending on the cause.

Bacteremia

Bacteremia seems to be a condition where an individual's blood is contaminated. Specifically, it may happen when bacteria contaminate their blood. Some possible causes may include surgery, infections, and catheters left in place for too long. Some underlying conditions may increase the risk of bacteremia. Of course, this may also increase the risk of sepsis as a result. Symptoms of bacteremia may include chills, fever, and weakness. Patients may experience dizziness, confusion, skin redness, and a purple rash also.

Urine and blood tests may help doctors find the bacteria responsible for this condition. Patients may need their catheter removed, and antibiotics may be prescribed as well. Some individuals with this condition may need surgery if they do not work. Patients with a catheter may want to wash their hands before and after touching it as well. Changing dressings regularly seems to help as well. Patients appear to need emergency care if they have trouble breathing or are not urinating much.

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Kidney Infection

It seems that kidney infections may increase the risk of sepsis. These infections may be caused by kidney surgery or urinary tract infections that spread. Women may be at a higher risk of this condition than men. Using a catheter appears to increase an individual's risk as well. Some symptoms seem to be back pain, painful urination, pain in the abdomen, and groin or side pain. Patients may find blood or pus in their urine. Other symptoms may include cloudy urine, fever, chills, and a persistent need to urinate.

Urine and blood tests seem to help doctors diagnose a kidney infection. They may detect the presence of bacteria. Some patients may need imaging tests as well. Kidney infection treatment may start with antibiotics. Patients may need the hospital for severe infections. Repeated infections may require more help. This may mean being evaluated for urinary tract abnormalities or other conditions.

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Pneumonia

Pneumonia seems to involve the lungs. This condition may cause the air sacs in the lungs to become infected. They may fill with pus or fluid. This may happen in one or both lungs and make it hard for patients to breathe well. Unfortunately, pneumonia may be hard to identify. A patient's symptoms seem to develop over a few days. Common signs appear to include a productive cough, sweating, fever, appetite loss, and chills. Patients may deal with fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting as well. Pneumonia may cause a low body temperature and confusion in some patients. It seems that seniors and individuals with weak immune systems are most at risk of this.

This condition may be caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. Some patients may receive antibiotics, though this may only treat it if it is bacterial pneumonia. If a virus was the cause, patients may need to try rest and fluids. Fever reducers may help too.

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Digestive System Infection

Digestive system infections may increase an individual's risk of sepsis. These infections seem to be the result of parasites, viruses, or bacteria. Salmonella and Escherichia coli may be the most common bacterial examples. Patients may contract an infection by drinking contaminated water or eating contaminated food. Common symptoms appear to include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, dehydration, and abdominal cramps. Other signs may be appetite loss, muscle aches, and weight loss. Some patients may see blood or mucus in their stool. Most patients appear to have symptoms for five to seven days, though some may see them last for two weeks.

Individuals seem to need emergency attention for blood in their stool or if they vomit blood. They may need an urgent appointment for vomiting if it persists for more than two days. This appears to be necessary for fevers of more than 104 degrees Fahrenheit too. Treatment may include antibiotics, pain medication, or nausea medicine. Eating foods that are high in fiber seems to help as well.

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Immune System Problems

Patients with weaker immune systems may be more likely to develop sepsis. Immune system problems seem to mean that they deal with more regular infections. Autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, may cause these issues too. However, they may not be the only ones. Other medical diseases, such as heart disease and diabetes, may cause a weakened immune system also.

White blood cell tests may help doctors determine how strong a patient's immune system is. Testing their immunoglobulin levels may do this as well. Patients with immune system issues may want to take precautions. This may mean washing their hands often, avoiding sick individuals, and getting enough sleep each night.