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What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a serious reaction to an infection.
Septic shock causes extremely low blood pressure, which limits blood flow and can cause death.
What causes it?
Sepsis is caused by a bacterial infection.
Infections that can lead to sepsis include:
- A skin infection, such as from a cut.
- A lung infection, like pneumonia.
- A urinary tract infection.
- A gut infection, such as E. coli.
Sepsis is more common in infants, older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
What are the symptoms?
- Breathing problems.
- Fast heartbeat.
- Chills.
- Cool, clammy skin.
- Sarpullidos.
- Shaking.
- Fever or low body temperature.
- Confusion.
- Low blood pressure.
How is it diagnosed?
Blood tests, x-ray or CT scan.
How is sepsis treated?
Doctors treat sepsis with medicine for infection.
How can you prevent it?
- Wash your hands.
- Get COVID-19, flu and pneumonia vaccines.
- Clean any wounds.
- Don't smoke or use tobacco.
Source: Healthwise
Categories: Health Education Corner