What is Involved in the Management of Sepsis?

Sepsis is a medical term given to a bacterial infection of the bloodstream. Without proper treatment, this condition can be potentially fatal. Common symptoms of sepsis include fever, chills, and confusion. The management of sepsis typically requires hospitalization and intensive antibiotic therapy. More aggressive forms of treatment may be required, depending on the extent of the infection and the overall health of the patient.

When sepsis is suspected, blood tests are generally performed in order to confirm the diagnosis. Some symptoms that may help to identify the presence of a blood infection include low blood pressure, fever, and rapid heartbeat. The lowered blood pressure often leads to shock. Kidney function is often reduced when sepsis is present.

The proper management of sepsis is extremely important in order to prevent potentially fatal complications. In most cases, if sepsis is even suspected, the patient will be admitted to the hospital. Blood cultures will likely be performed to determine the exact type of bacteria present and to determine if the bacteria is immune to specific antibiotics. It can take a day or two for the results of the culture to be available, but waiting that long for treatment can prove to be deadly for the patient.

The management of sepsis usually begins with the use of a combination of IV antibiotics. A small tube is inserted into a vein, usually in the hand or arm, so that medications can be delivered directly into the bloodstream. After the culture results become available, one or more of the antibiotics may need to be changed or eliminated.

In some cases, the management of sepsis may involve oxygen therapy or IV therapy to replace fluids or electrolytes. Breathing problems sometimes develop as a result of a massive blood infection. Oxygen therapy may help the patient breathe more freely and may also improve the feeling of physical and emotional well-being. Fluids may be given through the IV to make sure the patient does not become dehydrated during treatment.

Organ damage, especially damage to the kidneys, may occur as a result of sepsis. When this is the case, dialysis may be used in the management of sepsis. Dialysis is the process of removing blood from the body, sending the blood through a machine to be filtered and cleaned, and then returning the blood to the body. The patient may also need to be connected to a breathing machine if respiratory problems are involved.