Septicemia (or sepsis) is a dangerous disease due to the presence of pathogenic microorganisms disseminated throughout the body through the blood, which can arise when the body reacts to an infection. It can cause a variety of problems, resulting in damage to the body and even organ dysfunction or septic shock. Although anyone can have septicemia, it is more common in the elderly and in people who have compromised immune systems. To avoid it, it is useful to identify risk factors, be aware of the symptoms and take preventive measures.
Steps
Part 1 of 4: Identify the Risk Factors
Step 1. Know that young and old are the ones who are at greatest risk
Young and old have weak immune systems. A weak immune system has more difficulty fighting an infection that can lead to septicemia.
- Young people, especially those under the age of 14, are more vulnerable to infections, as they still have an underdeveloped immune system.
- Older people aged 60 and over are also more vulnerable to infections because they have weakened immune systems.
Step 2. Realize that people with chronic illnesses are at great risk
People who have clinical conditions or immunosuppressive diseases also risk septicemia. Because the body does not have the ability to fight infections effectively, people with compromised immune systems face the danger of septicemia. Here are some examples of these diseases:
- AIDS / HIV. People with AIDS / HIV have contracted a virus that interferes with the functioning of the immune system.
- Cancer. Patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiation therapy for cancer are also vulnerable, as these treatments suppress the immune system. Chemotherapy and radiation kill both cancerous and healthy cells, and the damage done to the latter compromises the immune system.
- Diabetes. Diabetes is a disease in which there is too much glucose or sugar in the blood. Microorganisms feed on sugars and a high blood sugar level can attract pathogens into the blood, providing a favorable place for proliferation. This abundance of microorganisms can increase the risk of septicemia.
Step 3. Recognize that steroid therapy may increase the risk
People on long-term steroid therapy are also vulnerable to infections. Steroids (hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, and so on) hinder the inflammatory process. However, some degree of inflammation is necessary for the body to react to a certain infection.
Without any inflammatory manifestations the body cannot fight infections properly and becomes very vulnerable
Step 4. Realize that open wounds dramatically increase the risk of septicemia
Open wounds are the ideal gateway that allows pathogenic microorganisms to infiltrate and infect healthy body tissues. This type of infection can cause septicemia.
- Wounds that reach an inch deep or open directly to a blood vessel promote infection.
- Third degree burns also provide a favorable ground for the introduction of pathogenic germs into the blood and for the development of an infection.
Step 5. Understand that the use of invasive medical devices increases the risk
Invasive devices (for example, catheters or breathing tubes) can offer germs and pathogenic microorganisms access to the bloodstream through the orifices and internal passages of the body. This exposure can lead to the development of septicemia.
Part 2 of 4: Preventing the Development of Septicemia
Step 1. Maintain hand hygiene to prevent the accumulation of germs
Washing your hands is the most effective way to prevent the transfer of pathogens. If you keep your hands clean, you have a much lower chance of introducing infectious germs into your body that could cause septicemia.
- Use warm, soapy water.
- Wash your hands as much as possible.
- If you don't have soap and water available, use a hand sanitizer gel.
- Dirty nails should be cut, as they are a good ground for germs to accumulate.
Step 2. Eat healthy foods to strengthen the immune system
Eat foods that are high in nutrients, especially those rich in vitamin C. This will strengthen your immune system, giving your body a chance to fight infections without developing septicemia or other complications. Vitamin C-rich fruits and vegetables, such as yellow peppers, guava, rose hips and the like, greatly help the immune system.
You need to take 500-2000 milligrams of vitamin C per day to stay healthy
Step 3. Prepare and cook food properly to eliminate microbes
Food must be prepared and cooked respecting food hygiene and safety standards. By eliminating microbes from food, you will drastically reduce the likelihood of being exposed to germs and bacteria that can cause septicemia.
- The cooking temperature must reach up to 70 ° C to ensure the elimination of most of the microbes.
- Regarding frozen foods, it is necessary to maintain a temperature of -6 ° C, or even less, to prevent them from spoiling.
Step 4. Drink only bottled water
If tap water isn't very clean, drink bottled water. If you don't have bottled water available, bring the water to a boil for a minute to make sure you kill the germs. Avoid drinking from unsafe sources, such as wells or water that stagnates outdoors.
Step 5. Disinfect surfaces you touch frequently to kill germs
Cleaning and disinfection must be put in the foreground. Keeping a clean environment is an easy way to make sure you don't come in contact with germs. The fewer germs and bacteria are in your environment, the less likely you are to get an infection and septicemia.
