Signs & Symptoms of Septic Shock

Signs & Symptoms of Septic Shock

Septic shock is an extremely serious medical condition that can cause multiple organ failure and death. Sepsis occurs because toxins produced by harmful bacterial infections cause cells in the body to release substances that induce inflammation. It is important to recognize the symptoms of septic shock since this illness requires immediate medical attention.

1. Signs of Septic Shock

   • An abnormally high or low body temperature can be a sign of septic shock.

     Signs that you may have septic shock include shaking chills, an abnormally high or low body temperature, weakness, rapid breathing, a quickened heart beat, and a drop in blood pressure.

   Effects

   • Effects of septic shock include blood clotting and decreased blood flow to vital organs.

     Because inflammation is induced, blood vessels dilate and blood pressure decreases. Other negative effects of septic shock include blood clotting, decreased blood flow to vital organs and the worsening of lung functions.

   Speculation

   • MKP-1 prevents the development of septic shock in mice.

     A study by the Center for Perinatal Research and the Center for Gene Therapy identified an enzyme called MKP-1 that prevents the development of septic shock in mice. Investigators speculate that this discovery may lead to more effective prevention against septic shock in humans in the future.

   Solution

   • Septic shock patients may require a breathing machine as part of their treatment.

     Septic shock patients are immediately treated with antibiotics and admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital. Depending on the severity of the case, septic shock patients may require a breathing machine, intravenous fluids and drugs to treat low blood pressure, blood clotting and infection.

   Potential

   • Septic shock has a high mortality rate.

     Unfortunately, even with proper treatment, there is the potential for septic shock to result in death. With medical treatment, the probability of death is approximately 50 percent for people with septic shock.

   People at High Risk

   • Newborns have an increased risk of developing septic shock.

     Some people are more at risk for developing septic shock than others. Pregnant women, people over the age of 35, newborns, people with already weakened immune systems, and people with diabetes or cirrhosis are most likely to develop septic shock.

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