Septic Shock

What is Septic Shock?

Septic Shock is a severe and fatal condition that happens when sepsis results in extremely low blood pressure. Sepsis occurs when our body creates an overwhelming response to an infection. It is crucial to identify and prevent septic shock.

Knowing about the symptoms and causes helps in prevention of the life-threatening situation. Our body reacts to an infection by releasing various inflammatory substances into the blood. These substances then regulate the immune system to fight against the infection.

Eventually, when the body fails to control its responses, it starts damaging the organs. It further leads to dysfunctioning of those organs, or they may even stop working completely – the condition is called sepsis.

If a person having sepsis also has the problem of low blood pressure, the risk of septic shock increases. If fluid treatment doesn’t improve sepsis, tier body has probably gone into the state of septic shock. They need immediate and regular medical treatment.

Causes of septic shock

A bacterial, viral, or fungal infection can result in sepsis. The common causes of sepsis that further leads to septic shock include:

  • Lung infections like pneumonia
  • Abdominal or digestive system infections
  • Reproductive system infection
  • Urinary tract infection 

Symptoms of septic shock

One shouldn’t include the initial symptoms of sepsis, which are mostly:

  • Hypothermia (low body temperature)
  • Fever that increases above 101˚F
  • Fast heart rate
  • Rapid breathing

Severe conditions of sepsis are identified by the evidence of any damaging organs, such as the heart, kidneys, brain, or lungs. The symptoms of severe sepsis include:

  • Acute confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Noticeably lower amounts of urine
  • Severe problems breathing
  • Bluish discoloration of lips or the digits

To prevent septic shock, you much watch out for any severe symptoms of sepsis along with the underlying condition of low blood pressure that doesn’t improve to fluid replacement.

When to see a doctor

You should start a suitable treatment plan as soon as you notice the early signs of sepsis. And if you don’t, the severe symptoms would lead to septic shock with eventual progression. Your doctor will carry out some specific tests and suggest regular treatment to keep the fatal condition at bay.
You can book an appointment with Dr M. V. Rao for a detailed diagnosis for sepsis or septic shock.

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Rajbhavan Road, Somajiguda, Matha Nagar, Hyderabad, Telangana.
500082

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Mallela Clinic, Street No 4, Vijay Nagar Colony, Hyderabad, Telangana.
500057

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M: drmvraomallela@gmail.com

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