THE sepsis is the name given to a condition formerly known as generalized infection. Despite its old name, it is not an infection that spreads through the body, it is a systemic inflammatory response that occurs as a result of infection. This inflammatory process is severe and can compromise the proper functioning of the patient's body, leading to death.
It often occurs in people who are in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) and has a high mortality rate, especially when it is not discovered and treated quickly. It is known that sepsis kills more than heart attacks and even some types of cancer, being the leading cause of death in ICU.
Usually the groups that are more likely to have sepsis they are premature babies, elderly people over 65 years of age, patients with AIDS, cancer and chronic diseases, in addition to those who are using medicines that act in defense of the body. Patients who use drugs and alcohol, as well as those who have suffered serious accidents, such as burns and trauma, are also more susceptible to the disease. Despite reaching the most debilitated people, anyone can develop sepsis.
It is important to note that any infectioncan become sepsis and must be dealt with quickly. For this, it is necessary to initially detect the causative agent, as the physician will direct the treatment according to the location of the infection and its pathogenic agent. If the patient develops sepsis, the administration of antibiotics and control of vital body activities should be started immediately. In some cases, it may be necessary to adopt procedures such as dialysis, artificial respiration and the use of medications that increase the patient's blood pressure.
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The disease has no specific symptoms, which makes early diagnosis difficult. Nonetheless, people with infections should beware to symptoms such as fever, tachycardia, increased respiratory rate (tachypnea), low blood pressure, shortness of breath, drowsiness and decreased urination. In addition to the symptoms described, the doctor will look for other signs, such as the amount of white blood cells in the blood, which normally tend to be higher, and the accumulation of lactic acid in the body of the patient.
Sepsis, in more severe cases, can lead to septic shock. This stage is what most needs attention, as if the patient does not receive the proper treatment, multiple organ failure and even death can occur. Despite its high mortality, sepsis, if treated early and properly, can be cured.
For prevent sepsis, you should prevent infections in general. The best preventive measure is to always keep your vaccines up to date. In addition, proper hygiene habits and healthy lifestyle help to prevent major illness. Another important point is the use of antibiotics, which can only be used with medical advice and in strict compliance with the treatment. In this way, the risk of emergence of drug-resistant bacteria is avoided.
By Ma. Vanessa dos Santos
Would you like to reference this text in a school or academic work? Look:
SANTOS, Vanessa Sardinha dos. "What is sepsis?"; Brazil School. Available in: https://brasilescola.uol.com.br/o-que-e/biologia/o-que-e-sepse.htm. Accessed on July 27, 2021.
