How not to get sepsis

What is sepsis

The same thing that in everyday life is called blood poisoning. Only sepsis is the medical term Blood poisoning: When to see a doctor that any doctor can understand.

Sepsis in general terms What is Sepsis? - this is when an infection enters the bloodstream, and the immune system, for some reason, cannot cope with it. Or, on the contrary, it attacks the infection too actively, releasing a huge amount of chemicals into the blood.

In any case, the result is disastrous. Either the infection itself, or the chemicals travel with the blood throughout the body and cause widespread inflammation. In addition, sepsis increases blood clotting, resulting in less oxygen and nutrients to organs and tissues.

All together can lead to septic shock - failure of vital organs (heart, lungs, kidneys, liver) - and death.

Where does blood poisoning come from?

Any infection can be the cause of sepsis: viral, bacterial, fungal, even parasitic. The main thing is that it gets into the bloodstream, and the immunity fails.

In this case, a banal SARS or flu, pneumonia, meningitis, urinary tract infections, bedsores, injections and surgery can lead to blood poisoning.

But most often, the infection enters the bloodstream quite casually: through an open wound, even an unsuccessfully torn off barb near the nail.

Each wound is initially infected, because we do not live in a sterile environment and around us is full of microbes. This does not mean that sepsis will necessarily develop. Most often, the immune system does not sleep and successfully suppresses the infection in the embryo.

However, things are different. A wound, even the tiniest one, can fester, and from it a shock dose of microbes rushes to attack the body. And that is exactly what you can prevent. Therefore, we will continue to talk about sepsis caused by skin lesions.

What are the symptoms of sepsis

You should be on your guard if the resulting wound does not behave as usual. Does not heal, but, on the contrary, shows signs of inflammation:

it hurts to touch her;
she is hot;
edema arose around her.

Any of these symptoms suggests that you should see a doctor - a general practitioner or surgeon. For every fireman.

This recommendation becomes mandatory (and as soon as possible!) If you find diverging red stripes around the wound. They say that the infection has begun to spread through the lymphatic tract.

In addition, the obvious symptoms of developing sepsis include:

fever (temperature rise above 37.7 ° C);
chills;
low (less than 36, 2 ° C) body temperature;
rapid pulse and breathing;
rare urination;
nausea and vomiting;
diarrhea.

If at least 2-3 such signs are added to the strange wound, go to the doctor immediately!

How to avoid blood poisoning

Unfortunately, there is no 100% guarantee that you will not get sepsis. However, there are a number of measures that can significantly reduce risks.

1. Strengthen your immune system

It is he who is our defense against infections. Recommendations that are boring to gnashing teeth, but effective: eat healthy food, move more, get enough sleep, keep your weight within normal limits and be less nervous.

2. Disinfect wounds

Even the smallest ones like an insect bite or a scratch. Rinse the damaged area with clean water, disinfect, protect against further ingress of bacteria.

If you are not sure that you will be doing well with wound care, contact the emergency room.

3. Observe the wound and general well-being

At the slightest suspicion, do not rely on chance, but consult a doctor. Perhaps (hurray!), Your doubts will turn out to be unfounded. Otherwise, you will need to take antibiotics, and maybe treatment in a hospital.