Sepsis is one of the major ailments older people suffer from. Sepsis is caused when infections from diseases like any gastro intestinal infection, respiratory tract infection, urinary tract infection, and more; spread throughout the body attacking organ systems and causing failure. They need immediate medical attention and care to save the patient’s life because this disease can be life-threatening. Septic shock is the last and most dangerous stage of sepsis when the infection can cause organ failures and even death. The United States of America faces high rates of senior deaths because of septic shock.
What Is Sepsis?
When a patient has a pre-existing infection in the body that spreads throughout the entire body and starts attacking other organ systems causing failure, it is called sepsis. Sepsis is not passed on through genetics, only a pre-existing infection like a gastrointestinal infection can trigger sepsis. Sepsis attacks the immune system directly which makes different organs malfunction. It also decreases blood flow over time. It is very necessary to detect and start the medication for sepsis.
What Causes Sepsis?
Sepsis is one of the higher stages of severe infection. Infections in organs or in the bloodstream may contribute to the occurrence of Sepsis. Such infections may include respiratory tract infection , gastro intestinal infection, urinary tract infection , infections caused due to the use of a urinary catheter and more.
The symptoms would include fever, weakness, confusion, breathing issues, headache, diarrhea, and nausea. These happen because of the decreased blood flow caused by sepsis. The body doesn’t get enough oxygen circulation and causes various alarming side effects.
Sepsis is common amongst the elderly who suffer from prolonged illnesses. Their immune systems get weak and trigger severe infections. Even babies below the age of 3 months can get sepsis. One must visit the best general physician in Kolkata, Dr. Amitabha Saha in case they notice any symptoms, to detect the possibility of having sepsis as soon as possible and start the treatment.
Symptoms Of Sepsis?
Sepsis can be a potentially life-threatening condition. It is important to detect the symptoms as soon as possible. The common symptoms of sepsis are –
- High body temperature above 101 degrees or extremely low body temperature below 96.8 degrees.
- High heart rate. More than 90 beats per minute.
- High breathing rate. More than 20 breaths per minute.
- Decreased urination
- Mental instability and confusion.
- Low platelet count.
- Weakness and fatigue.
- Discolored skin.
- Loss of appetite
Treatment And Care For Sepsis
If a patient receives early treatment, there are high chances of them safely recovering. The patient requires intensive care and close monitoring. They need a constant oxygen supply and it is also necessary to keep their heart rate under check at all times. Sepsis can be treated by the best general physician in Kolkata, Dr. Amitabha Saha with the help of the correct antibiotics which are effective against a wide range of bacteria and antiviral medicines that provide protection against viral infections. After running a few blood tests and other necessary tests, Dr. Saha might recommend different antibiotics and antiviral medicine based on the extent and type of infection the patient is suffering from. The patient is kept on intravenous fluids as soon as sepsis is detected. In severe cases, the patient might need vasopressors or even surgery to remove the source of infection and stop it from spreading.
What Is Septic Shock?
Septic shock is the ultimate stage of sepsis. It is life-threatening and if not cured in time can cause organ failure and death. Septic shock is when a patient undergoing severe infections suffers from sudden threatening levels of low blood pressure which can lead to multiple organ failures.
What Are The Symptoms Of The Patient Going Into Septic Shock?
The main symptom of septic shock is dangerously low blood pressure. The other symptoms are
- paleness of the skin because the body does not get enough oxygen,
- shortness of breath,
- fast breathing,
- fatigue,
- headache,
- insufficient urine production
- nausea.
- Lips turning bluish.
Complications Of Septic Shock
Septic shock can cause a variety of life-threatening complications which if not treated immediately can be fatal.
- Heart failure
- Kidney failure
- Respiratory failure
- Stroke
- Liver failure
- Abnormal blood clotting
The severity of these conditions depends on a few factors like the age of the patient, if they are receiving any treatment for septic shock or not, pre-existing medical conditions, etc.
Septic shock can cause heart or organ failure, stroke, respiratory failure, and put the patient in a coma or even cause life loss. One can look for a “top general physician near me” if they are situated in or around Kolkata and contact Dr. Amitabha Saha in case a patient needs medical attention due to septic shock.
Dr. Saha’s Treatment For Sepsis And Septic Shock
Once a patient goes into a state of septic shock, they are given large amounts of IBV fluids to keep them hydrated and increase their blood pressure. This helps enough blood reach the organs for them to start functioning properly again. They are also given a respirator to help them breathe properly.
Dr. Saha focuses on the wellbeing of the patient above all. He believes that the right antibiotic and adequate organ support can help the patient to recover fast. Sometimes even insulin is also given depending on the state of the patient. These specialties make Dr. Amitabha Saha, the top general physician in Kolkata.