{"id":1542,"date":"2018-04-25T07:19:03","date_gmt":"2018-04-25T07:19:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=1542"},"modified":"2021-10-05T06:39:24","modified_gmt":"2021-10-05T06:39:24","slug":"14-sepsis-symptoms-felt-throughout-the-three-stages","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/14-sepsis-symptoms-felt-throughout-the-three-stages\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Sepsis Symptoms Felt Throughout the Three Stages"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"<\/p>\n

Sepsis is a very serious condition that occurs as a result of a complication with an infection. It occurs when chemicals that are released into the bloodstream to combat an infection trigger an inflammatory response throughout the entire body. The inflammation can cause extensive damage to various vital organs, and without treatment, those organs can fail. Additionally, if sepsis turns into septic shock, your blood pressure can suddenly and dramatically drop. For that reason, if sepsis is not treated properly and promptly, it can be life-threatening.
\nSepsis occurs in three stages:<\/p>\n

–\u00a0 Sepsis
\n– Severe sepsis
\n– Septic shock<\/p>\n

Each stage is accompanied by a collection of symptoms, though some symptoms may remain the same throughout all three stages. As mentioned, the earlier it is treated, the better the outcome will be. For that reason, it is important to be aware of the different symptoms that are indicative of sepsis.<\/p>\n

1. Above normal temperature<\/h3>\n

During the early stages of sepsis, your body temperature<\/a> can rise to 101 degrees F or higher. The cause of a fever is the immune system’s response to the infection. In an effort to combat the infection, the immune system will trigger your body temperature to rise in hopes that the higher temperature will kill off the infection.<\/p>\n

However, in many cases, a fever is not effective enough to actually fight the infection. Furthermore, a fever is a side effect of several other medical conditions, such as the flu and viral infections, which can make it difficult to accurately diagnose the condition. As a result, sepsis can be misdiagnosed, which can cause the infection to spread, advance the condition, and will eventually lead to several other adverse symptoms. Again, if misdiagnosed and not treated early enough, septic shock can occur, which can be life-threatening. \"\"<\/p>\n

2. Chills<\/h3>\n

Whenever you develop a fever, it\u2019s not uncommon to also experience chills. Chills<\/a> are your body\u2019s response to the fever; it\u2019s an attempt to bring the temperature back down to normal. Therefore, if you develop a fever that is related to sepsis, it is not uncommon to also develop chills. However, just like a fever is a symptom that is commonly associated with several other medical conditions that are not nearly as severe, so chill.<\/p>\n

As a result, sepsis is often misdiagnosed in the early stages. If this condition isn\u2019t treated in the early stages, the infection can spread and the condition will become worse, which can lead to worsening symptoms that have the potential to be life-threatening. If you\u2019re experiencing a fever and chills and are at risk of sepsis a weakened immune system, chronic illness, have sustained a severe wound), a medical examination is crucial.\"\"<\/p>\n

3. Abnormal sweating<\/h3>\n

Many patients who suffer from sepsis also experience an abnormal amount of sweating<\/a>. This symptom can begin in the beginning stages of the condition; however, high levels of sweating can continue throughout all three stages. The cause of increased sweat is often related to a fever, but it may also be associated with the extreme levels of stress your body is experiencing. Like chills, sweating often accompanies a fever.<\/p>\n

The purpose of sweating is to cool down the body. When chills and sweating are combined, the body temperature can be cooled to a normal level. Additionally, when your body is put under such high levels of stress, your immune system is exerting a large amount of energy to combat the infection, which can also lead to sweating. If you\u2019re experiencing an abnormal amount of sweat and aren\u2019t exerting any physical energy, you could be suffering from sepsis. \"\"<\/p>\n

4. Elevated heart rate<\/h3>\n

Another symptom that is commonly associated with the beginning stages of sepsis<\/a> is an elevated heart rate; a heart rate that is higher than 90 beats per minute. You might notice that your heart feels as if it is pounding inside your chest. The reason why sepsis can cause an elevated heart rate is due to the body\u2019s response to the infection. The heart pumps out more blood in order to the infected area in an attempt to combat the infection.<\/p>\n

