About this topic
Sepsis is a widespread bloodstream infection. Germs may enter your blood through a cut or open wound. Germs may also enter the blood when you have a medical or dental procedure. Most often, your body is able to fight off these germs. Sometimes, the body is not able to. Then, the germs attack the bodys organs and tissues. ‚
This kind of serious infection may cause swelling and blood clotting. It needs to be treated right away. Drugs given through a vein are used to treat sepsis. You may need to be in the hospital, depending on how sick you are. ‚
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What care is needed at home?
- Ask your doctor what you need to do when you go home. Make sure you ask questions if you do not understand what the doctor says. This way you will know what you need to do.
- Take all your drugs as ordered, even if you are feeling better.
- Get lots of rest. Sleep when you are feeling tired. Avoid doing tiring activities.
- Clean items and surfaces you often touch like door handles, remotes, and phones. This can help reduce the spread of infection.
- Stay away from people who are sick. Keep away from crowded places until you have fully recovered.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 15 seconds, especially after coughing or sneezing. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers also work to kill germs.
- Tell other people to wash their hands before they come near you.
- If you are sick, cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing. You can also cough into your elbow. Throw away tissues in the trash and wash your hands after touching used tissues.
- Keep your hands away from your eyes and nose. Germs can enter these body areas easily.
- Do not get too close (kissing, hugging) to people who are sick.
- Do not share towels or hankies with anyone who is sick.
- Do not smoke.
- Get a flu shot each year.
What follow-up care is needed?
Your doctor may ask you to make visits to the office to check on your progress. Be sure to keep these visits. ‚
What drugs may be needed?
The doctor may order drugs to: ‚
- Fight an infection
- Decrease swelling
- Prevent blood clots
Will physical activity be limited?
You may have to limit your activity for a time. Talk to your doctor about the right amount of activity for you. ‚
What problems could happen?
- Lung problems
- Kidney damage
- Heart problems
- Brain problems
What can be done to prevent this health problem?
- Make sure you get all of the shots recommended by the doctor.
- Seek treatment right away if you have an infection.
- Avoid touching wounds or open cuts.
- Wash your hands:
- Before and after wound care
- After going to the bathroom
- Before eating
- Anytime they are dirty
- Eat a healthy diet. This will improve the bodys defense system.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol. This weakens the body's defense system.
When do I need to call the doctor?
- Signs of infection. These include a fever of 100.4 ‚ °F (38 ‚ °C) or higher, chills, very sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or a wound that will not heal.
- Changes in mental status
- Loose stools
- Throwing up
- Slow heart rate
- Breathing problems, like feeling short of breath or having pain with breathing
- Bleeding into the skin that looks like tiny bruises or a rash
- You are not feeling better in 2 to 3 days or you are feeling worse
Teach Back: Helping You Understand
The Teach Back Method helps you understand the information we are giving you. The idea is simple. After talking with the staff, tell them in your own words what you were just told. This helps to make sure the staff has covered each thing clearly. It also helps to explain things that may have been a bit confusing. Before going home, make sure you are able to do these: ‚
- I can tell you about my condition.
- I can tell you what I will do to keep from getting sick.
- I can tell you how and when to wash my hands to avoid passing the infection to others.
- I can tell you what I will do if I have a fever, chills, trouble breathing, or bleeding into the skin.
Where can I learn more?
National Institute of General Medical Sciences ‚
http://www.nigms.nih.gov/Education/factsheet_sepsis.htm ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Blood-poisoning/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