At one point, people in society widely talked about blood infections or sepsis, which became a slang term referring to sudden death… But what exactly is a blood infection? Let’s hear the answer from Dr. Supitcha Ongkittikul, Infectious Disease Clinic Physician, Phyathai 3 Hospital.
What is “Blood Infection”?
Dr. Supitcha explains that a blood infection means that the body has an infection in one part, such as the lungs, abdominal cavity, or skin. If not properly treated or if the immune system is weak, the infection can spread into the bloodstream and circulate in our blood. It is found that 80% are bacterial infections, while the rest are viral and fungal infections.
Blood Infection… Life-Threatening Danger
Because our blood circulates to nourish organs throughout the body, the infection can cause inflammation and infection in various organs. If untreated and severe, Dr. Supitcha says it can lead to shock and organ failure, which can be life-threatening.
If you have these symptoms, see a doctor immediately
When the body is infected and the infection spreads into the bloodstream, the symptoms are as follows:
- Fever higher than 38 degrees Celsius or body temperature lower than 36 degrees Celsius
- Rapid pulse and rapid breathing
- If blood is drawn, white blood cell count will be higher than 12,000 cells per microliter or lower than 4,000 cells per microliter
Who is at risk of “Blood Infection”?
Dr. Supitcha says those at risk are people whose immune systems are not as strong as they should be, making them more susceptible to infection, including:
- People receiving immunosuppressive drugs
- People undergoing chemotherapy
- People infected with HIV
- People with chronic diseases such as diabetes with poor blood sugar control, or liver cirrhosis
- Very young children and the elderly
Close monitoring and care are essential due to high mortality risk
For diagnosis, doctors will consider symptoms, medical history, blood tests, and tests of suspected infected organs by culturing the infection. Treatment is divided into three parts as follows:
- Eliminate the source of infection, such as draining an abscess or removing fluid from the lungs if there is pleural effusion
- Administer antimicrobial drugs; doctors will choose drugs that cover the likely pathogens
- Supportive care, including blood tests to check for organ failure
If you suspect that you or someone close to you is at risk and has symptoms as described, you should promptly go to the hospital and be under close medical supervision because this disease has a relatively high mortality rate.
