Is your body's infection getting worse? Let's learn exactly about septic shock!

You might not even realize that sometimes even a minor infection can turn into a very dangerous condition. We've all heard stories like "the flu is coming." That's what septic shock is. This is a serious condition that can be life-threatening. That's why it's important for all of us to be aware of it.

What is Septic Shock? Let's understand it simply!

Simply put, septic shock is a very serious condition that occurs due to an infection in your body. In this case, your blood pressure drops abnormally and even the vital organs of the body start to fail. This condition occurs when the condition called sepsis becomes severe. In fact, septic shock is the most severe and final stage of sepsis. This is a condition that requires emergency medical treatment, because if not treated quickly, it can even be life-threatening.

What is the difference between Sepsis and Septic Shock?

Now you may be wondering, "So what is sepsis?" Okay, let's explain that too. Sepsis can be divided into three main stages: 1. Sepsis: This is the first stage. What happens here is that your own immune system overreacts to an infection in your body. This overreaction starts to damage healthy tissues in the body. This can also be life-threatening. 2. Severe Sepsis: When sepsis becomes more severe, the body's organs stop working properly. The main reason for this is that the blood pressure drops significantly due to inflammation throughout the body. 3. Septic Shock: This is the final and most dangerous stage of sepsis. Here, despite the administration of large amounts of intravenous (IV) fluids , blood pressure remains abnormally low. That is, the blood pressure drops to the point where the body's organs are not receiving the necessary blood supply.

Most importantly: Early detection and treatment of sepsis can prevent it from progressing to a more serious condition like septic shock .

What are the symptoms of septic shock? Watch out for these!

Septic Shock is the third stage of sepsis, so it is the first to show symptoms of sepsis. We need to be aware of these:

• Increased heart rate (Fast heart rate).
• Fever orHypothermia. Sometimes the body may feel cold.
• Shivering or chills.
• Warm, clammy or sweaty skin.
• Confusion or disorientation . You can't think clearly.
• Rapid breathing ( Hyperventilation ).
• Shortness of breath .

When sepsis progresses to septic shock, you may experience these additional symptoms:

• Very low blood pressure .
• Feeling dizzy (lightheadedness).
• Very reduced or complete loss of urine output.
• Heart palpitations.
• Cool and pale limbs.
• Skin rash .

If you have one or more of these symptoms, it is very important to seek medical advice immediately.

Why does septic shock occur? What are the causes?

Any infection can lead to sepsis if it becomes severe, and septic shock if it gets worse. However, not all infections lead to this condition. Sepsis occurs when an infection causes enough inflammation in the body. These infections are most often caused by bacteria . However, infections caused by viruses and fungi can also cause sepsis. Although these infections can start anywhere in the body, they most often start in:

• In the lungs (e.g. pneumonia)
• Urinary tract infections
• Stomach or intestinal infections

Who is at higher risk of developing septic shock?

Some people are at higher risk of developing sepsis and septic shock because their immune systems are weakened. People with weakened immune systems include:

• Newborn babies.
• People over 65 years of age.
• Pregnant women.
• People who use illegal drugs (recreational drugs).
• People who have had things like artificial joints or heart valves implanted in their bodies.

Additionally, people with certain chronic medical conditions are at increased risk of developing sepsis. Some examples include:

• AIDS.
• Diabetes (Diabetes Mellitus).
• Cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma.
• Other immune system disorders.

Additionally, people who have recently had an infection, undergone surgery, had an organ transplant, or have a medical device implanted in their body are also at increased risk of sepsis.

What are the possible complications of septic shock?

Septic shock is a very serious condition that can lead to various complications:

• Brain damage.
• Lung failure.
• Heart failure.
• Kidney failure.
• Gangrene (tissue death).
• Unfortunately, even death can occur.

This is why we say it is essential to seek medical attention as soon as symptoms appear.

How do you diagnose septic shock? What tests are done?

