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What is sepsis
Translated from Greek, sepsis means “putrefaction.” In the people, the disease is often called “blood poisoning”. However, the Greek definition better explains the process that occurs in the body, because during sepsis a large number of purulent foci are formed throughout the body.
The most common pathogens that lead to infection are staphylococcus bacteria, streptococci, E. coli, and various fungi.
Infection of the body can also occur due to the large amount of toxins that bacteria release during their life. It’s poison to the body. Toxins quickly weaken the immune system and spread to all organs and systems.
Causes of sepsis in adults
The most common cause of sepsis is the entry into the blood of harmful microorganisms – bacteria, fungi and viruses. And the more the body becomes infected, the more severe the disease. This is especially true in cases where infection occurs at once by several types of pathogens.
Sepsis can often develop against a background of a weakened immune system. This happens with oncological diseases, with HIV, when taking drugs that weaken the immune system, with radiation therapy and other factors.
In some cases, sepsis can develop with the spread of bacteria that are beneficial to the body. For example, intestinal bacteria that help digest food. With a weakened immune system, these bacteria become dangerous. When they enter the blood, intoxication develops.
Types of sepsis in adults
Sepsis can develop against the background of various infectious diseases. For example:
- severe angina;
- pneumonia;
- oncological diseases;
- AIDS;
- peritonitis;
- inflammation of the middle ear (otitis media);
- other severe wounds and infections.
There are three phases in the development of sepsis:
- Toxemia is the initial phase of the disease, in which the pathogen leaves the primary focus of infection. Accompanied by the activation of the immune system in response to infection.
- Septicemia is a deterioration in the general condition of the patient, as a result of the penetration of microorganisms or their toxins into the blood.
- Septicopyemia – with this form of sepsis, along with general intoxication, metastatic abscesses (purulent foci) form in the body. They can be found in various tissues and organs.
According to the type of flow, there are:
- fulminant sepsis with rapid development of septic shock and death in 1-2 days;
- acute sepsis with an acute inflammatory reaction within 5-28 days;
- subacute – the disease lasts about 3-4 months;
- chronic – can last up to several years.
Symptoms of sepsis in adults
Symptoms of the disease may vary depending on the location of the primary focus of infection. However, there are general symptoms that occur in all types of the disease. Usually this is a sharp increase in temperature, the heat can be periodically replaced by chills.
When the disease begins to progress, the appearance of the patient changes, the features become sharper and the complexion changes, rashes (abscesses) appear on the skin. If the disease is acute, the patient may develop exhaustion, dehydration and bedsores. Other symptoms of sepsis include:
- lethargy, lethargy of consciousness;
- weak pulse, arrhythmia;
- respiratory failure;
- alternating constipation and diarrhea;
- violation of urination due to the development of toxic nephritis;
- cloudy discharge from wounds.
Diagnosis of sepsis in adults
The diagnosis of sepsis in adults is based on the isolation of microorganisms (bacteria, fungi) from the blood. To do this, make the diagnosis of venous blood, biochemical and general analysis. In addition, material is taken from the purulent focus for further study. With a positive reaction, a diagnosis of sepsis is made. All of the above actions allow you to assess the general condition of the patient, and ultrasound, X-ray and MRI can identify foci of infection.
Treatment of sepsis in adults
Is a successful outcome of such a formidable disease as sepsis possible? According to statistics, about 50% of sepsis cases are fatal. However, the disease can still be cured if the diagnosis is made in time and treatment is started.
Typically, such patients are placed in the intensive care unit, where antibacterial, detoxification, and symptomatic therapy is carried out under the supervision of specialists. If necessary, they support the work of important organs, prescribe immunostimulating agents.
The focus of infection can only be removed surgically, completely removing the abscess. In the most severe cases, the entire organ has to be removed.
In order to destroy the causative agent of the infection, antibiotics are administered intravenously, to which the microorganisms that caused the disease are most sensitive.
The duration of treatment for sepsis is about 2 weeks. The patient can be considered recovered after complete normalization of temperature and the absence of pathogens in two blood cultures.
Expert Commentary
“Sepsis can develop in anyone with an infection,” notes infectious disease doctor Anastasia Cheganova. “However, the most vulnerable populations are at increased risk. These are the elderly, pregnant women, newborns, people with HIV / AIDS, cirrhosis of the liver, cancer, kidney disease, autoimmune diseases and a removed spleen. Signs of sepsis can be different, since the disease can be caused by many pathogens and change its character at different stages. In order to prevent sepsis in time, it is necessary to seek medical help in time in the presence of any infections. Early detection of symptoms of sepsis, treatment with antibiotics, their rational use significantly increase the chances of a complete cure. It is important for risk groups to protect themselves by vaccination against known pathogens of infectious diseases. Another way to prevent sepsis is to prevent the spread of infectious agents among the population. This is, first of all, hand washing, food processing before use, and compliance with sanitary standards.