Causes and risk factors
Invasion of organism does not cause sepsis in itself; it is caused as a result of body’s response to the infection caused by bacteria or other harmful organism in the form of release of chemicals or toxins in the bloodstream. Sepsis can arise due to infection beginning from any body part. However, the common infections leading to sepsis include pneumonia, kidney infections, abdominal infections, and bacteremia. Some individuals are at a higher risk of developing sepsis compared to others such as infection with antibiotic resistant bacteria, very young and elderly people, people suffering from an immune-compromised condition such as HIV or AIDS, people who have recently had any major surgery or are in the intensive care unit due to any cause, people with burns, wounds or other injuries, people with long-term invasive devices such as IV lines, catheters, breathing tubes, etc.
Clinical presentation
Patient in sepsis presents with reduced mental alertness, confusion, high fever above 101 °F or hypothermia. Chills may be present. There is rapid breathing, respiratory rate higher than 20 per minute, tachycardia. Patient has reduced or no urine output, pain in abdomen. Patient ends up in septic shock characterized by symptoms of sepsis plus extremely low blood pressure that does not respond to simple fluid replacement. Eventually, sepsis leads to organ failure like liver or kidney failure or even multiorgan failure.
Investigation
Medical history by the patient and clinical examination by the doctor helps in diagnosis. Complete blood count and certain blood tests are done. Arterial blood gas is advised. There are specific blood markers for septicemia. Serum electrolyte levels, blood clotting test is done. Urine examination and culture is recommended. Imaging studies such as x-rays, ultrasound, CT scan or MRI is useful for further evaluation, as well as kidney function test and liver function test to detect any damage that might have occurred to these organs.
Treatment
Sepsis is a medical emergency and must be treated promptly by hospitalization. Antibiotics are given either orally or intravenously. IV fluids are administered. Oxygen support is given in case of severe breathing difficulty. Other measures such as dialysis are taken. Medications like anticlotting drugs, etc., are prescribed if necessary. Abscesses, if present, are surgically drained.
Other Modes of treatment
The other modes of treatment can also be effective in treating sepsis. Homoeopathy is a science which deals with individualization and considers a person in a holistic way. This science can be helpful in combating the symptoms. Similarly, the Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbal medicines and synthetic derivates is also found to be effective in treating sepsis.