If you have recently had an infection and suddenly develop symptoms such as fever, chills, rapid heartbeat or breathing, or low blood pressure, your doctor may suspect sepsis. To confirm the suspicion, your doctor may order blood tests such as:

• Check for bacteria or other infectious agents in the body.
• Complete Blood Count (CBC).
• Blood chemistry, especially lactate levels.
• Blood oxygen level.
• Check if the organs are working properly (Organ malfunction tests).

In addition, your doctor may take samples of your urine, saliva, tissue, or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for testing. Imaging tests may also be done to find where the infection started, such as:

• Chest X-ray examination.
• CT Scan (CT Scan - Computed Tomography) test.
• MRI Scan (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) test.

How is septic shock treated?

If you have septic shock, you need to start treatment right away. This treatment is usually done in a hospital.In the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Doctors first do:

• Give antibiotics immediately. Broad-spectrum antibiotics may be given until the exact cause of the infection is identified.
• Intravenous (IV) fluids are given to rehydrate the body and help raise blood pressure.

If you have difficulty breathing properly:

• Oxygen can be given through a face mask or a small tube inserted into the nose (nasal cannula).
• If you are unable to breathe well on your own, you may be connected to a ventilator by inserting a breathing tube into your trachea.

Additionally, surgery may be necessary to remove the source of the infection. For example:

• If there are any abscesses, drain them.
• Removal of dead or infected tissue.
• If there are any catheters, tubes, or other medical devices installed in the body, remove or replace them.

If intravenous fluids alone do not control your blood pressure, medications may be given to increase your blood pressure. Medications such as vasopressin or norepinephrine constrict blood vessels and increase blood flow to your organs. If your blood glucose levels are high due to septic shock, insulin may be given. If intravenous fluids and other medications do not control your blood pressure, a class of medications called corticosteroids may be given.

Can septic shock be prevented?

If you have a bacterial infection, it is very important to get treatment right away. Antibiotics can help control the infection and prevent sepsis, which can lead to septic shock. It is also important to get vaccines on time. Vaccines can prevent some infections and reduce the severity of others. However, we must remember that sometimes septic shock cannot be prevented.

How likely is it to recover from septic shock?

Septic shock is a serious, life-threatening condition. The survival rate is low. It depends on your age, general health, the cause of the disease, whether organ failure has occurred, and how quickly you receive treatment.

If left untreated, many people die from septic shock. Even with treatment, it is reported that between 30% and 40% of people who develop septic shock die.

What should you pay attention to after recovery?

Although most people recover from septic shock, it can take time. Some symptoms may persist for months or even years. These long-term effects are called Post-Sepsis Syndrome . They can include:

• Fatigue.
• Difficulty falling asleep.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weakened immune system.
• Mood disorders, anxiety or depression.
• Nightmares or flashbacks of past events.

To help your recovery process, take care of these things:

• See your doctor regularly.
• Eat a healthy diet.
• Exercise regularly.
• Get enough sleep.
• Protect yourself from infections.

When do you need to go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) ?

If you develop symptoms of sepsis or septic shock, call 911 immediately or go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) . This is not something to delay.

Can you survive septic shock?

Yes, septic shock is a serious condition, but people do survive it. However, as mentioned earlier, the survival rate is low. It depends on your age, health, the cause of the disease, whether there is organ failure, and how quickly you receive treatment.

What is the main cause of septic shock?

Septic shock is caused by sepsis. Sepsis is most often caused by a bacterial infection. This infection can start anywhere in the body. It usually starts in the lungs, abdomen, or urinary tract. In some people, sepsis occurs when toxins produced by bacteria accumulate in the bloodstream.

Finally, things to remember (Take-Home Message)

Septic shock is a truly frightening condition. However, being aware of it, recognizing the symptoms, and getting immediate treatment can save your life.

The most important thing:

* Be well aware of the symptoms of sepsis and septic shock.

* If these symptoms occur, do not delay and seek medical advice immediately or go to the emergency room.

* Seek proper treatment if infections (especially bacterial infections) occur.

*If you have recovered from septic shock, follow your doctor's instructions and go for regular follow-up.

It is your responsibility to take care of your health. We hope this information is useful to you. Stay healthy! Septic Shock, Sepsis, Infections, Blood Pressure, Organ Failure, Intensive Care Unit, Antibiotics