In some cases treatment may begin in the emergency department. To help you breathe more easily, you'll be given oxygen through a face mask, a tube inserted into your nose, or an endotracheal tube inserted into your mouth. If you have severe shortness of breath , a mechanical ventilator may be used. You'll probably be given fluids directly into a vein. This will help raise your blood pressure by increasing the amount of fluid in your blood. To increase the blood flow to your vital organs, such as your brain, liver, kidneys and heart, you may be prescribed inotropic medicines or vasopressors.
Inotropic medicines inotropes , such as dobutamine, stimulate your heart. They increase the strength of your heartbeat, which helps get oxygen-rich blood to your tissues and organs, where it's needed. These medicines will cause your blood vessels to narrow, increasing your blood pressure and the flow of blood around your body. This will allow your vital organs to start functioning properly.
Antibiotics are often used to treat the associated bacterial infection. The type of antibiotic used depends on the type of bacterial infection and where in the body the infection started. You may be started on antibiotics immediately to increase your chances of survival. Initially, two or three types of antibiotics may be used.
The most effective type of antibiotic can be used once the bacterium responsible for the infection is identified. In severe cases of sepsis or septic shock, the large decrease in blood pressure and blood flow can kill organ tissue.
If this happens, surgery may be required to remove the dead tissue. Home Illnesses and conditions Blood and lymph Septic shock. Septic shock See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. Without this treatment, insufficient blood flow can result in vital organs not getting enough oxygen and beginning to fail. Both sepsis and septic shock can be fatal. A study of hospital admissions in California found that sepsis contributed to 1 in every 2 to 3 deaths.
In addition, a review reported that in cases associated with septic shock, the mortality rate was around Septic shock may also lead to life-altering complications. These can include chronic pain, incorrectly functioning organs, and post-traumatic stress disorder. There are a few steps that people can take to reduce their risk of developing sepsis and septic shock:.
Septic shock is a severe illness. People with sepsis and septic shock require hospitalization and immediate treatment. Studies have shown that even minor delays in treating severe sepsis and septic shock may increase the risk of death. Antibiotics: Treatment should begin within the first hour after diagnosis.
The doctor will administer these drugs directly into a vein. They will usually start treatment with broad-spectrum antibiotics that act against most of the bacteria that could be causing the infection.
Once the blood test results have revealed which bacteria is responsible, the doctor will likely switch to a more specific antibiotic. Vasopressors: These medications are necessary to maintain adequate blood pressure in people with septic shock. A doctor will use these if blood pressure remains too low after a person receives fluids. This can increase their blood pressure. If the blood pressure continues to drop with this medication, the situation is a cause for concern.
Reviews suggest that patients with more severe septic shock may benefit more from corticosteroid application. However, researchers concluded that further controlled studies were required to confirm findings.
Additional medications may include insulin to stabilize blood sugar levels and prevent the patient from developing hyperglycemia. The most common cause of sepsis is a bacterial infection. Sepsis can then lead to septic shock. When bacteria find their way into the bloodstream, harmful infections might occur. Bacteria can get into the bloodstream through an opening in the skin, such as a cut or burn.
As sepsis worsens, blood flow to vital organs, such as your brain, heart and kidneys, becomes impaired. Sepsis may cause abnormal blood clotting that results in small clots or burst blood vessels that damage or destroy tissues. Also, an episode of severe sepsis places you at higher risk of future infections. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.
Overview Sepsis is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when the body's response to an infection damages its own tissues. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references AskMayoExpert. Sepsis and septic shock. Mayo Clinic; Pomerantz WJ.
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