People who encounter blood poisoning should not take it lightly. Hence, it is a very serious infection that can cause death. It can happen when bacteria reach the blood. Despite its name, it does not include any poisoning but sepsis. Therefore, having bacteria in the blood is a dangerous condition. It can quickly progress into something deadly. Also, it needs immediate diagnosis by a doctor and treatment. The most important part is to know if you are at risk with it.
1. Causes
It can happen once bacteria from other parts of the body get into the bloodstream. Once it reaches the blood, then it is called Septicemia. However, it can lead to a serious health condition known as sepsis. Once it becomes serious, then it can be deadly. Hence, it can happen if you will not receive any proper treatment. Also, it does not have to reach the blood to become sepsis.
Moreover, it all starts with an infection. It is normal for a person in the hospital to have higher chances of having an infection. The following are some causes of blood poisoning.
- Insect bite
- Teeth infection
- Abdominal infection
- Exposure to a bacteria during your recovery from surgery or changing your bandage
- Open wound
- Kidney infection
- Drug-resistant bacteria
- Skin infection
- Pneumonia
2. Risks
Furthermore, there are people who more prone to developing this condition. Take a look at this list and find out if you belong to one of them:
- People who are sick and has a weak immune system
- Children
- Senior citizen
- Those using drugs like heroin
- People who had surgery
- Those with a poor dental practice
- People with catheter
- Those who are living in unsanitary places
3. Signs
It is better for everyone to be familiar with these signs of blood poisoning quickly:
- Weakness
- Chills
- Fast breathing
- Fever
- Pale skin on the face
Most of these signs are also connected with other illnesses like flu. However, if you undergo surgery or have an open wound, it is good to call your doctor immediately. Once you experience more than one of these signs, then it needs quick medical attention.
Serious Signs
The following are advanced signs of blood poisoning, which means it is already deadly.
- Red and large spots on the skin
- Shock
- Confusion
- Organ failure
- Difficulty in urinating
4. Diagnosis
The truth is that it is hard to know if it is blood toxicity. It has the same signs as other illnesses. However, the best way to know if it is Septicemia is you visit your doctor. Firstly, a doctor will do a physical text that includes a temperature and blood pressure check. In case the doctor suspects that it might be it, then they will ask for other tests.
- Blood culture
- Kidney function test
- Blood oxygen
- Urinary test
- Blood clotting
- Chest x-ray
- Blood count
If you have a wound, then the doctor will get some samples from it. Also, they may ask you to do some other tests like:
- MRI
- CT scan
- Ultrasound
Additionally, they need to do a test to know the type. Hence, they need to give the right drug to fight the infection.
5. Treatment
Moreover, an infection can go to other parts of the body, especially the heart. If you already had the condition, then you need treatment inside a hospital. In case of shock, you need to stay inside the Intensive Care Unit for immediate medical attention.
Inside the hospital, you will receive treatment through a fluid. Therefore, you may also need some oxygen. If blood toxicity develops into sepsis, then you need hydration and antibiotics. It can help kill the bacteria. Also, some patients may need some drugs. Hence, it is used to manage low blood pressure. However, in the worst cases, a patient may undergo dialysis. It can happen when there is an organ failure like the kidney.
6. Prevention
It is good to know that you can prevent it from happening.
- Always clean wounds or cuts. Also, do not expose it to dirt.
- Additionally, it is helpful to get flu and pneumonia shots.
- If you have a toothache, then quickly see your dentist.
- If you are having sinusitis or ear infection, you need to see a doctor.
- Also, an infection can happen right after surgery.
Patients with this condition have a higher chance of getting back to normal. So, proper treatment is important. A damaged organ might give you a lifelong illness. Also, if you have it, then there is a higher possibility of getting an infection in the future. Hence, you need to really take good care of your health.
