Blood poisoning (sepsis) – causes, symptoms & therapy

In the case of blood poisoning (sepsis), the immune system is not able to fight an original infection caused by bacteria locally in the body, so that the pathogens can spread through the body’s bloodstream and the sepsis can cause serious damage to the organs.

An out of control infection in the body by bacteria, fungi or viruses can quickly become life-threatening. Even a small abrasion through which dirt gets into the blood can be the cause of serious blood poisoning, which affects around 150,000 people in Germany alone every year.

causes

In principle, sepsis can result from any type of infection, such as wound inflammation or an infected injury. As a rule, the body’s own immune system fights the associated pathogens such as bacteria , fungi , viruses or parasites using a complex reaction, so that the infection heals over time.However, if the immune system is not able to fight the pathogens locally at the focus of infection, for example because the body has been weakened by another disease, they multiply and spread their toxins through the bloodstream. The immune system reacts to this with an increased release of antibodies, which in turn causes the increased activation of other messenger substances.

The body’s reactions thus continue in a negative chain reaction that is not limited to fighting the actual infection, but attacks the body as a whole. The original infection and above all the inappropriate reaction of the organism are thus the cause of sepsis.

When to the doctor?

Blood poisoning (sepsis) triggers numerous dangerous symptoms. If you experience the following symptoms, you should consult a doctor immediately. Blood poisoning is mainly noticeable through heated skin and skin rashes. In addition, there is often a fever over 38 degrees, which is accompanied by chills . However, young patients in particular tend to have a temperature below 36 degrees in the case of sepsis. Confusion and rapid breathing are common.

A doctor should be contacted in any case if you notice a rapid heartbeat or poor general condition. Blood poisoning is usually characterized by pale or gray skin. Depending on which organs are affected by the infection, other symptoms such as shortness of breath and purulent sputum appear. In addition, pain when urinating or a changed smell of urine are often noticeable.

Furthermore, those affected should consult a doctor if they experience severe headaches , increased photosensitivity of the eyes or a torticollis. In some cases, blood poisoning triggers abdominal pain. As soon as the skin turns yellow or less and less urine is excreted, a visit to the doctor is essential.

symptoms and course

The danger of blood poisoning is increased by the fact that it is often not recognized in time. The symptoms initially resemble those of a simple infection; fever , pain and malaise usually occur . Confusion and kidney dysfunction in the form of reduced urine output can also indicate sepsis.

Within a few hours, the disease can dramatically worsen. If the blood poisoning is left untreated, septic shock can occur, in which the blood pressure drops sharply and the heart rate increases. If the blood poisoning is not treated appropriately with medication, it can affect the organs in such a way that they are no longer sufficiently supplied with oxygen and ultimately no longer work properly. In the worst case, it leads to multi-organ failure and death.

Contrary to popular belief, sepsis is not expressed by a red line that migrates from the focus of inflammation towards the heart. If this symptom occurs, it is an inflammation of the lymphatic system. This lymphangitis is also often incorrectly referred to as blood poisoning, but it must be differentiated from it. Although the inflammation of the lymphatic system is also caused by bacteria, there are far better chances of recovery from this disease. However, it should be noted that lymphangitis associated with complications can lead to blood poisoning.

Diagnose

In order to be able to diagnose blood poisoning, a number of tests are required. Unfortunately, there is no clear criterion that points to sepsis. Only when several significant test results occur can the doctor make the diagnosis of blood poisoning with relative certainty. First, the patient’s medical history must be looked at and physical examinations must be performed.

The occurrence of increased body temperature, accelerated breathing and heart rate as well as low blood pressure values ​​can already be a first indication. A blood test provides further information . It is determined whether there are pathogens in the blood that could trigger an infection. The white blood cell count is checked; in the case of blood poisoning, the number can be increased but also decreased.

Furthermore, one can see in the blood whether damage to organs is already present. Since the kidneys are usually affected in sepsis, the creatinine value provides information about the functionality of the kidneys. If there is an injury that can be considered a source of infection, the wound must be checked for redness, swelling, heat and tenderness.

If there is no visible external injury, the doctor may be able to locate the source of infection inside the body with an ultrasound or X-ray examination . Reflections are also used. Other methods for diagnosing blood poisoning are the examination of urine, tissue or liquor samples or a swab.

complications

Blood poisoning can lead to serious complications that can occur quickly and, if not treated in time, can result in the death of the person concerned. There is a risk that the blood poisoning will develop into severe sepsis and lead to septic shock after just a short time. A major problem with blood poisoning is its rapid progression. The probability that the sepsis will end fatally increases by one percent for every hour that passes. In addition, the symptoms of sepsis cannot always be assessed quickly enough and assigned correctly. Blood poisoning spreads through the body via the bloodstream, so that vital organs are damaged after just a few hours. These include, above all, the lungs, heart and liver, which are at risk of failure.

Another risk of sepsis is additional serious health problems that can be life-threatening, such as circulatory shock. Kidney failure is also possible because effective treatment cannot start in time. The patient is also in danger of death due to liver and lung failure, which in turn means the rapid death of the person concerned. But even if the patient survives severe blood poisoning, it is likely that they will still be suffering from the effects of the infection months later. These are mostly movement disorders, muscle weakness and nerve damage.

treatment and therapy

The diagnosis of blood poisoning is not easy to make at the beginning of the disease based on the general symptoms, but it is all the more important due to its danger.If sepsis is suspected, a doctor should be consulted immediately. This can use imaging methods such as ultrasound examinations or computer tomography to conclude whether blood poisoning is present.

This is usually treated in the hospital with antibiotics and, if necessary, surgical measures, and the circulation is stabilized with infusions and medication. Preventing organ failure has the highest priority.

In order to prevent sepsis, attention should generally be paid to an intact immune system . Even with small injuries, the wound should always be cleaned and disinfected. In addition, infections should be treated professionally immediately. Vaccination against pathogens can also prevent blood poisoning.