Medical Author: Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor
Medically Reviewed on 11/4/2021
Doctor's Notes on Sepsis (Blood Infection)
Sepsis refers to a serious infection that has disseminated in the body through the bloodstream, sometimes referred to as septicemia or as “blood poisoning” by laypersons. Most commonly, sepsis is caused by a widespread bacterial infection in the bloodstream. Sepsis involves widespread organ dysfunction and can cause many different symptoms.
The main symptoms of sepsis are:
- a drop in blood pressure (low blood pressure),
- fast respiratory rate, and
- changes in mental status such as sleepiness, confusion, or delirium.
Associated symptoms may include:
- fever or a low body temperature,
- chills,
- fast heart rate,
- fatigue,
- dizziness,
- flushing, and
- shortness of breath.
Sepsis can also cause a drop in urine production, shock, and organ failure.
What Is the Treatment for Sepsis?
Treatment for sepsis involves:
- Antibiotics to treat the underlying infection (initially broad-spectrum antibiotics that work against multiple infections)
- Other medications as needed, including medications to support blood pressure and function of the circulation
- corticosteroids
- insulin
- pain control medications
- sedative drugs
- Oxygen and respiratory support, sometimes in the form of a ventilator
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Bacterial Pneumonia
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Cellulitis
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Fever (in Adults)
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Is Sepsis Contagious?
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Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
Low blood pressure (hypotension) may be caused by heart conditions, intravascular fluid complications (dehydration, pneumonia, vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding), medications, endocrine conditions, allergic reactions, orthostatic hypotension, diabetes, and micturition syncope. Low blood pressure may or may not have symptoms depending upon the cause. Treatment also depends upon the causes of low blood pressure. -
Rash (Causes, Types, and Cures)
A rash is a visible skin outbreak. Examples of noninfectious rashes include eczema, psoriasis, contact dermatitis, seborrheic dermatitis, rosacea, hives, and allergic dermatitis. Types of infectious rashes include ringworm, impetigo, scabies, herpes, chickenpox, and shingles. Rashes may be caused by fungi, viruses, bacteria, and parasites. Treatment depends upon the type of rash. -
Thermal Burns (Heat or Fire)
Thermal burns are burns caused by heat, rather than chemicals or other causes. They can range from mild, like a sunburn, to severe. The burn severity is determined by the size of the area of the body with burns and how many layers of skin are involved.
REFERENCE:
Kasper, D.L., et al., eds. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 19th Ed. United States: McGraw-Hill Education, 2015.