Septicemias
Septicemias Treatment in South Carolina
Septicemias Specialists in Greenville, SC
Septicemia, sometimes referred to as “sepsis” is the medical term for bacteria-induced blood poisoning, or infection. A very serious condition, septicemia requires immediate medical attention.
What is Septicemia?
Septicemia is a bacteria-induced infection of the blood. Septicemia or “sepsis” is a medical emergency that requires immediate medical treatment. Septicemia that goes untreated can progress to septic shock which has a 50% fatality rate among patients. If untreated, septicemia can result in organ failure, tissue damage, and death.
Septicemia develops quickly, and the affected person becomes seriously ill over a short span of time.
Septicemia Symptoms
Septicemia requires immediate medical attention and can result in death if untreated. Some patients experience differing symptoms but it’s important to watch for
- Hemorrhagic rash, which looks like a cluster of pinpricks in the skin
- Loss of appetite/loss of interest in food
- Lethargic and loss of interest in your surroundings
- Fever
- High heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Extreme pain or discomfort
- Sensitivity to light
- Loss of consciousness or coma
What Causes Septicemia?
Septicemia is caused by the introduction of bad bacteria into the body via a cut, ingestion, or through mucous membranes such as your eyes, nose, or mouth. People with compromised immune systems such as children, adults 65 and over, and those with chronic medical conditions such as diabetes, kidney disease, and immune system disorders are at higher risk of contracting septicemia should they become infected.
The bacteria known most commonly to cause septicemia are:
- Escherichia coli (E. coli)
- Staphylococcus aureus (staph infection)
- Certain types of Streptococcus
Infections most commonly associated with septicemia are:
- Lung infections such as pneumonia
- Urinary Tract Infections
- Skin infections
- Infections of the intestine or gastrointestinal tract
Septicemia Treatment
Septicemia is a life-threatening infection that requires immediate medical attention. Your medical team will take your medical history, current state, and tolerance for certain therapies and medicines, and your input as the patient to be able to create a treatment plan. People with septicemia or suspected septicemia are hospitalized or kept under observation until a diagnosis is made.
Treatment for septicemia includes:
- Antibiotics
- Oxygen
- Intravenous fluids
Possible treatment for septicemia includes:
- Surgery to remove infected tissue
- Ventilation
- Dialysis
How to Prevent Septicemia
Infection control is the primary prevention for sepsis:
- Wash your hands before eating, after using the restroom, coming in contact with bodily fluids, before, during, and after preparing food especially raw meat, or handling garbage or waste materials.
- Keep all cuts clean and covered until they are healed and change bandages regularly. See a physician if you suspect a cut is not healing properly or has become infected.
- Apply lifestyle changes to manage chronic illnesses that are at risk such as diabetes.
- Keep your vaccination schedule up to date with recommended vaccinations.
- Stay active and maintain a healthy diet.
Septicemia Diagnosis:
Septicemia is a life-threatening infection and if you suspect you’re experiencing symptoms, you should contact your medical provider immediately. Septicemia is diagnosed by the medical provider examining you and obtaining your vitals, looking for specific key markers such as fever, increased heart rate, low blood pressure, lethargy, nausea and more. Some symptoms of sepsis such as fever and trouble breathing can be indicators of other illnesses, so your provider will likely run lab tests such as urinalysis and blood work to determine the cause of your symptoms and diagnose sepsis.
Septicemia Recovery Treatment in South Carolina
Our specialists here at CONA are here to help you in your recovery from septicemia. People recovering from septicemia can experience weakness, tiredness, and some neurological side effects and require the assistance of a physical or occupational therapist. Request an appointment at any of our locations convenient to you.
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH A PHYSICAL OR OCCUPATIONAL THERAPIST
Let our occupational therapists here at CONA help you achieve your goals and kick off your recovery from septicemia. Call us today at (864) 582-6396 or request an appointment. We serve patients from Spartanburg, SC, Duncan, SC, and Greenville, SC.