Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Youell
What is septicemia?
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Septicemia is the presence of bacteria in the blood (bacteremia) and is often associated with severe disease.
Symptoms
Septicemia can begin with spiking fevers, chills, rapid breathing, and rapid heart rate. The person looks very ill.
The symptoms rapidly progress to shock with decreased body temperature (hypothermia), falling blood pressure, confusion or other changes in mental status, and blood clotting problems that lead to a specific type of red spots on the skin (petechiae and ecchymosis).
There may be decreased or no urine output.
Treatment
Septicemia is a serious condition that requires a hospital stay. You may be admitted to an intensive care unit (ICU).
Fluids and medicines are given by an IV to maintain the blood pressure.
Oxygen will be given. Antibiotics are used to treat the infection.
Plasma or other blood products may be given to correct any clotting abnormalities.