Symptoms of Simple Blood Infection
Blood infection, commonly referred to as sepsis, is a result of the immune system’s response to an infection. This reaction triggers the production of chemical substances in the bloodstream, leading to inflammation throughout the body. Individuals affected by blood infection typically progress through three stages, with the first stage characterized by the following symptoms:
- Increased respiratory rate, exceeding 20 breaths per minute.
- Fever, where body temperature rises above 38 degrees Celsius, or hypotension, where it drops below 36 degrees Celsius.
- Elevated heart rate, surpassing 90 beats per minute.
- Presence of a potential or confirmed infection.
Symptoms of Severe Blood Infection
Severe sepsis can manifest through a variety of symptoms, including:
- Decreased platelet count.
- Reduced urination.
- Loss of consciousness.
- Severe physical weakness.
- Breathing difficulties.
- Appearance of colored spots on the skin.
- Cognitive disturbances.
- Experiencing chills due to lowered body temperature.
- Cardiac function abnormalities.
Risk Factors for Blood Infection
While anyone is susceptible to blood infection stemming from an infection, certain circumstances increase the likelihood of developing sepsis. Key risk factors include:
- Undergoing chemotherapy.
- Individuals over the age of 75.
- Infants under the age of one.
- Having a weakened immune system.
- Recently undergone surgery.
- Being diagnosed with diabetes.
- Recent pregnancy or childbirth.
- Recent severe illnesses.
- Hospitalization.
Treatment for Blood Infection
A variety of medications and interventions are available for treating blood infection, including:
- Antibiotics, which are initiated immediately to combat bacterial infections.
- Intravenous fluids, administered to individuals with sepsis within a three-hour window.
- Vasopressors, which assist in constricting blood vessels and elevating blood pressure, particularly if significant hypotension persists despite fluid administration.
- Initiating dialysis.
- Surgical intervention to remove infected tissue in severe cases.