Table of contents:
- What are the causes of septicemia?
- Who is at risk for septicemia?
- What are the symptoms of septicemia?
- Complications that can occur due to septicemia
- 1. Sepsis
- 2. Septic shock
- 3.Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
- How to treat septicemia?
- Is there a way to prevent septicemia?
Septicemia is a condition in which a person experiences blood poisoning as a result of large amounts of bacteria entering the bloodstream. The risk of this condition can be life threatening to the sufferer. Septicemia can also occur because it is triggered by an infection in the body, then the bacteria from the infection enter our bloodstream. If not treated quickly, this condition will lead to sepsis.
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What are the causes of septicemia?
Actually, what bacteria can cause septicemia? It turns out that it cannot be classified what bacteria can cause this condition. Various bacteria can be the cause. In fact, you may find it difficult to find the source of the infection. But here are some infections that can trigger septicemia, namely:
- Urinary tract infection
- Pulmonary infections, such as pneumonia
- Kidney infection
- Infection in the stomach area
Not only the above infections, if you have surgery, you are also at risk of developing septicemia. This is what you should be aware of, because when you carry out a medical process in the hospital - such as surgery - it is possible that the bacteria will be resistant or resistant to antibiotics.
Who is at risk for septicemia?
The following conditions can put you at risk for septicemia:
- Have severe injuries or burns
- You are very young (baby) or very old
- Having an immune problem such as HIV or leukemia
- Have a urinary or intravenous catheter
- Get medications that weaken the immune system such as chemotherapy or steroid injections
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What are the symptoms of septicemia?
The symptoms of septicemia can occur very quickly. In the early stages, a person can look like someone who is "very sick". The following are common symptoms:
- Chills
- There is an increase in body temperature (fever)
- Breathing becomes fast and irregular
- Heart beat fast
You can also watch out for symptoms heavier, as:
- Confusion or inability to think clearly
- Nausea and vomiting
- Red spots appear on the skin
- Reduced urinary capacity
- Low or inadequate blood flow
If you find these signs in someone, take him to the hospital immediately. Do not wait for these symptoms to improve or not, because the condition of septicemia needs to be treated quickly.
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Complications that can occur due to septicemia
The following can happen, if septicemia is not treated immediately:
1. Sepsis
Some think that sepchaemia is another term for sepsis. It needs to be clarified here that sepsis is a further condition than septicemia. If septicemia only attacks the bloodstream, then in sepsis, the bacteria invade all organs of the body. These bacteria also cause inflammation so that they can make blood clot and prevent oxygen from reaching our organs, eventually the organs fail to function.
2. Septic shock
Bacteria can spread toxins in the bloodstream which lowers blood flow. Organ or tissue damage can occur because of this. Septic shock is an emergency medical condition, a person will usually be admitted to the ICU with a ventilator and a machine to help with breathing.
3.Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS)
This condition can also be life threatening. Oxygen cannot reach the lungs and blood. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), this condition is fatal and can cause permanent lung damage. Not only that, you are also at risk for brain damage that causes memory problems.
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How to treat septicemia?
In fact, if certain infections are treated quickly, the bacteria will not reach the bloodstream. It is important for you to pay attention to your own health, whether you have symptoms of certain infections or not.
Treatment of course must involve a doctor and hospitalization. Antibiotics will be used to treat bacterial infections. More time is needed to figure out what bacteria spread the poison and doctors have to race against time, so the antibiotics used are usually the type that works to eradicate all bacteria. You also need fluids that are put into your body to prevent blood clots and maintain blood pressure.
Is there a way to prevent septicemia?
Septicemia can happen to anyone, regardless of age. Therefore, it is important for parents to always pay attention to the child's vaccination schedule.
For those of you who do have immune system problems, it's better avoid the following:
- Smoke
- Using illegal drugs
- Follow an unhealthy diet
- Not exercising
- Wash your hands rarely
- Being close to the sick