Septic Shock - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Definition

Septic shock is a serious illness that occurs when an overwhelming infection leads to low blood pressure and low blood flow. Its most common victims are children and the elderly, as their immune systems cannot cope with the infection as well as those of full-grown adults. People whose white blood cell counts are low such as those who have AIDS or cancer or are receiving chemotherapy and people who have a chronic disease (for example, diabetes or cirrhosis) are at greater risk of developing septic shock.

Causes

The problem may start with a small infection that overwhelms the body's defenses and spreads. Any type of bacteria can cause septic shock. Fungi and (rarely) viruses may also cause the condition. In some severe infections, the germs make harmful toxins that can cause fluid to leak from blood vessels out into the tissues. The loss of fluid from the blood may be so great that the normal circulation (the rate the heart pumps at) can't be maintained and blood pressure drops.

Symptoms

Septic shock is usually happened due tobacteremia, which is caused by fever, malaise, chills, and nausea. The first sign of shock is often confusion and decreased consciousness. In this starting stage, the extremities are usually warm. Later, they become cool, pale, and bluish. Fever may give way to lower-than-normal temperatures later on in sepsis.
Other symptoms include:
Rapid heartbeat
Shallow, rapid breathing
Decreased urination.
Reddish patches in the skin

Treatment

Septic shock requires urgent treatment.It is treated with antibiotics. It is a medical emergency and is normally treated in an intensive care unit. Large doses of antibiotics, along with Infusions of fluids, are given to fight off the infection, and maintain the blood pressure. The shock may get worse initially as the bacteria release toxins as they are killed.
Respiratory distress is treated with mechanical ventilation and supplemental oxygen, either using a nosepiece or a tube into the trachea through the throat.
There are new drugs that act against the hyperinflammatory response seen in septic shock. These may help limit the damage to vital organs.
Hemodynamic monitoring -- the evaluation of the pressures in the heart and lungs -- may be required. This can only be done with specialized equipment and intensive care nursing.