Sepsis is an inflammatory response of the immune system to an infection. A series of chemicals are sent into the bloodstream to fight an infection. At times, these chemicals may trigger an enormous immune response leading to massive inflammation. Sepsis can be fatal if not treated in its early stages as it causes damage to vital organs and leads to a huge drop in blood pressure. Over one million citizens suffer from the disease each year and approximately 250,000 lose their lives. People with a weak immune system are most likely to suffer from the disease on contracting an infection. There are various tests that diagnose sepsis in an individual. Read to know more about the diagnosis of sepsis.
Diagnostic tests
Patients must exhibit at least two of the following symptoms to be diagnosed with sepsis.
- A very high body temperature (exceeding 101°F) or a very low body temperature (below 96.8°F)
- A respiratory rate exceeding 20 breaths per minute.
- A heart rate which is higher than 90 beats per minute.
Doctors will then run tests to confirm the infection and to look for the following.
- Altered liver or kidney function
- Large volumes of acid in the blood (acidosis)
- Low blood pressure
- A low platelet count
- A low or high white blood cell count
- The source of the infection
- Bacteria in the blood or in other body fluids
Doctors may order certain imaging tests if the site of the disease is not obvious. These may include the following.
- Computerized Tomography (CT)
CT scans are used to identify infections which may exist in the appendix, bowels or pancreas. X-rays from various angles are combined to depict cross-sectional representations of the internal structures of the body. - X-Ray
X-rays are used to look for problems in the lungs (using low levels of radiation). - Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
MRIs are used to identify infections which may exist in soft tissues like the abscesses, which is present in the spine. Radio waves and a strong magnet from various angles are combined to depict cross-sectional representations of the internal structures of the body. - Ultrasound
It makes use of sound waves to produce images in real-time on a video monitor. Ultrasound is useful when looking for infections which may exist in the ovaries or in the gallbladder.
Treatment
It is absolutely essential to identify sepsis in its early stages to boost chances of survival. Early detection and treatment of sepsis will help a person survive through this ordeal.
People suffering from severe sepsis and septic shock require intensive care and close monitoring. Lifesaving measures may be needed to save patients and to stabilize their heart function and breathing cycle.
Patients are treated with antibiotics within 6 hours of the onset of the disease. The antibiotics are administered intravenously (IV). The initial treatment involves broad-spectrum antibiotics. Doctors may switch to other antibiotics after learning the results of the blood tests.
Bacterial infections like MRSA are dangerous as they have developed a resistance to several commonly used antibiotics. Septic shock leads to a drastic reduction in blood pressure and vasopressors may be used even after receiving intravenous fluids to administer this change. Vasopressors constrict blood vessels and help increase blood pressure. This can in turn help manage the condition.
