Septicemia is a very serious condition that involves infections, most commonly bacterial ones, entering the bloodstream. It is sometimes referred to as bacteremia, or less officially, as blood poisoning. Once the infection hits the bloodstream, it can travel to any part of the body. Untreated septicemia can lead to sepsis, which is a condition where widespread inflammation occurs and can eventually lead to organ failure and death. Septic shock is the term for when sepsis happens at the same time as very low blood pressure and is very often fatal. As a result, anyone with septicemia must seek immediate medical attention. Diagnosing septicemia is very challenging for doctors because they have to identify the source of the original infection. Get to know the various causes and risk factors of septicemia now.
Abdominal Infections
Even though any bacterial infection can lead to septicemia, abdominal infections are one of the more common. Appendicitis is a good example of an infection that starts in the abdomen but can then spread to the bloodstream. A CT scan is usually required to diagnose an infection in this area. Special dyes can be injected into certain veins to highlight specific areas in the abdomen, which can help the doctor determine the source of the infection, and ultimately the septicemia. An ultrasound can also be done to help determine the origin of the problem as well. If it turns of the septicemia is the result of abdominal infection, surgery may be required.
Reveal the next possible cause of septicemia now.