Septicaemia
Septicaemia
Septicaemia (pronounced sep-ti-see-mee-uh), also known as sepsis, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition caused by an infection that spreads through the bloodstream. The term "septicaemia" is derived from the Greek words "septikos" (meaning rotten) and "haima" (meaning blood).
Definition
Septicaemia is a systemic infection that spreads via the bloodstream. It is often associated with severe infections and can lead to septic shock, a medical emergency that can cause multiple organ failure and death if not treated promptly.
Symptoms
Symptoms of septicaemia can vary, but often include high temperature or fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, rapid breathing, and a change in mental state such as confusion or disorientation. In severe cases, symptoms may progress to include decreased urine output, abnormal heart rhythms, and loss of consciousness.
Causes
Septicaemia can be caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection. The most common cause is bacterial infection, often due to Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Escherichia coli. The infection can start anywhere in the body, such as in the lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract (UTI), skin (cellulitis), or abdominal organs (peritonitis).
Treatment
Treatment for septicaemia typically involves antibiotics to fight the infection, intravenous fluids to maintain blood pressure, and oxygen to help with breathing. In severe cases, treatment may also include medications to increase blood pressure, dialysis for kidney failure, and mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure.
Related Terms
- Bacteremia: The presence of bacteria in the blood.
- Endotoxin: A toxin released by certain bacteria when they are destroyed.
- Septic shock: A severe and often fatal condition caused by a drop in blood pressure following septicaemia.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Septicaemia
- Wikipedia's article - Septicaemia
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