Septicemia , or bloodstream infection , is a dangerous condition that requires immediate treatment. It is caused by bacterial, fungal, or viral infections that spread into the bloodstream and cause inflammation throughout the body. If not treated correctly and promptly, it can lead to serious complications such as organ failure, shock, and death. The Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University , has published information about bloodstream infection as follows:
What is “sepsis”???
“Sepsis” is a term that many people have heard frequently, but do you know what it is? How does it become infected? What are the solutions to this problem? How can we prevent it? This edition of the Health Station column is honored by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Sasisopin Kiatburanakul, Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, who has the answer for you.
What is a bloodstream infection?
Bloodstream infection is an infection that occurs in any part of the body. These germs include microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Infections in various organs of the body can cause bloodstream infections. When there is a bloodstream infection, our body will react to the infection or to the toxins of the germ. Which will cause inflammation throughout the body. If it is severe, it may develop into shock and cause the failure of various internal organs. Which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it is necessary to receive treatment immediately.
How can germs enter the body?
Germs can enter the body in many ways. Such as through the https://ufabet999.app skin, respiratory tract, urinary tract, digestive tract, or wounds, etc. Especially when the body is weak, germs can easily enter the body.
What are the factors that cause bloodstream infections?
There are three factors that cause bloodstream infections:
1) Illness: When the body is weak and has low immunity. It will not be able to fight germs that enter the body effectively.
2) People with underlying diseases such as cirrhosis. Because the liver acts as a filter to prevent germs from entering the body. When the liver cannot function, germs can pass into the bloodstream more easily. Or have diabetes, because high blood sugar in people with diabetes causes the immune system, which is responsible for fighting germs, to lose its function. In addition, young children and the elderly are at higher risk of bloodstream infections than young people. Even without underlying diseases, because they have low immunity.
3) Other causes, such as treating patients by using various tools and equipment into the patient’s body, such as enemas, urinary catheters, and the use of intravenous catheters, make it easier for germs to enter the body.
What are the symptoms of bloodstream infection?
Symptoms of bloodstream infection are divided into 3 types:
1) Local symptoms or specific to the infected organ, such as coughing and chest pain when breathing, it may be found that there is an infection in the lungs or pleura, or back pain and frequent urination, it may be caused by an infection in the renal pelvis, etc.
2) Skin symptoms are caused by germs or toxins from the bloodstream spreading to the skin, causing marks on the skin. Some of the marks may have non-specific characteristics, such as simple pustules, and some of the marks have specific characteristics that can indicate the type of germ.
3) Symptoms caused by the body reacting to infection or a group of symptoms of inflammatory response throughout the body, such as a fever higher than 38 degrees Celsius. In some cases, there may be chills, a pulse rate of more than 90 beats per minute, and breathing rate of more than 20 beats per minute, etc.
What is the severity of the symptoms? How many levels are there?
The severity of bloodstream infections is divided into 3 levels:
1) Generalized bloodstream infection
2) More severe bloodstream infections, which may cause organs to start functioning abnormally.
3) The level of bloodstream infection that can cause the patient to go into shock, which occurs in patients with very low immunity.
Treatment of bloodstream infections
Doctors will first diagnose based on the patient’s characteristics and symptoms. Then, they will draw blood and examine secretions from the suspected infected organs for germs, which takes about 3-5 days. However, since bloodstream infections are emergencies, doctors must rely on initial diagnosis and prescribe antibiotics that cover the germs first. If patients receive antibiotics that match the germs within the first 1-2 hours, they will have a much higher chance of survival. On the contrary, if patients receive drugs that do not match the germs or are given too late, they will also have a higher risk of death.
Once antibiotics are given, doctors will simultaneously provide supportive treatment, such as dialysis if the patient has kidney failure. If the patient cannot breathe on their own, oxygen or a ventilator will be given. If the patient is anemic, blood will be given, depending on the patient’s symptoms.
How to prevent bloodstream infections
If you know that you have risk factors for infection or if you get infected, your symptoms will be severe. It is important that we always maintain our health, including treating underlying diseases that are a risk factor for bloodstream infections. For example, people with diabetes should control their blood sugar levels well, take care of their diet by eating a balanced diet, using serving spoons, and washing their hands. If you have a high fever, chills, lethargy, or are lethargic, breathing abnormally, or experience unusual symptoms, see a doctor immediately. You should also avoid going to places with a lot of germs, crowded places, or places with poor ventilation.