Causes And Risk Factors Of Septicemia

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.

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Lung Infections

Lung infections, particularly pneumonia, are another common risk factor for developing septicemia, and possibly full-blown sepsis. In fact, lung infections are the number one cause of septicemia in adults. Although septicemia is most commonly associated with bacterial infections, both viral and fungal pneumonia can cause it as well. It is especially important to seek medical attention with pneumonia. This is because it can be deadly on its own, and careful monitoring for the infection spreading to the bloodstream should be done. This is especially true for the very young or very old. If septicemia turns into sepsis and then septic shock, lung failure is a common cause of death.

Keep reading for more information on risk factors and causes of septicemia now.