What is Blood Infection (Sepsis)? Know its Causes, Symptoms and Prevention

2022-01-27 18:33:05

Blood infection is also known as sepsis or septicemia. It is a disease caused by infection. This condition occurs when chemicals that dissolve in the blood to fight infection cause inflammation or irritation in the body due to which many changes occur in the body. As a result, many organs in the body get damaged or their functionality gets interrupted. In such a situation, people should contact the doctor immediately because ignoring it can cause rapid spread of infection in the body due to which it takes the form of septic shock. Many parts of the body stop working and blood pressure starts decreasing suddenly. This may lead to the death of a person. The initial symptoms can be cured by some home remedies or by changing daily routine.

 

Symptoms and Stages of Blood Infection Sepsis

There is no single symptom of sepsis. It consists of a combination of symptoms. On the basis of these symptoms, the stage of blood infection is divided into three parts in which the first is the initial condition of sepsis, the second is the severe sepsis and the last is the condition of septic shock. Let's talk about its stages and symptoms which are as follows-

 

Early Blood Infection(Sepsis)

To test or diagnose sepsis, the following symptoms must be noted in the patient-

• Breathing rapidly.
• Likely or confirmed infection.
• Change in body temperature.
• Rapid heartbeat i.e more than 90 beats per minute.

 

Symptoms of Severe Sepsis

In the severe stage of sepsis, the patient experiences many symptoms but some of them are as follows-

• Difficulty in breathing.
• Rapid drop in platelet count.
• Feeling of loss of urine.
• Change in the mental state of the person.
• Abnormally pumping by the heart.
• Unbearable pain in the stomach.

 

Symptoms of Septic Shock

Symptoms of septic shock are similar to those of severe sepsis but there are fluctuations in blood pressure. In this condition, many parts of the body stop working and blood pressure starts decreasing suddenly due to which the person may even die. Therefore, doctors resort to fluids to normalize the patient's blood pressure.

 

Causes of Blood Infection Sepsis

There are many reasons behind blood infection but the main reason for this is a malfunction in the immune system (weakening of immunity). Since the immune system works to protect the body from invading germs or viruses but if for some reason there is a defect or disturbance in it, then problems like blood infection start to occur. This disease is mostly caused due to under reaction or overreaction.

 

Under Reaction

In this condition the immune system of the patient is unable to function properly or stops working.

 

Over reaction

This condition occurs when a virus or bacteria acts as a trigger for the immune system.

 

Other causes of blood infection are

• Bone infection.
• Scratches or injury to the upper part of the skin.
• Steroid medicines.
• Older people especially when they are suffering from other health-related diseases.
• Diabetes.
• Unsafe delivery of pregnant women.
• Pneumonia, appendicitis, meningitis and urinary tract infection.

Prevention methods of Blood Infection (Sepsis)

 

Infections spread more rapidly in people who have a weakened immune system. In such a situation, they should take special care of themselves and follow the prevention methods listed below-

• Get vaccinated regularly. Get your young children vaccinated for pneumonia, flu, or other infections from time to time.
• Pay special attention to cleanliness. Take a bath daily.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap before eating.
• Drink plenty of water and fluids.
• Take care of bruises, wounds or scratches on the body.
• Old people should especially take care of water intake.
• Get your pulse, temperature, blood pressure and respiratory rate checked regularly.
• Women should avoid getting the flu during pregnancy.

 

Home remedies for Blood Infection (Sepsis)

 

Consumption of foods rich in vitamin C

Vitamin C-rich substances play an important role in the treatment of blood poisoning. It helps in preventing the early symptoms of most blood infections. It aids in the growth and repair of damaged cells in the body. Vitamin C is an immunity booster and is also helpful in healing wounds. It helps patients fight bacteria in the blood and improve the functioning of small blood vessels.

 

Turmeric

Turmeric is widely known as a natural remedy for many ailments, including blood poisoning. It increases the amount of protein in the body. Apart from this, the antibacterial and antibiotic properties present in it work to fight and protect against various types of infections occurring in the body. Therefore, turmeric is considered to be the most effective medicine in getting rid of infection.

 

Garlic

Garlic is also a great natural immunity booster. Hence it is an effective natural remedy for blood infection i.e. sepsis. It contains a component called allicin, which prevents blood infection. Consuming garlic regularly with honey gets rid of blood poisoning.

 

Honey

Honey is considered great for controlling the immune system. It effectively fights bacteria that cause sepsis. Consuming honey helps to cure all kinds of infections. Apart from this, if it is applied on the wound, it also helps in healing the wound.

 

Slippery elm

Treating a cut or wound with slippery elm can prevent bacteria from entering the body through the wound.

 

Potato

Potato juice is considered an effective remedy for sepsis inflammation that appears on the skin. Keeping potato slices on the affected parts and rubbing them with light hands for 15-20 minutes reduces swelling.