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Sepsis
WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Sepsis is a bacterial infection that has spread
throughout the body. The infection damages the tissues and
causes them to become swollen. If you develop sepsis, the
sooner you are given antibiotic medicine, the better your
chance of getting well without other
problems.
Causes
Sepsis develops when bacteria
from a small, localized infection enter the bloodstream and
spread throughout the body, causing a widespread infection. The
infection can begin anywhere, including the teeth, gallbladder,
or even a cut.
Signs/Symptoms
You may have a fever, dizziness,
fast breathing, and a fast heart rate. Tests may show that you
have bacteria in your blood.
Care
You will need to be treated in
the hospital with antibiotic medicine, IV fluids, and possibly
blood pressure medicine. The doctor will watch closely for
signs of other problems that can be caused by the
infection.
Risks
Without treatment you could die.
Your body may go into shock, and organs such as the lungs,
heart, and kidneys may stop working.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
It is important to take proper care of small
infections so they do not spread in the body and cause
sepsis. Symptoms of a small infection in one part of the
body are redness, swelling, and
tenderness.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You or a family member develops the symptoms of
sepsis: fever, fast breathing, dizziness, and a fast heart
rate.
-
You feel confused or have trouble
breathing.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
Oxygen: The body may need extra oxygen at this time.
It is given either by a mask or nasal prongs. Tell the
doctor if the oxygen is drying out your nose or if the
nasal prongs are bothersome.
-
Pulse Oximeter: If you are getting oxygen, a pulse
oximeter (ox-IM-ih-ter) may be placed on your ear, finger,
or toe and connected to a machine that measures the oxygen
in your blood.
-
Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or
from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on the
blood.
-
Blood Gases: Blood is taken from an artery in your
wrist, elbow, or groin. It is tested for the amount of
oxygen it contains.
-
Chest X-ray: This picture of your lungs and heart
shows the doctor how they are handling the
illness.
-
Sputum Sample: If you are coughing up sputum, the
doctor may need to send a sample to the lab. This sample
may show what is causing the illness and will also help the
doctor choose what medicine you need.
-
IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine
or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
-
ECG: Also called a heart monitor, an
electrocardiograph (e-LEK-tro-CAR-dee-o-graf), or EKG.
Patches on your chest are hooked up to a TV-type screen or
a small portable box (telemetry unit). This screen shows a
tracing of each heartbeat. The heart will be watched for
signs of injury or damage sustained from the
infection.
-
Foley Catheter: This tube may be threaded into your
bladder to drain urine until you can urinate on your
own.
-
Medicine:
-
Antibiotics may be given by IV, in a shot, or by
mouth to fight the infection.
-
Fever medicines such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen
will be given by mouth or in the
rectum.
After You Leave
-
Get lots of rest while you are ill. Slowly restart
your usual activities as you feel
better.
-
Always take your medicine as directed by your doctor.
If you feel it is not helping, call your doctor. Do not
quit taking it on your own.
-
If you are taking antibiotics, continue to take them
until they are all gone, even if you feel well. If you stop
too soon, some germs may remain and reinfect
you.
-
To keep from getting sick again, stay away from
people who have illnesses that can spread. Also, get shots
against pneumonia and the flu.
-
Get lots of rest and eat healthy foods to help keep
up your resistance to infection.
-
Wash your hands after going to the bathroom and
before eating. This will keep you from spreading the
infection or becoming infected by germs that live in body
wastes.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have a high temperature.
-
You have fever, swelling, pain, or redness while you
are being treated. These are signs of continuing
infection.
-
You plan to have surgery or work done on your teeth
after you have had sepsis. You may need to be started on
antibiotics first.
-
You have a rash, swelling, hives, or trouble
breathing. These may be caused by the medicine you are
taking.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
You feel confused or have trouble
breathing.
-
You or a family member develops the symptoms of
sepsis: fever, fast breathing, dizziness, and a fast heart
rate.
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