The third and most life-threatening stage of sepsis is septic shock. It refers to the complications that develop from an infection in the body. Septic shock results to a full-body inflammatory response. The inflammatory response is caused by the formation of small blood clots in the blood vessels. These blood clots can decrease or completely block blood flow. This results to the organs not receiving enough blood supply, hence oxygen and nutrients as well, leading to the failure of body organs. Septic shock ultimately leads to a life-threatening drop in blood pressure, which can be deadly.
Septic shock is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate medical attention. Although it should be noted that the initial stages of sepsis should have already been given medical attention at its earliest signs, as even the first stage is already a medical emergency on its own.
Risk Factors for Septic Shock
Septic shock is one of the most common causes of death in the intensive care units of the hospital, where individuals with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to getting an infection. Aside from immunocompromised individuals, the following individuals are also at risk for developing septic shock:
- HIV/ AIDS
- Diabetes
- Chemotherapy
- Newborns
- Elderly
- Pregnant women
- Recent major surgery
- Use of injection drugs, steroid medications or invasive devices, such as intravenous catheters and breathing tubes
- Long-term hospitalization or use of antibiotics
Causes of Septic Shock
Any type of infection in the body can lead to septic shock. These infections may either be bacterial, viral, fungal or even parasitic in nature, but the most common is bacterial infection. Common causes of septic shock include:
- Lung infections, e.g. pneumonia, bronchitis or lower respiratory tract infections
- Digestive system infection e.g. ruptured appendix, etc.
- Reproductive system infections, especially from child birth
- Urinary tract infection
Signs and Symptoms of Septic Shock
The primary characteristic of septic shock is severe hypotension (low blood pressure), especially when an individual is in standing. The other signs and symptoms of septic shock are the following:
- Very low or high temperatures, the latter accompanied by chills
- Skin discoloration or rashes
- Cool, cyanotic or pale extremities
- Little or no urine output
- Fast heart rate
- Palpitations
- Dyspnea
- Lightheadedness
- Agitation
- Confusion
Treatment for Septic Shock
The earlier sepsis is detected and more importantly, treated, the higher the chances for survival. Majority of sepsis cases require Intensive Care Unit admission for treatment. Treatment for sepsis, or worse, septic shock, may include:
- Intravenous antibiotics for bacterial infections
- Medications that will constrict blood vessels, eventually leading to increase in blood pressure
- Insulin to normalize blood sugar levels
- Corticosteroids to limit inflammation
- IV fluids to avoid dehydration
- In some cases, breathing machine to assist in breathing.
Understanding septic shock can help when taking First Aid Courses and CPR Training
Septic shock pertains to the complication that develops from an infection resulting to a full-body inflammatory response leading to severe low blood pressure. Septic shock is considered a medical emergency.