Septicemia in Older People - Causes, Symptoms, Treatment, and Complications

What Is Septicemia?

Septicemia refers to blood poisoning due to the invasion of germs to the bloodstream from organs such as the skin, lungs, kidneys, and bladder. Older people who get hospitalized or had recent surgery are at high risk for developing septicemia. Sepsis is a serious condition that occurs as a complication of septicemia. Septicemia is caused mainly by bacteria, but it can also occur due to viral infection.

Bacteria that often cause septicemia include Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Bacteremia means the presence of bacteria in the blood, while septicemia refers to the multiplication of bacteria or other microbes in blood. Septicemia is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment.

What Are the Causes of Septicemia in Older People?

Following are some of the causes of septicemia in older people:

1. Hospitalization: Older people may require hospitalization if they develop any serious medical condition. They have a high chance of getting septicemia if germs are present in surgical equipment and other tools.

2. Urinary Tract Infection: Septicemia and sepsis can occur as complications if urinary tract infection is left untreated. During septicemia, kidneys won't be able to filter waste and pathogens, which leads to their build-up in blood. Following this, the blood gets poisoned, which leads to sepsis.

3. Kidney Infection: People with kidney infections have a high chance of developing sepsis, which presents with symptoms such as fever, chills, confusion, increased heart rate, and rapid breathing.

4. Pneumonia: Pneumonia is an infectious condition that affects the alveoli of the lungs. Patients with pneumonia present with symptoms like chest pain, fever, dry cough, trouble breathing, and so on. Septicemia and sepsis can occur as serious complications of pneumonia. Septicemia due to pneumonia occurs with symptoms like severe illness, rapid pulse, and confusion.

5. Chronic Conditions: People with chronic conditions such as diabetes mellitus, cancer, or HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) are likely to develop septicemia. Patients who have undergone chemotherapy or who have taken steroid injections also have a high chance of getting septicemia.

6. Skin Ulcers: Ulcers in the skin can act as a pathway for entry of pathogenic microbes which can lead to septicemia in later stages.

7. Weakened Immune System: Older people with impaired or weakened immune systems are more likely to develop septicemia.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Septicemia in Older People?

Older people with septicemia present with the following signs and symptoms:

• High fever.

• Fatigue.

• Chills.

• Confusion.

• Nausea and vomiting.

• Sweating.

• Presence of red dots on the skin.

• Changes in heart rate.

• Sensitivity to light.

• Not able to think clearly.

• Decrease in urine volume.

• Decrease in blood pressure.

How Is Septicemia Diagnosed?

The doctor will take a medical history after asking about signs and symptoms. Finding the exact cause of infection is challenging for doctors. Initially, they will do a physical examination to check blood pressure and body temperature. The doctor will also look for the signs and symptoms of diseases that usually occurs with septicemia, such as:

• Pneumonia.

• Urinary tract infection.

• Cellulitis (a serious bacterial infection that causes swelling of the inner layers of the skin).

• Meningitis (inflammation of the fluids and meninges in the brain and spinal cord)

Following this, tests will be performed on various fluids to detect the presence of bacteria. Body fluids taken include:

• Urine.

• Blood.

• Secretions from wounds and sores.

• Respiratory secretions.

The levels of carbon dioxide and oxygen will also be checked to detect whether septicemia is caused due to breathing problems.

Imaging tests are performed if the diagnosis is not obtained from the above tests.

• X-ray.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

• Computed tomography (CT).

• Ultrasound.

What Is the Treatment of Septicemia in Older People?

Septicemia is considered an emergency and it requires immediate treatment. However, the treatment depends on the following factors:

• Age of the patient.

• Overall health.

• The severity of the condition.

• Medications taken by the patient

The first step of treatment is providing broad-spectrum antibiotics to treat bacterial infections. Doctors will prescribe medications and fluids to bring back the blood pressure to the normal range. In case of low blood pressure, vasopressors are prescribed. An oxygen mask is provided if the patient is suffering from breathing issues. Medications are administered intravenously to prevent the formation of blood clots. If any tissue gets damaged due to septicemia, doctors advise surgical removal.

People with weak immune systems are advised to take precautions to avoid bacterial infections. Early diagnosis of septicemia can be treated with antibiotics. In later stages, it can even end up in organ damage.

What Are the Complications of Septicemia in Older People?

Septicemia, if not treated on time, can end up in serious complications and some of them can even be life-threatening. The complications include:

• Sepsis: Sepsis is a severe condition that occurs when the body has a highly effective immune response to an infection. Symptoms of sepsis include rapid and shallow breathing, change in mental status, sweating, lightheadedness, etc. Sepsis can cause inflammation all over the body. In some cases, the severity of sepsis increases, leading to organ damage such as heart or liver failure.

• Septic Shock: It is a life-threatening complication of septicemia where the blood pressure severely drops. The symptoms of septic shock are high fever, rapid heart rate and breathing, body aches, and rashes. Organ dysfunction can also occur in severe cases. The complications of septic shock include heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, and liver failure.

How Can Older People Reduce the Risk of Septicemia?

Older people can reduce the risk of septicemia by following methods:

• Getting vaccinated on time.

• Taking care of wounds by cleaning and covering them.

• Washing hands regularly.

• Avoiding or quitting smoking.

• Eating nutrient-rich foods.

• Regular exercise.

• Managing chronic conditions.

• Staying away from sick people.

Conclusion:

Septicemia in older people can occur due to numerous causes. It is a condition where bacteria or other disease-causing microbes proliferate in the blood. Patients with septicemia present with symptoms such as high fever, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, confusion, etc. If left untreated, septicemia can end up in severe complications such as sepsis and septic shock. These conditions, if not diagnosed early, can become life-threatening. If diagnosed early, septicemia is treatable with proper care and medical support.