What is Septic Shock?
Septic shock is a serious medical condition which is caused by decreased bloodflow in the body, which leads to multiple organ failure as the body is slowly starved of the important components in blood. The mortality rate for septic shock is generally around 50%, although some hospitals have a much better mortality rate. This condition most commonly occurs in the young, the elderly, and people with compromised immune systems. It all starts with an infection, which can begin anywhere. As the immune system moves to treat the infection, something goes wrong, and the infection is allowed to spread, ultimately entering the bloodstream. The immune system goes into overdrive attempting to fight the infection, secreting substances which dilate blood vessels along the way. As the blood vessels expand, blood pressure drops, and the bloodflow to the body is drastically reduced.
Septic shock occurs when an infection enters the bloodstream and starts affecting the entire body. Symptoms include low blood pressure, changes in mentality, fatigue, and many more. It is treated with broad-spectrum IV antibiotics and support for things like heart function and respiration. The worst outcome is death. It can happen quickly if it’s not treated, or the person is immunocompromised. Bad case scenario is the person could end up on a ventilator and cardiac support in an intensive care unit. Most cases, it can be treated and the person can be well again.
