By Adaobi Rhema Oguejiofor
When certain germs such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi attack the human body, the immune system responds differently depending on the severity of the infection. In extreme cases, the body’s reaction can escalate to sepsis, which is commonly caused by septicemia, a bacterial infection in the blood. Sepsis is the body’s most extreme and life-threatening response to infection, making it a medical emergency. Without immediate treatment, sepsis can progress into septic shock, tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.
Sepsis usually occurs when the human immune system has a dangerous reaction to an infection. Normally, when a person has an infection, the immune system works to try to fight it but sometimes stops fighting the infection and starts damaging normal tissues and organs, leading to extensive inflammation throughout the body.
Many different kinds of infections and health complications can trigger sepsis. Some of the infections most often linked to sepsis are lung infections (pneumonia), urinary tract infections, skin infections and infections in the intestines or gut. Three germs often develop into sepsis including staphylococcus aureus (staph), escherichia coli (E. coli) and some types of streptococcus.
Causes
Any type of infection can lead to sepsis but bacterial infections are one of the most common causes of sepsis. However, fungal, parasitic and viral infections are also potential sepsis causes. The infection leading to sepsis can start in many different parts of the body. Common sites and types of infections that can lead to sepsis include:
Respiratory system
These are Infections involving the lungs, such as pneumonia.
Urinary tract system
Urinary tract infections are especially likely to occur if the patient has a catheter. Infections of the kidney and bladder can also result in sepsis.
Gastrointestinal system
This type can include the infection of a patient’s appendix (appendicitis), bowel problems, infection in the abdominal cavity (peritonitis), and Gallbladder or liver infections.
Central nervous system
This involves infections of the brain or spinal cord.
Skin infection
With this type, bacteria can enter into the skin through wounds, during or after surgery, inflammation or openings made with catheters and IVs. Also, conditions such as cellulitis (inflammation of your skin’s connective tissue) can result in sepsis.
Symptoms of Sepsis
Sepsis can affect many different areas of the body, which implies that it can have many possible symptoms. If an infection such as blood poisoning (septicemia) triggers the condition, one may develop a sepsis rash on the skin. The rash makes the skin appear red and discoloured. A patient may also notice small dark-red spots on the skin as well.
Other common sepsis symptoms include:
Urinary issues, such as reduced urination or an urge to urinate, Low energy/weakness, Fast heart rate, Low blood pressure, Fever or hypothermia (very low body temperature), Shaking or chills, Warm or sweaty skin, Confusion or agitation, Hyperventilation (rapid breathing) or shortness of breath, and Extreme pain or discomfort.
These symptoms can however be mistaken for other conditions like pneumonia, COVID-19, or cancer as they are similar.
Stages of Sepsis
There are three common stages of sepsis:
Sepsis:
This is the normal sepsis, where an infection gets into the bloodstream of a patient and causes inflammation in the body.
Severe sepsis:
This involves when the infection and inflammation become severe enough to start affecting organ function.
Septic shock:
This is the final stage involving severe complications of sepsis. This stage causes a significant drop in blood pressure and may lead to serious complications like: organ dysfunction, respiratory or heart failure, stroke or possibly death.
Risk Factors
According to the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Sepsis can affect anyone, but people with any kind of infection, especially bacteremia, are at a particularly higher risk.
Other people at high risk include:
People older than 65 years old, Newborns, infants and children younger than 1-year-old, Pregnant women or post-partum mothers, People with medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, cancer and kidney disease, People with weakened immune systems like those undergoing chemotherapy treatment for cancer, People who are in the hospital for other medical reasons like surgery, People with severe injuries, such as large burns or wounds and, People with catheters, IVs or breathing tubes.
Treatment
It is very important to begin treatment of sepsis with antibiotics as soon as possible after receiving a diagnosis because early treatment is vital for slowing down the progression of the condition. According to Dr. Darragh O’Carroll of Healthline, doctors may also use and recommend the following medications to help treat sepsis:
Medications to increase blood pressure (vasopressors), Insulin to stabilise blood sugar, Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation, Pain relievers to help with discomfort, providing oxygen and intravenous fluids to ensure blood flow to the organs, as well as Surgery, if necessary, to remove damaged tissue
Severe sepsis may also require large amounts of IV fluids and a respirator for breathing. If a patient’s kidneys are affected, they may require dialysis to help filter their blood as well. In some cases, surgery may be needed to remove the source of an infection. This may include draining a pus-filled abscess or removing infected tissue.
Recovering from sepsis largely depends on the severity of a patient’s condition and any pre-existing health issues the patient might have. When a person returns home after receiving treatment in the hospital for sepsis, they may experience physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms that may last several months. These symptoms may include fatigue, muscle weakness and aches, disorientation, difficulty sleeping, hair loss, weight loss and even mood changes.
Although many people fully recover, others report lasting effects, which is referred to as Post-Sepsis Syndrome (PSS). According to the Sepsis Alliance, PSS may affect up to 1 in 2 sepsis survivors. CDC outlined that PSS may cause long-term effects like damaged organs, amputation, insomnia, nightmares, difficulty concentrating, fatigue, cognitive decline and lower self-esteem.
Prevention
The best way to prevent sepsis is to treat infections promptly and to practice good hygiene, such as proper wound care, which involves keeping cuts and other wounds clean as well as keeping them covered until they are healed. Hand washing, and bathing regularly can also help. Other strategies include keeping up to date on recommended vaccines, getting routine medical care for chronic conditions and getting medical attention immediately if one suspects an infection.