Septic shock is characterized by an exaggerated immune response of the immune system due to an infection, with a severe inflammatory condition that causes changes in blood circulation, decreased blood pressure and risk of death if not treated quickly.
This condition can occur due to any type of infection, mainly by bacteria, but also by viruses, fungi or parasites, which cause diseases such as urinary tract infections, pneumonia, skin infections or meningitis.
- Septic shock is a complication of sepsis.
- Also known as a generalized infection.
- That occurs when the microorganism reaches the bloodstream or when a localized infection is severe and causes a severe reaction in the body.
- To better understand what it is and how to identify the widespread infection.
Any infection can cause sepsis or septic shock and is mainly caused by:
Infections that cause septic shock can occur anywhere in the body and some of the most common are pneumonia, urinary tract infection, meningitis, erysipela, infectious cellulite, surgical wound infection, or catheter contamination.
The people most likely to be affected by a serious infection and develop septic shock are those who are hospitalized, especially in intensive care, as these are places where microorganisms may become more resistant to antibiotic treatments, where there is the introduction of catheters or tests., which may be sources of infection, as well as because the patient’s immune system may be weakened due to certain diseases.
Learn more about hospital infections and how to prevent them
In addition, having chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus, heart failure, spinal cord aplasia, kidney failure, as well as the use of immunosuppressive drugs such as chemotherapy, corticosteroids, antibiotics or radiation therapy can also make people more prone to sepsis and septic shock., as it can impair the action of the immune system.
Septic shock is diagnosed by signs and symptoms and confirmed by laboratory tests.Diagnostic criteria include a combination of the following factors:
The doctor is responsible for assessing signs and symptoms and determining whether there is actually septic shock or not, once this condition is detected, treatment should be performed as soon as possible with the use of antibiotics, medicines to stabilize blood pressure and hydration, as this is a condition with high mortality rates.
Learn more about septic shock treatment.