Definition:
This is a serious medical condition that is the result from decreased tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery which is caused by sepsis and infection. In severe cases it can cause death and numerous organ failures. This condition greatly affects, children, elderly and immunocompromised individuals for the reason that their immune system cannot handle such infection.
Diagnosis:
To diagnose the condition a physician will collect and analyze blood samples, measure heart rate and respiration rate. ECG is also used to check abnormalities in heart rhythm. A physician might also use a fingertip sensor to check the oxygen level in the blood. In worse cases a surgery is done to remove dead tissue.
Treatment:
Effective treatments for this condition are volume resuscitation, early administration of antibiotic, fast source identification and control and support of main organ dysfunction. Intake of fluids in large amounts is given to a patient to increase blood pressure. In cases wherein the lungs fail a mechanical ventilator is given. To increase blood flow to the brain, heart and other organs drugs are given.
Symptoms and Signs:
Initial indications of septic shock are confusion and decreased mental alertness, may include chilling, fast increase in temperature; warm, flushed skin; fast, pounding pulse; extreme rapid breathing; and blood pressure rises and falls. Urine output decreases and severe cases several organ fails.
Causes:
Known causes of septic shock are sepsis, cytokines which cause the blood vessels to dilate that result to blood pressure dropping.
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