Septic shock is the progression of septicemia or sepsis, which is a severe systemic response of the body to an infection.
Septicemia
In simple terms, septic shock happens when the body reacts disproportionately to an infection, leading to tissue damage, organ dysfunction, and, in severe cases, death.
This condition occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites enter the bloodstream, triggering a widespread inflammatory cascade.
Septicemia is not a disease in itself, but rather a complication of untreated or poorly controlled infections. It can originate from any part of the body where a primary infection exists, such as the lungs with pneumonia, the urinary tract with a urinary infection, or the abdomen with peritonitis; it can even arise from an infected skin wound.
Initial symptoms of septic shock include high fever, tachycardia, hypotension, and altered mental status. If not treated promptly, it can progress to septic shock.
How long can a person live with septicemia?
The duration of septicemia and a person’s chances of survival depend on various factors such as the severity of the condition, the speed of treatment, and the presence of comorbidities.
In the early phase of septicemia, the patient may experience initial symptoms; in cases where there is early diagnosis and treatment, the prognosis is usually favorable.
In severe sepsis, the condition progresses to organ dysfunction involving the kidneys, liver, and lungs; treatment at this stage requires critical care.
When the condition evolves to septic shock, there is a high risk of mortality, even with advanced support.
Other factors directly related to the recovery or progression of septic shock include the patient’s age, their health status prior to the event, as well as complications or the presence and duration of multiple organ failure.
Acute Abdomen and Septic Shock
The term acute abdomen describes a clinical condition characterized by severe abdominal pain and associated symptoms that indicate a surgical emergency, most often caused by appendicitis, peritonitis, intestinal obstruction, or perforation of hollow organs.
When these conditions are not treated in time, they can lead to contamination of the peritoneal cavity and the development of peritonitis, a serious infection that may trigger septicemia and eventually progress to septic shock.
Septic shock is a condition that demands rapid and coordinated intervention to prevent fatal outcomes. Early identification of septicemia is crucial to avoid progressing to septic shock and to improve the patient’s chances of recovery.
At the Saludora Medical Center’s Internal Medicine Department, we can provide you with specialized care. Contact us!
Fuentes
MedlinePlus, MSD Manuals, Scielo
