Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that happens when your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level after an infection. Any type of bacteria can cause the infection. Fungi such as candida and viruses can also be a cause, although this is rare. At first the infection can lead to a reaction called sepsis.Nov 1, 2021
Bacterial infections are the most common causes of sepsis. They can originate externally in wounds or as a result of conditions such as pneumonia. Anyone who suspects that they or someone else may have sepsis or have gone into septic shock should seek emergency care.
The most common causes of sepsis in the pediatric age group include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Antecedent infections that may cause sepsis in this group of patients include meningitis, skin infections, bacterial rhinosinusitis, and otitis media.
Sepsis can be caused by any type of infection: bacterial, viral, fungal, or even parasitic. Sepsis prevention is only possible by preventing infections with good and consistent hygiene and avoiding people with infections. Other infections can be prevented through the use of vaccinations.
While any type of infection — bacterial, viral or fungal — can lead to sepsis, infections that more commonly result in sepsis include infections of:Lungs, such as pneumonia.Kidney, bladder and other parts of the urinary system.Digestive system.Bloodstream (bacteremia)Catheter sites.Wounds or burns.Jan 19, 2021
Conclusions: Increased stress was associated with higher 1-year adjusted incidence of sepsis, even after accounting for depressive symptoms. The association between stress and 10-year adjusted incidence of sepsis was also significant, but this association was reduced when adjusting for depressive symptoms.
Those at the highest risk of developing sepsis include the very young and the very old (infants and seniors), as well as people with chronic or serious illnesses, such as diabetes and cancer, and those who have an impaired immune system.
For example, typical findings of sepsis (mental obtundation, tachycardia, and fever) may be absent in an elderly patient; the only clue may be the patient's failure to eat. Once sepsis is recognized, its source must be identified.
Mortality due to serious infections is significantly higher among elderly patients than among younger patients. This differential is particularly striking in some subsets of patients; for example, the mortality rate among older patients with afebrile bacteremia is 65 percent, compared with 25 to 35 …. Mortality due to serious infections is ...