- The disinfectants on the market allow easy disinfection of the surfaces of the house.
- Most disinfectants available kill up to 99.9% of germs.
- The use of steam sterilizers is encouraged. The use of steam at high temperatures is as effective as disinfection products, without the inconvenience of coming into contact with chemicals.
Step 6. Treat wounds properly to reduce the chances of infection
It is necessary to heal a wound, when it happens. The use of antiseptics such as hydrogen peroxide, alcohol and iodine is recommended to clean the wound before covering it with sterile gauze.
The use of antimicrobial dressings (Silvercel) is recommended to prevent the growth of microbes in the dressing
Step 7. Observe a strict quarantine if you are in hospital
Make sure anyone who comes in contact with you is wearing gloves, gown, and mask before entering your hospital room. It is advisable to minimize contact with others to reduce the risk of infection.
Step 8. Limit the number of invasive procedures you need to undergo to reduce exposure to septicemia
You can reduce the onset of septicemia in the hospital by limiting the use and duration of catheters. These devices can promote the transmission of infections and cause septicemia.
Part 3 of 4: Catching the Symptoms in Time
Step 1. Measure your temperature to see if you have a fever
Fever is part of the immune system's reactions to fight germs and infections. When septicemia is in progress, the fever can reach 40 ° C.
Sometimes it is accompanied by chills and convulsions
Step 2. Determine if you have tachycardia
Tachycardia is an excessively fast heart rhythm. While some people have naturally elevated heart rhythms, it could also be an indication of various health problems, including septicemia.
- Septicemia triggers inflammation, during which blood vessels narrow.
- This phenomenon makes blood circulation more difficult.
- To compensate for this, the heart beats faster than usual with approximately 90 beats per minute.
Step 3. Watch your breathing for tachypnea
Tachypnea is an abnormal increase in breathing rate. Although it is sometimes benign, it can also indicate septicemia.
- Tachypnea is also a means by which the body compensates for the decreased efficiency of blood circulation due to inflammation.
- The body tries to get oxygen into the bloodstream at a faster rate, increasing the breathing rate.
- We speak of tachypnea when the respiratory rate corresponds to more than 20 breaths per minute.
Step 4. Determine if you are more sleepy than usual
Sleepiness can occur when the oxygen supply to the brain decreases. This can happen when blood does not circulate properly in the body and does not flow adequately to vital organs.
A pronounced feeling of drowsiness may indicate the onset of septicemia
Step 5. Get a diagnosis from a doctor to be sure of your health condition
Your doctor will examine you to determine the degree of infection. At first, he will conduct a series of in-depth investigations, during which he will ask you questions about your health from birth to the vaccines you have taken and about previous clinical trials. Afterward, he will prescribe you to take the following diagnostic tests:
- A routine blood test to find the cause of the infection. These analyzes determine the cause of the infection, which is usually viral or bacterial. In addition, they will give an account of the level of white blood cells and the level of acidity in the blood, through which they can determine if an infection is taking place.
- You may be prescribed a liver and kidney function test to check the overall functioning of these vital organs. If you find abnormalities in the values, your doctor will be able to determine the most appropriate treatment to avoid a stop in the functioning of these organs.
- You can use other diagnostic tests to detect the cause of the infection, including x-rays, ultrasounds, and CT scans.
Part 4 of 4: Treating Septicemia with Drugs
Step 1. Take prescription broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat the infection locally
Broad-spectrum antibiotics are usually given intravenously, even before symptoms appear, as a preventative measure. If you have septicemia, your doctor will establish a diagnosis and prescribe an antibiotic that targets the pathogenic microorganisms responsible for the infection.
- Antibiotic therapy depends on the severity of your condition.
- Remember to continue taking antibiotics even when symptoms subside.
- Complete drug therapy, unless otherwise advised by your doctor.
- After the next check-up, if your doctor finds that the infection has been cleared, you can stop taking the antibiotics.
Step 2. Use prescription vasopressors to manage low blood pressure
The goal of medical treatment for septicemia is to manage the damage caused by the infection. Blood pressure must be corrected and maintained at a normal level to ensure that the blood circulates properly in the body and to avoid possible organ dysfunction.
Step 3. Undergo further drug treatment if recommended by your doctor
The use of other medications depends on the severity of your condition. Your doctor may prescribe pain relievers, sedatives, corticosteroids, and even insulin to repair the damage caused by septicemia.