Obviously, the more blood your heart is pumping out, the harder it is working and the higher your heart rate is going to be. However, just like a fever and chills are symptoms that are associated with several other medical conditions, so is a heightened heart rate. If you are experiencing all three symptoms, demand that your doctor performs an extensive examination to rule out sepsis. \"\"<\/p>\n

5. Increased respiratory rate<\/h3>\n

Sepsis doesn\u2019t only cause an increase in heart rate; it also causes an increase in respiratory rate. This symptom occurs in the first phase of sepsis; however, it tends to develop as the condition has progressed and is nearing the second phase. If your respiratory rate is above 20 breaths per minute and you are exhibiting any of the above-mentioned symptoms, you will likely receive a diagnosis of sepsis.<\/p>\n

This condition can cause an increase in respiratory<\/a> rate because of the inflammatory response that it causes. Sepsis can cause inflammation in all vital organs, including the lungs. When this happens, breathing becomes more difficult, so the lungs must work harder to draw in the necessary oxygen and exhale carbon dioxide. The result is an increased rate of breathing. As the condition advances and progresses, breathing can become even more difficult and the respiratory rate can further increase. <\/p>\n

\"\"6. Decreased output of urine<\/h3>\n

As sepsis advances and become severe sepsis, you could experience a marked decrease in the amount of urine<\/a> you are producing. As mentioned several times, this condition can do damage to all vital organs, including the kidneys. As the body becomes more overwhelmed by the condition, organs start shutting down and the kidneys are usually one of the first organs to be affected.<\/p>\n

Kidney failure can happen for a few reasons: The infection that leads to sepsis started in the kidneys; the effects of the condition have damaged the kidneys; blood pressure drops very low, affecting how blood flows through the body. All of these things will have a negative impact on the function of your kidneys, and since the kidneys are responsible for filtering blood and waste products and turning them into the urine, if they are not functioning properly, your urine output will decrease. \"\"<\/p>\n

7. Dizziness or faintness<\/h3>\n

As sepsis advances, the effects it has on the body become more severe \u2013 and so do the symptoms. When this condition progresses and turns into severe sepsis, it can cause feelings of dizziness<\/a> or faintness. This symptom is a direct effect of blood pressure dropping, which is another side effect of sepsis. As blood pressure drops, the heart is unable to pump enough oxygen-rich red blood cells to the rest of the body.<\/p>\n

This leads to a decreased supply of oxygen to the brain. When the brain is deprived of oxygen, feelings of dizziness, lightheadedness, or faintness can develop. Initially, this symptom may be more noticeable when standing up from a seated position; however, eventually, you may experience regular dizziness. In extreme cases, the dizziness can become so severe that it can actually lead to a loss of consciousness, which is a sign of serious trouble. \"\"<\/p>\n

8. A change in mental state<\/h3>\n

Another sign of that sepsis has advanced and become severe sepsis is a change in your mental state. When the blood becomes infected, several different reactions can occur, including disruptions in the neurotransmission and damage to the cells in the brain. These two effects can lead to an altered mental state. You may feel as if you are lost, confused, or not sure of what you are doing, have difficulty concentrating, and simply feel as if you are unaware of what is going on.<\/p>\n

There are a variety of conditions that can alter your mental state, so sometimes, sepsis can be misdiagnosed, especially in elderly patients, as it may be confused as a symptom of age-related mental degeneration or dementia<\/a>. However, if any of the other symptoms on this list are present along with mental confusion, it is very likely that sepsis is to blame. <\/p>\n

\"\"9. A skin rash<\/h3>\n

In some patients, a skin rash can be a symptom of severe sepsis. The rash can appear anywhere on the body. It can be limited to one central area or it can cover various areas. A hemorrhagic rash \u2013 a collection of small spots that are caused by blood clots underneath the skin- can develop. Initially, the rash may look like tiny pinpricks on the surface of the skin; however, as the condition advances, the rash will begin to get bigger and can eventually resemble bruises<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The bruises can fuse together and create a large area of purplish colored skin. This rash is a direct result of infected blood, which is the very foundation of sepsis. The infection can cause blood vessels to burst underneath the skin, creating a rash made up of tiny red spots and later progresses to larger, purplish spots that look like bruises.\"\"<\/p>\n

