Dangers of Septic Shock - What You Should Know

Septic shock is very serious condition that is life threatening it is a reaction to a severe infection that lowers the blood pressure. While occurring mainly in increased age and the very young it also happens in people of various ages who have other various illnesses. Septic Shock can be caused by any type of bacteria, while fungi and viruses rarely may also case septic shock. When septic shock happens toxins are released into the body by the foreign matters (bacteria, fungi or viruses) causing damage to the tissues, this may then lead to poor organ function and lowering of blood pressure. Due to the body's response to the toxins the body will also produce a strong inflammatory response which may also add to organ damage.

Signs and symptoms of septic shock usually include redness, tenderness or swelling at the area of infection. If the area of infection have spread throughout the body signs and symptoms can be more severe and you can expect to see deep faster breathing, high fever or a very low temperature, chills, rapid heart rate, dizziness, a feeling of restlessness, shortness of breath and lightheadedness.

There are various risk factors that will heighten ones chances of increasing ones odds of septic shock if you fall into one of the categories below it especially important that you seek medical treatment quickly for any bacterial infection as septic shock has a high mortality rate.

Common risk factors include: recent surgical procedures, diabetes, leukemia, diseases that weaken the immune systems, long term antibiotic use, recent infections, and indwelling medical devices.

If you are diagnosed with septic shock you will most likely be admitted to the hospital as this is considered an emergency which will require you to be treated in a hospital like setting. Where you will most like be treated with IV antibiotic medication, IV fluids, and depending on your signs and symptoms possibly given medications to treat low blood pressure.

It is important for people to understand the signs and symptoms of septic shock so they are prepared to act accordingly in the event that signs of an infection occur. While septic shock may not be very common in most it's still can happen among the groups risks factors listed above.