In which diseases is septic shock commonly seen?

Infectious shock commonly occurs in conditions such as severe pneumonia, acute suppurative cholangitis, acute pyelonephritis, intra-abdominal infections, and extensive burns complicated by infection. Detailed analysis is as follows:

1. Severe pneumonia: Likely to develop when lung infection is severe. Pathogens invade the lungs, causing widespread inflammation. Large amounts of toxins enter the bloodstream, triggering systemic immune responses that disrupt vascular tone regulation, ultimately leading to infectious shock. This condition is often accompanied by symptoms such as dyspnea and high fever.

2. Acute suppurative cholangitis: Caused by biliary tract obstruction combined with infection. Bacteria proliferate extensively within the bile ducts and release toxins into the blood, provoking a systemic inflammatory response that leads to vasodilation and hypotension, progressing to infectious shock. Common clinical manifestations include abdominal pain and jaundice.

3. Acute pyelonephritis: A complication of severe kidney infection. Pathogenic bacteria ascend from the urethra to invade the kidneys, causing inflammation of the renal pelvis and parenchyma. If the infection is not promptly controlled, bacterial toxins entering the bloodstream may trigger infectious shock. Typical symptoms include high fever, flank pain, urinary frequency, and urgency.

4. Intra-abdominal infection: Resulting from the spread of infection within abdominal organs. For example, peritonitis caused by perforated appendicitis or gastrointestinal perforation allows bacteria to multiply rapidly in the abdominal cavity and release toxins into the circulation, inducing septic shock. Common signs include severe abdominal pain and abdominal muscle rigidity.

5. Extensive burns with infection: A serious consequence following disruption of the skin barrier. Large-area burns compromise the skin's protective function, allowing bacteria easy access through the wound into the bloodstream, resulting in systemic infection and subsequent infectious shock. Common local findings include wound erythema, swelling, and exudate.

When symptoms suggestive of the above conditions occur, prompt medical evaluation is essential for accurate diagnosis and initiation of anti-infective treatment. During therapy, vital signs should be closely monitored; if early signs of shock—such as hypotension or altered mental status—develop, healthcare providers must be notified immediately.