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Is blood poisoning the same as sepsis?
What is septicemia & blood poisoning?
Is blood poisoning a serious infection?
Nov 22, 2023 · But blood poisoning is not an accurate description of sepsis, and the two terms should not be used interchangeably. Sepsis is not an infection in and of itself. Sepsis is the body’s life-threatening response to infection.
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Symptoms of sepsis
Symptoms of sepsis may include:
Symptoms of septic shock
Sepsis may progress to septic shock. Septic shock is a severe drop in blood pressure. Progression to septic shock raises the risk of death. Symptoms of septic shock include:
Any infection could lead to sepsis. Go to a health care provider if you have symptoms of sepsis or an infection or wound that isn't getting better.
Symptoms such as confusion or fast breathing need emergency care.
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Any type of infection can lead to sepsis. This includes bacterial, viral or fungal infections. Those that more commonly cause sepsis include infections of:
•Lungs, such as pneumonia.
•Kidney, bladder and other parts of the urinary system.
•Digestive system.
•Bloodstream.
•Catheter sites.
Some factors that increase the risk infection will lead to sepsis include:
•People over age 65.
•Infancy.
•People with lower immune response, such as those being treated for cancer or people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
•People with chronic diseases, such as diabetes, kidney disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
•Admission to intensive care unit or longer hospital stays.
As sepsis worsens, vital organs, such as the brain, heart and kidneys, don't get as much blood as they should. Sepsis may cause atypical blood clotting. The resulting small clots or burst blood vessels may damage or destroy tissues.
Most people recover from mild sepsis, but the mortality rate for septic shock is about 30% to 40%. Also, an episode of severe sepsis raises the risk for future infections.
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By Mayo Clinic Staff
Feb 10, 2023
1.Forrester JD. Sepsis and septic shock. Merck Manual Professional Version. https://www.merckmanuals.com/professional/critical-care-medicine/sepsis-and-septic-shock/sepsis-and-septic-shock. Accessed Nov. 19, 2022.
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Septicemia vs. sepsis: How can I tell the difference? Some people use the words septicemia and sepsis as if they mean the same thing. But technically, septicemia is an infection that happens when bacteria or other germs enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body.
May 23, 2023 · Blood poisoning occurs when bacteria causing infection in another part of your body enter your bloodstream. The presence of bacteria in the blood is referred to as...
Dec 21, 2023 · Symptoms. Complications. Diagnosis. Treatment. Prevention. Outlook. Septicemia is a serious bloodstream infection. It occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream from elsewhere in the body, such...
Overview. What is sepsis? Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency caused by your body’s overwhelming response to an infection. Without urgent treatment, it can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death. Sepsis definition. Sepsis is your body’s extreme reaction to an infection.
