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.

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Kidney Infections

Septicemia has a frightening relationship with the kidneys. Not only can kidney infections and chronic kidney diseases be the initial cause, but septicemia can also can devastating effects on the kidneys. Since kidneys are responsible for filtering toxins from the blood and returning it to the body, an infection of them can easily spread. Bladder infections can also spread to the kidneys, which in turn spread it throughout the body. When a doctor suspects septicemia has either been caused by the kidneys or it is affecting them, blood and urine tests are the first steps. If septicemia is not caught and treated early on, the kidneys can quickly fail. Dialysis is necessary to keep the body functioning if the kidneys are not doing their job. In certain cases, septicemia may result in a need for lifelong dialysis.

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Urinary Tract Infections

Urinary tract infections (UTIs), which are quite common, especially in women, can easily spread to the kidneys. The kidneys are considered part of the urinary tract, and pyelonephritis is the term for when they are impacted by the urinary tract infection. This is considered an upper UTI. Lower UTIs, which affect the urethra and bladder, are more common. A urinary tract infection can lead to septicemia, even if it never spread to the kidneys. If a urinary tract infection eventually develops into sepsis, it is referred to as urosepsis. When caught early, a UTI is easy to treat. If it is suspected to have spread, blood tests and ultrasounds may be called for. As many of twenty-five percent of the individuals who develop septicemia and eventually sepsis started with a urinary tract infection.

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Compromised Immune Systems

Due to the nature of the disease, septicemia is especially common in those with compromised immune systems. Individuals with diseases such as leukemia and HIV are considered at a higher risk of developing the condition. Unfortunately, individuals with these conditions are much more commonly at the hospital, which can be a very dangerous place because secondary infections can occur. Often, these secondary infections are very resistant to antibiotics. Many medical treatments can weaken the immune system. When combined with being very young or very old, compromised immune systems can make it very difficult for the body to fight off the infections that can lead to septicemia. A severe case of septicemia may permanently weaken an individual's immune function.