Is sepsis serious?
May I ask, my husband is 42 years old this year, and he was recently diagnosed with sepsis during a hospital examination. I would like to know how serious sepsis is.
Doctor's answer (1)
Septicemia, medically known as sepsis, is a severe systemic infection response that occurs when pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites enter the bloodstream and trigger systemic inflammation. It presents not only with symptoms such as high fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, and fast breathing, but may also rapidly progress to septic shock and multiple organ failure, endangering life.
The severity of septicemia is reflected in its high incidence rate, high mortality rate, and wide range of complications. It can cause clinical symptoms such as high fever, chills, skin petechiae, and enlargement of the liver and spleen. In severe cases, it may lead to life-threatening complications such as shock and DIC (disseminated intravascular coagulation). Additionally, septicemia progresses rapidly and requires prompt diagnosis and treatment; otherwise, it may lead to adverse outcomes.
Therefore, for patients with septicemia, etiological examinations and antibiotic susceptibility tests should be performed as early as possible to enable selection of sensitive antimicrobial agents for treatment. At the same time, supportive therapy should also be strengthened, such as maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance, replenishing blood volume, and correcting acidosis, to alleviate symptoms and improve treatment outcomes.
