This article covers the causes and symptoms of septic shock along with how it’s diagnosed and treated.
It also includes information about when septic shock is most likely to happen and who is most at risk.
Most infections that lead to sepsis and septic shock are because of bacteria.
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When bacteria from one area of the body enters the bloodstream, it is known asbacteremiaorsepticemia.
Unless treated quickly, this can progress into sepsis.
In a typical infection, your immune system releasescytokinesto dilate blood vessels at the infection site.
This response allows more blood to bring infection-fighting white blood cells to the area.
In sepsis, however, cytokines go into overdrive, creating an overwhelming amount of inflammation throughout the body.
This “cytokine storm” damages the heart and its ability to pump blood throughout the body.
Sepsis worsens into septic shock when blood pressure plummets as a result.
Blood then stops reaching organs, potentially leading tomultiple organ failure.
Recap
Sepsis is infection that becomes widespread by traveling through the bloodstream.
Septic shock is life-threatening.
It is important to remember that not all infections will become sepsis.
Even fewer will progress to septic shock.
Infection After Surgery
Sepsis and septic shock are more common after surgery for several reasons.
First,urinary tract infectionsare more common after surgery, and these infections can lead to sepsis.
Surgery also takes a toll on the body and weakens theimmune system.
Even if the procedure is minor, there is a risk of infection.
Risk Factors
Infection is the primary risk factor for septic shock, and anyone can get one.
Symptoms
As much as 70% of people who go into septic shock do not survive.
Given how quickly sepsis can worsen, approximately 40% of patients with septic shock die even with treatment.
Go directly to the hospital if you develop a fever or painful urination.
While rare, it is worth noting that septic shock can attack the young and the healthy.
Diagnosis
There are physical changes that a healthcare provider can check for to help diagnose septic shock.
Certain tests can reveal whether or not your organs are functioning as they should.
A critical tool for diagnosing sepsis in its earliest stages is theprocalcitonin (PCT) blood test.
PCT is a protein that rapidly increases in the blood as a bacterial infection spreads.
Doctors can use the PCT test to see how widespread an infection is.
The PCT test is also important because it shows doctors whether or not antibacterial drugs are an appropriate treatment.
While bacterial infections cause high PCT results, viral and fungal infections cause a very low PCT count.
At the hospital, expect doctors to run urine and blood tests.
Treatment
Treatment takes place in a hospital.
You may be admitted to theintensive care unit (ICU).
Antibioticsshould be given within one hour of your arrival at the hospital.
Antibiotic medications are administered directly into the vein (intravenously) so that they enter the bloodstream immediately.
Regardless of infection pop in, you will be givenIV fluidsto prevent blood pressure from dropping.
You may also be givenvasopressor medications, which tighten blood vessels to help raise blood pressure.
Surgery ensures any damaged tissues are gone and you are infection-free.
It also helps you maintain as much mobility as possible.
The thought of even potentially losing a limb is startling.
These typically happen within the first 36 hours to 90 days after sepsis begins.
Immediate sepsis treatment is needed to prevent or minimize complications, including progression to septic shock.
Antibiotics are given even before the cause of an infection is confirmed.
Fluids and medications are used to keep blood pressure up.
Breathing assistance and surgery may be needed in some cases.
Summary
Sepsis happens when an infection spreads through the bloodstream to multiple areas in the body.
This worsens into septic shock when blood pressure drops dangerously low and impairs organ function.
Septic shock is life-threatening.
You must go to the ER immediately if you notice any signs of sepsis.
You may be placed in the ICU, and your blood pressure and breathing will be closely monitored.
Resources to help you cope in your recovery are also available through the nationwide organizationSepsis Alliance.
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.How is sepsis diagnosed and treated?.
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