Septic shock is a condition in which blood pressure falls dangerously. It may occur in patients with serious infections. Very low blood pressure will slow blood flow. Organ failure may occur if the blood flow is too low.
Septic shock is caused by sepsis. Sepsis can be triggered by many different kinds of infections including:
Sepsis
An infection of the lungs has spread throughout the body, leading to septic shock.
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The following factors increase your chance of septic shock:
If you experience any of these do not assume it is due to septic shock. These symptoms may be caused by other, less serious health conditions. If you experience any one of them, see your doctor.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. Tests may include the following:
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Treatment options include the following:
If you have septic shock, you will be admitted to the intensive care unit. There you will be given:
Once the cause of the infection is identified, you will be given high doses of one or more antibiotics.
Surgery may be performed to remove any dead tissue.
RESOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/
Society of Critical Care Medicine
http://sccmcms.sccm.org/SCCM/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Canadian Association of Emergency Physicians
http://www.caep.ca/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
References:
Behrman RE, et al. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics . 18th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2007.
Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Textbook of Internal Medicine . 23rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2008.
Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine .7th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby, Inc.; 2009.
Sepsis: what you should know. Society of Critical Care Medicine website. Available at: http://www.sccm.org/SCCM/Patient-Family+Resources/Support+Brochures/Sepsis.htm . Accessed September 26, 2006.
Septic shock. Merck website. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/print/sec17/ch191/ch191c.html . Accessed September 26 2006.
Last reviewed October 2012 by Peter Lucas, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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