When it comes to Sepsis what you don’t know could really hurt you. Sepsis is a severe illness in which the bloodstream is overwhelmed by bacteria. It is caused by a bacterial infection that can begin anywhere in the body. Since common sites of infection include intravenous lines, surgical wounds, surgical drains, and decubitus ulcers (sites of skin break downs commonly referred to as bedsores), hospital stays can put patients at risk of contracting Sepsis. Sepsis contracted in hospitals is usually considered a form of medical malpractice.
If you or a loved one has a condition that causes them frequent hospital stays, you need to be aware of the symptoms of Sepsis. Contaminated equipment, hospital negligence, and poor sanitation procedures in hospitals and medical offices put patients at risk of this life threatening infection.
A sepsis victim’s blood pressure drops so low that they usually go into shock. Major organs and body systems are affected and stop working properly. These systems can include the kidneys, liver, lungs, and central nervous system. Symptoms to look out for are chills, confusion and delirium, increased urine output, fever or abnormally low body temperature, hyperventilation, lightheadedness due to low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, skin rash, or warm skin.
If Sepsis is suspected, a blood test should be performed immediately to try to confirm the condition. Other tests done may include blood gases, kidney function tests, platelet count, white blood cell count, blood differential, fibrin degradation, and peripheral smear.
If Sepsis is confirmed, a patient is usually given antibiotics intravenously right away, usually in an intensive care unit. When left untreated this condition is life threatening and therefore if caused by a hospital or not treated properly, could be grounds for a medical malpractice lawsuit. Consult a lawyer if you feel your love one may have been a victim.