Septicemia - Difference, Causes, Signs, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

What Is Septicemia?

Septicemia, which is sometimes known as blood poisoning, is an infection that occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread during severe infections.

What Is the Difference Between Septicemia and Sepsis?

Septicemia is the infection that occurs when bacteria or other microorganisms enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body. It is more common among people with chronic medical conditions and hospitalized patients. The body’s extreme reaction to this event is known as sepsis. Sepsis may progress to septic shock and cause death. The death rate associated with septic shock can be as high as 50 % and primarily depends on the involved organism. Sepsis must be considered a medical emergency as it may require immediate medical intervention. If treatment is delayed, sepsis can lead to progressive tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

Who Is at a Higher Risk of Developing Septicemia?

Septicemia is more common among the following people:

• Older adults or very young individuals.

• Those who are hospitalized or have had recent surgery along with the usage of intravenous drugs and catheters.

• Those who have had septicemia before.

• Those who have severe injuries, such as extensive burns or open wounds.

• Have infections or other chronic medical conditions like diabetes, lung disease, immune system disorders, kidney disease, or cancer.

• Have compromised immune systems.

What Are the Primary Organisms Involved in Septicemia?

The primary causative organisms include:

• Staphylococcus aureus.

• Escherichia coli.

• Streptococcus pneumoniae.

What Are the Causes of Septicemia?

Septicemia can be caused by the presence of bacteria, viruses, or fungi that enter the bloodstream through any of the following ways:

• Tooth abscess.

• Contact with contaminated medical equipment such as surgical instruments and needles.

• Renal infections.

• Skin ulcers or infections.

• Urinary tract infections.

• Lung infections such as pneumonia.

• Infections in the intestines or gut.

What Are the Signs of Septicemia?

Each person may experience different symptoms. Early symptoms of septicemia are:

• High fever.

• Weakness.

• Chills.

• Drop-in blood pressure.

• Sweating.

Septicemia when it results in sepsis may lead to the formation of a hemorrhagic rash, a cluster of small spots of blood that look like pinpricks in the skin. If it is not treated, the rash gets bigger gradually and starts to look like a fresh bruise. The bruises can join together and form larger areas of purple-colored skin, which is a sign of damage and discoloration.

As septicemia progresses very quickly to sepsis, the person may rapidly become very ill and show the following symptoms:

• Develop a fever.

• Lose interest in food and surroundings.

• Have an increased heart rate.

• Become nauseous and may vomit.

• Complaining of extreme pain or discomfort.

• Become sensitive to light.

• Become lethargic, anxious, confused, or agitated.

• Feel cold, with cool hands and feet.

• Experience a coma and sometimes death.

Severely ill patients with sepsis, a complication of septicemia, may develop some of the signs of meningitis.

How Is Septicemia Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of septicemia is based on:

• Clinical presentation of the symptoms.

• Blood tests to identify bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Depending on the symptoms, other tests may be needed to assess the damage to tissues and organs. To diagnose septicemia, the healthcare provider may look for various physical findings such as fever, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, and respiratory rate. Tests to assess the signs of infection and organ damage may also be performed. However, septicemia may be hard to identify in the initial stages as some of the symptoms like fever and difficulty breathing can often be seen in other conditions.

What Is the Treatment for Septicemia?

The treatment for septicemia will be determined based on the following factors:

• Age, overall health, and medical history.

• Tolerance towards specific medicines, therapies, or procedures.

• The extent of the infection.

• The course of the condition.

Septicemia can progress to sepsis, which, in turn, may result in a life-threatening emergency that may require immediate medical intervention. In emergencies, the patients are hospitalized, and treatment is started as early as possible. Treatment includes prescribing antibiotics for the specific microorganisms causing the infection and treating the disease.

If the septicemia is caused by a virus or fungi, specific antiviral or antifungal medicines are prescribed. Care must be taken to ensure proper blood flow to the organs. Certain patients may require oxygen and intravenous (IV) fluids to help get blood flow and oxygen to the affected organs. Patients who are highly debilitated may require advanced machines like a ventilator or kidney dialysis unit to manage the complications. Surgery is only done when tissue is damaged due to an infection that needs to be removed.

How to Prevent Septicemia?

One of the best ways to prevent an infection is by strictly following infection control behaviors like hand washing. Handwashing must be done often with clean, running water for at least 20 seconds.

Hands must be washed:

• Before eating.

• Before and after coming in contact with a sick person.

• After using the toilet.

• Before and after cleaning and dressing a wound or cut.

• Before, during, and after preparing food.

• After handling an animal or pet and while giving them food or treats.

• After blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.

• After touching garbage.

A person can lessen their chances of developing septicemia by:

• Following the vaccination schedule and getting all the recommended vaccines.

• If any wounds are present, one must keep them clean and covered.

• In case of any infections, proper treatment must be provided, and the patient must recover completely under the physician’s guidance.

Conclusion:

If treatment is effective and timely, one can start to feel better in a few weeks to months. Patients with more complex disease presentations may take longer to recover. The symptoms of septicemia may resemble other conditions or medical ailments. Therefore, It is essential to seek professional medical help if presented with the signs of septicemia. If proper medical treatment is not provided, septicemia may eventually progress to sepsis and septic shock, which is often fatal. If a person has had septicemia in the past and has recovered, they have more chances of developing it again in the future.