Septicemia: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Septicemia, formerly known as blood poisoning, is an infection caused when bacteria enters the bloodstream and spreads in the body. It can lead to sepsis, which is the body’s reaction to the infection, and can cause damage to organs and even death. 

The three germs which can lead into sepsis are:

• Staphylococcus aureus (staph)
• Escherichia coli (E.coli)
• Some types of Streptococcus

Septicemia is mostly common in people hospitalised or with other medical problems. It must be treated with immediate medical and antibiotic treatment.

Key Terms: Blood Poisoning, Septicemia, Bacteria, Antibiotic, Microorganism, Blood Vessels

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Meaning of Septicemia

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‘Septicemia’ is a medical term used in medical science to denote a life-threatening blood infection caused by pathogens. It is also called ‘blood – poisoning. Septicemia is a very critical bloodstream infection.

Septicemia

Septicemia typically results due to an infection leading to a dangerous buildup of bacteria in the bloodstream. The most frequently affected areas of infection that cause septicemia include:

• Abdomen
• Lungs
• Bone (sotepomyelitis)
• Lungs
• Central Nervous System (Meningitis)
• Heart (Endocarditis)

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Effects of Septicemia

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Septicemia can cause:

• High fever
• Chills
• Weakness
• Excessive Sweating 
• Decrease in blood pressure. 

It is caused as due to gram-negative bacteria, which is a typical microorganism releasing toxic products that trigger immune responses and widespread blood clotting or blood coagulation inside the blood vessels, which causes a reduction in the flow of blood to tissues and organs.

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Causes of Septicemia

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Septicaemia, the most common organ infection is caused by the lungs, kidneys, urinary tract, pneumonia (lung infection), etc. Septicemia is caused in people who:

• Young or old age
• Are in a hospital or had recent surgery
• Mechanical ventilation
• Severe burn or injury in the body
• Having infections or another chronic state (cancer or diabetes)
• The compromised or weak immune system

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Symptoms of Septicemia

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The Symptoms of Septicemia are apparent in the first stage. The symptoms of the first stage are fever, cough, cold, rapid pulse rate, fast breathing, etc. More severe symptoms of Septicemia are:

• Shock
• Inability to think clearly or confusion
• Low urine volume
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Inadequate blood flow
• Red dots on the skin

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Complications of Septicemia

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Septicemia can become very much critical along with complex conditions. Here are a few of the conditions of septicaemia:

Sepsis

Sepsis takes place when the human body is strongly immune to the infection caused.

• These people with chronic diseases are at high risk. 
• Sepsis is so dangerous that it can lead to even organ failure. 
• People with such a disease have signs of dizziness, severe muscle pain, change of mental state, slurred speech, etc.

Septicemia Shock

Septicemia shock is the result of a severe drop in blood pressure. 

• The low blood flow is caused by the toxins of the bacteria which results in damage to organ tissues and finally causes septicaemia shock. 
• It is truly a medical emergency condition. 
• People with such septicaemia shock must be immediately hospitalized for medical reference and treatment.

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Treatment of Septicemia

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Septicemia is an extremely critical disease which seeks medical emergency. 

• In the hospital, the treatment of Septicemia is treated depending on age, overall health, medicine tolerance, etc.
• Initially, broad-spectrum antibiotics are used to treat the infection. 
• Through these antibiotics, a wide range of bacteria can be easily defended. 
• The treatment can be more specified if the bacteria are identified. 
• Medications are also used to maintain blood pressure; fluid, etc.
• In case of more critical stages, oxygen masks and ventilation may be used.

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Neonatal Septicemia

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Septicemia which is caused in the body of newborn babies is called neonatal septicaemia. This disease is caused by bacterial bloodstream infections (BSI) like gastroenteritis, pneumonia, pyelonephritis, etc. the newly born are affected by this type of bacterial septicemia.

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Things to Remember

• Septicemia is an infection caused due to bacteria in the blood, which can become a life-threatening disease.
• The most common bacteria which cause septicemia are – E.Coil, Streptococcus pneumonia, and Staphylococcus aureus
• Symptoms like- high fever, weakness, chills, excessive sweating, decrease in blood pressure can be seen in a person suffering from septicemia.
• Septicemia in a critical state can lead to sepsis or septicemia shock. A person with sepsis can experience shortness of breath, extreme pain, fever, clammy skin, etc.