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Local Law Firms Home > Nursing Home & Elder Abuse Overview > Sepsis Septic Shock People yearly are afflicted by Sepsis, a deadly type of inflammation. Every year, severe sepsis hits millions of Americans, and the rate of survival for those in septic shock stays around fifty percent. It can be a deadly path that occurs after an infection advances. Infection fighting agents in the bloodstream can cause the entire body to become inflamed. Advanced cases can lead to septic shock, where the body tissue becomes inflamed and may cause blood clots which keep needed oxygen from organs. This can cause failure of one or many organs and a deadly decline in the person's blood pressure. Sepsis happens to be common and more deadly in elderly, people with a weak immune system, and who are already critically ill. Victims with sepsis must have prompt medical care and are normally treated in the ICU with antibiotics and fluids. Do you suspect that your friend, family member, or spouse is a victim of Sepsis or Septic Shock elderly abuse? Our lawyers can help! Contact a local elder law abuse attorney today for more information regarding your case. Sepsis does not happen on its own. It stems from another medical condition such as an infection in the lungs, urinary tract, skin, abdomen (such as appendicitis) or other part of the body. Invasive medical procedures like the insertion of a vascular catheter can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream and bring on the condition. Many different types of microbes can cause sepsis, including bacteria, fungi and viruses, but bacteria are the most common culprits. Severe cases often result from a body-wide infection that spreads through the bloodstream, but sepsis can also stem from a localized infection. Common Causes of Sepsis:
Severe sepsis arises when sepsis occurs in combination with problems in one or more of the vital organs, such as the kidneys, heart, lungs, or liver. Because of problems with their vital organs, people with severe sepsis are likely to be very ill and are more likely to die. An infection is caused by microorganisms or “germs” (usually bacteria) invading the body, and can be limited to a particular body region (e.g., a tooth abscess) or can be widespread in the bloodstream, often called “septicemia” or “blood poisoning”. A bacterial infection anywhere in the body may set off the response that leads to sepsis. Common places where an infection might start include the: Sepsis is a serious illness. It happens when your body has an overwhelming immune response to a bacterial infection. The chemicals released into the blood to fight the infection trigger widespread inflammation. This leads to blood clots and leaky blood vessels. They cause poor blood flow, which deprives your body's organs of nutrients and oxygen. In severe cases, one or more organs fail. In the worst cases, blood pressure drops and the heart weakens, leading to septic shock. See more information about Sepsis at these sites:
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