Septicaemia (blood poisoning) and Sepsis
Septicaemia, also known as blood poisoning, is a serious bloodstream infection. Septicaemia occurs when an infection in the body enters the bloodstream and can quickly become life-threatening. If left untreated, septicaemia can progress to sepsis.
Sepsis is a potential life-threatening illness caused by your body’s response to an infection. Your immune system protects you from illnesses and infections, but it is possible for it to go into overdrive in response to an infection. Sepsis develops when the chemicals in the immune system are released into the bloodstream to fight an infection but cause inflammation throughout the body instead. Sepsis progresses in stages: sepsis, severe sepsis, and septic shock. If left undiagnosed and untreated, sepsis can deteriorate into severe sepsis or septic shock. In severe sepsis or septic shock, small blood clots can form throughout your body which obstruct the flow of blood and oxygen to vital organs and other parts of your body. This increases the risk of organ failure and tissue death which can result in the loss of limbs. Therefore, early diagnosis is crucial to ensure the best possible chance of survival and recovery.
What causes sepsis?
Any infection can trigger sepsis, albeit the following infections and conditions are more likely to cause sepsis:
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- Pneumonia
- Abdominal infection
- Kidney infection
- Bloodstream infection
Young children, seniors and individuals with a weak immune system, such as patients who are receiving treatment for cancer are at a higher risk of developing sepsis. Additionally, hospital patients who have fitted devices such as intravenous catheters or breathing tubes are also at a higher risk of developing sepsis.
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
- raised temperature above 38ºC
- low temperature below 36ºC
- heart rate higher than 90 beats per minute
- breathing rate higher than 20 breaths per minute
- an infection
It is essential that sepsis is diagnosed and treated promptly. If mistakes have been made by a healthcare professional in diagnosing and treating sepsis, you may be entitled to compensation.
If you or a loved one have suffered a delay in diagnosis and treatment of sepsis, call our dedicated team today for a free no obligation discussion to discuss your legal rights. Our number is 0121 3550011. We work on a no win no fee basis. There are no fees to pay up front and we fund your claim to conclusion.
