How Is Septic Shock Treated?

Septic shock is what happens as a complication of an infection where toxins can initiate a full-body inflammatory response. It often occurs in people who are elderly or have a weakened immune system.

It is thought that the inflammation resulting from sepsis causes tiny blood clots to form, which can block oxygen and nutrients from reaching vital organs. As a result, the organs fail, causing a profound septic shock. This may cause a drop in blood pressure and may result in death. In fact, septic shock is the most common cause of death in intensive care units in the United States (Fitch, et al., 2002).

Doctors have identified three stages of sepsis:

• sepsis, when an infection reaches the bloodstream and causes inflammation throughout the body
• severe sepsis, which occurs when infection disrupts blood flow to the brain or kidneys, leading to organ failure. Blood clots cause gangrene (tissue death) in the arms, legs, fingers, and toes.
• septic shock, when blood pressure drops significantly. This can lead to respiratory, heart, or organ failure and death.

The earlier sepsis is diagnosed and treated, the more likely you are to survive. Once sepsis is diagnosed, you will most likely be admitted to an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for treatment. Doctors use a number of medications to treat septic shock, including:

• intravenous antibiotics to fight infection
• vaso pressure medications – drugs that constrict blood vessels and help increase blood pressure
• insulin for blood sugar stability
• corticosteroids to help with inflammation

Large amounts of IV fluids will be administered to prevent dehydration and help increase blood pressure. A respirator for breathing may also be necessary. Surgery may be performed to remove a source of infection, such as draining a pus-filled abscess or removing infected tissue

Part 6 of 6: Long-Term Outlook

Long-Term Outlook for Septic Shock

Septic shock is a severe condition, and more than 50 percent of cases will result in death (NHS). Your chances of surviving septic shock will depend on the source of the infection, how many organs have been affected, and how soon you received treatment after your symptoms began.

http://www.healthline.com/health/septic-shock#Overview1