10. Gastrointestinal issues<\/h3>\n

Sepsis can impact every organ within the body, including the many organs that make up the gastrointestinal tract<\/a> \u2013 the gallbladder, the intestines, and the stomach. As the infection progresses, it can inflame these organs and prevent them from functioning properly. When the organs of the gastrointestinal tract aren\u2019t functioning properly, you will start to experience several symptoms that are directly related to this system, such as nausea, gas, abdominal bloating, and diarrhea.<\/p>\n

Since the GI tract is so intricate and made up of so many different elements, there are a number of conditions that can affect it, including irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn\u2019s disease, and gallstones. These conditions cause symptoms that are much like the symptoms that occur when sepsis affects the GI tract, so there is a chance of misdiagnosis. However, if you are experiencing GI issues and any other symptoms listed here, it could be sepsis. \"\"<\/p>\n

11. Changes in personality<\/h3>\n

As sepsis advances, it can have an effect on your personality. Namely, you can become easily agitated and anxious. These changes in personality are due to the inflammatory response and the toxins in the blood that are both related to this condition. Both of these things can disrupt blood flow to the brain, which can impact critical functions, including the regulation of your mood. An interruption in the flow of neurotransmitters may result, which can directly impact how you react to certain situations or can make you more on-edge or aggravated.<\/p>\n

Sepsis can also affect the brain\u2019s production of mood-regulating hormones<\/a>, which can also lead to feelings of anxiety and irritability. These changes can come on quickly and without warning. They can sometimes be confused with other conditions, especially in elderly patients. However, if you are experiencing any other symptoms, it could be sepsis. \"\"<\/p>\n

12. Cold, clammy skin<\/h3>\n

If your skin feels cold to the touch and clammy, it could certainly be an indication of sepsis. When your blood<\/a> becomes infected, blood flow is impacted. As such, your body concentrates on sending blood to the most critical organs, such as your brain, your heart, and your liver, instead of less critical areas, such as the extremities and the skin. The reduced blood flow to the skin and extremities can make your skin feel cold and clammy.<\/p>\n

This effect can remain as the condition progresses, or it can become worse as the body approaches the most advanced stage of sepsis: septic shock. It\u2019s important to note that cold and clammy skin isn\u2019t always associated with sepsis. There are several conditions that can cause this symptom, and they are far less severe. Nevertheless, cold and clammy skin could certainly be a sign of sepsis.\"\"<\/p>\n

13. Fatigue and weakness<\/h3>\n

Sepsis can make you feel tired and weak. Whenever your body is confronted with an infection<\/a>, the immune system goes into overdrive to combat whatever is causing the infection. Since your immune system is working so hard, it uses up a great deal of your body\u2019s energy, leaving very little energy for anything else. As such, you could feel markedly tired and weak.<\/p>\n

You might find that no matter how much sleep you get, you still feel tired, or that even the slightest activity is difficult to complete. In severe cases, sepsis can cause total lethargy. Fatigue and weakness are symptoms that can be experienced throughout all three stages of sepsis, though these symptoms do become worse as the infection advances, and the impact it has on the body progresses. Fatigue and weakness are associated with several conditions, though they can certainly be an indication of sepsis. \"\"<\/p>\n

14. Difficulty breathing<\/h3>\n

Breathing can become difficult throughout all three stages of sepsis; however, as the infection spreads, breathing can prove to be even more challenging and is a definite sign of septic shock. As previously mentioned, increased respiratory rate is one of the symptoms associated with the early stage of sepsis. This happens because the lungs<\/a> are impacted and need to work hard to draw in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide.<\/p>\n

As the condition worsens, it becomes even harder for the lungs to function properly, making it even more difficult to breathe. When this happens, you might feel as if you have just run a marathon after taking only a few steps. In the most extreme cases of sepsis, breathing on your own can become impossible, which is when a patient is diagnosed with septic shock. Immediate medical intervention is necessary in order to avoid a life-threatening situation.<\/p>\n\r\n

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