Customer question:
What are the signs of sepsis? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Sepsis is a severe condition that occurs when the body reacts to an infection in a way that can cause inflammation and damage to its tissues and organs.
Signs of sepsis can be varied and include the following symptoms:
- high body temperature or chills
- rapid heartbeat
- rapid breathing
- nausea and vomiting
- confusion or decreased alertness
- low blood pressure
- swelling and inflammation
- urination problems
- pains in different parts of the body
If you suspect that a person has sepsis or if you notice any of the above signs, you must seek medical attention immediately. Sepsis is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention and urgent treatment. With delayed treatment, the condition can quickly worsen and become life-threatening.
How quickly does sepsis develop?
The rate at which sepsis develops depends on several factors, including the type of infection, the individual's general health, the speed of medical response, and the adequacy of treatment. Sepsis can develop very quickly, within hours, or it can develop gradually over several days.
In some cases, a septic condition develops from an acute infection that spreads rapidly into the bloodstream, triggering an inflammatory response system and causing severe symptoms. This is known as rapid or hyperdynamic sepsis. In other cases, sepsis may develop more slowly, with initial, mild symptoms that worsen over time. In this case, it can gradually develop into more severe forms.
It is important to note that sepsis requires immediate medical intervention and urgent treatment. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are vital to improving outcomes for people with sepsis. If sepsis is suspected or you notice symptoms typical of this condition, it is important to seek medical help immediately.
How to get tested for sepsis?
Testing for sepsis usually includes diagnostic procedures that help identify the infection and assess the severity of the body's inflammatory response. The doctor will perform a thorough clinical examination, collect the patient's medical history, and then may perform the following tests:
- Blood tests: blood tests are crucial in diagnosing sepsis. They measure white blood cell counts, blood sugar levels, blood oxygen levels, platelet counts, and other indicators of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin. An increased number of white blood cells and high values of these indicators may indicate the presence of infection and inflammation.
- Blood culture: a blood culture is performed to determine the presence of microorganisms that can cause infection. This enables the identification of pathogens and the determination of the most appropriate antibiotic treatment.
- Urinalysis: if a urinary tract infection is suspected, a urinalysis can help diagnose and determine the specific causative agent.
- Imaging tests: in some cases, the doctor may perform imaging tests, such as X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs, to evaluate possible infections in the internal organs.
- Lactate measurement: High blood lactate levels may indicate insufficient oxygen delivery to tissues, which may indicate severe sepsis.
The diagnosis of sepsis is based on a combination of clinical symptoms and laboratory tests. It is crucial that testing and treatment be carried out as soon as possible, as sepsis should be treated as an emergency.
Interesting reading: Sepsis first signs
