Blood poisoning is an illness due to an infection or its toxin spreading through the bloodstream. The presence of bacteria in the blood is called bacteremia.
Short bursts of low levels of bacteria in the blood usually do not cause problems. If bacteria continue, then they may cause sepsis. This is a serious condition which can lead to death.
Sepsis occurs when large numbers of infectious agents exist in the blood. Infections with fungi and parasites may lead to sepsis as well. The initial infection often comes from:
Blood Flow Near Burn Wound
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Bacteria can also enter the bloodstream directly from an outside source. A dirty needle used by an
IV drug user
can cause this type of infection. In some cases, the source of the infection is unknown.
Small amounts of bacteria enter into the blood with dental work or when brushing your teeth. Your body's immune system should fight off these bacteria.
Factors that increase your chance of getting sepsis include:
The first symptoms depend on the site of the infection.
As the condition progresses to sepsis, symptoms include:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. If sepsis is suspected, the doctor will try to find the source of the infection.
This condition will need to be treated aggressively. Treatment is aimed at the cause of the initial infection.
Early treatment improves the chance of survival. Life-saving steps may be needed to assist breathing and heart function. Patients usually need to be observed in an intensive care unit.
IV antibiotics will be used to fight the initial infection and to clear it from your blood. You will be given oral antibiotics when you leave the hospital.
Surgery is sometimes needed to remove or drain the initial infection.
You will likely receive other medications, IV fluids, and oxygen.
If your blood pressure remains too low, you may need vasopressors—medicines to help maintain your normal blood pressure.
and a respirator (to help you breathe) may be necessary in some cases.
Further treatment depends on how your body is responding. For example, you may need
if kidney failure occurs.
It is not always possible to prevent blood poisoning. Avoiding IV drug abuse decreases your chance of sepsis. Healthcare professionals must also take steps to stop the spread of these infections. Getting prompt medical care for infections can reduce your risk of sepsis.
National Center for Infectious Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Preventionhttp://www.cdc.gov/
Society of Critical Care Medicinehttp://www.sccm.org/
Communicable Disease Control Unit (Manitoba Health, Public Health Branch)http://www.gov.mb.ca/
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Neonatal sepsis. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
. Updated September 7, 2012. Accessed October 12, 2012.
Sepsis in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
. Updated October 8, 2012. Accessed October 12, 2012.
Sepsis in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at:
. Updated February 9, 2012. Accessed October 12, 2012.