1. Note the Symptoms of Sepsis
Sepsis is a bacterial infection that can start from almost any place in your body. It can manifest in a number of different ways, from pneumonia to urinary tract infections to cellulitis. The symptoms for sepsis are very common, however, and identifying these in time can prevent very serious and life-threatening complications.
The most common symptoms of sepsis include both fever and hypothermia (loss of body heat), hyperventilation, chills, shaking, skin that is warm to the touch, rash, rapid heart beat and a decrease in urine output. In more advanced cases of sepsis, confusion and delirium may result from abnormally high fevers. In fact, a change in your mental state is one of the primary signs doctors use to identify sepsis.
2. Have Your Doctor Identify Sepsis
If you experience any of the more common symptoms of sepsis, you should see a doctor immediately. Your doctor will immediately use blood tests to determine extreme variations in your white blood cell count that will indicate the presence of sepsis. Low platelet counts in your blood may also identify a septic infection. From that point, blood cultures will be taken to confirm the presence of bacteria. Blood gases will be examined to note acidosis, or high levels of acid in the bloodstream. Finally, the doctor will examine your kidneys for signs of restricted function.
3. Identify Other Medical Conditions Which may be Causing Sepsis
Sepsis is not a disease in and of itself. It is the result of another medical condition that has caused the bacterial infection. You must treat both the original condition and the infection at the same time for the best prognosis. The most common causes of sepsis are infected wounds and abscesses. Sepsis can result easily from medical procedures such as surgery, intravenous lines and surgical drains.
