What is septic shock? Everything you need to know: symptoms, risk factors, complications, and treatment | Photo credit: iStock Images
Key points
- Sepsis can progress to septic shock, causing dangerously low blood pressure
- This is a life-threatening condition that generally affects older adults, newborn babies, pregnant women, and people with long-term health conditions.
- Read on to learn more about this condition, including symptoms, causes, and treatment.
New Delhi: Septic shock is a serious condition that occurs when a person’s blood pressure drops dangerously low after an infection. Any type of bacteria, fungi, and viruses (in rare cases) can cause sepsis, which can progress to septic shock if left untreated. Meanwhile, former President Pranab Mukherjee, who passed away on Monday (August 31), had suffered septic shock due to his lung infection, the Army Research and Referral Hospital reported.
Who is at risk for septic shock?
Septic shock is most common in older adults and children under one year of age. However, several factors, such as being pregnant, certain diseases such as diabetes, kidney or lung disease, cancer, and a weakened immune system can increase the risk of septic shock.
What are the signs and symptoms of septic shock?
According to NHS inform, symptoms of septic shock include:
- Low blood pressure that makes you feel dizzy, especially when you stand up.
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- cool, clammy, pale skin
- A change in your mental state, such as confusion or disorientation.
Septic shock is a medical emergency and you should seek immediate medical help if you believe that you or someone in your family has septic shock.
How is septic shock treated?
Typically, patients will be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU) to help maintain their body functions and organs while the infection is treated. Treatment can begin in the emergency department in some cases. Treatment options for septic shock include:
- Antibiotics
- Oxygen therapy
- Medicines to increase blood flow.
- Vasopressor drugs: drugs that constrict blood vessels and help increase blood pressure
- Surgery (in some cases)
- Fluids given directly through a vein (intravenously)
Complications and outlook for septic shock
Septic shock can lead to a number of complications that can be fatal, such as:
- Heart and kidney failure
- Respiratory insufficiency
- Abnormal blood clotting
- Liver failure
- Race
- Loss of part of the intestine or limbs.
Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that needs to be treated urgently. According to Healthline, more than 50 percent of cases resulted in death, although a person’s chances of survival depend on certain factors, such as how quickly treatment is started, the cause of the infection, and the number of organs affected.
Disclaimer: The tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your physician or a professional healthcare provider if you have specific questions about any medical matter.
