Sign in  |  Register

Illustrated Health Encyclopedia
[an error occurred while processing this directive]

Ency. home > Disease > S > Septic shock

Septic shock   

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Bacteremic shock; Endotoxic shock; Septicemic shock; Warm shock

Treatment

Septic shock is a medical emergency, and patients are usually admitted to intensive care.

The objective of treatment is to:

  • Provide oxygen, and treat respiratory distress if present
  • Administer intravenous fluids to restore blood volume, and vasoactive drugs to treat low blood pressure
  • Treat underlying infections with antibiotics
  • Support any poorly functioning organs

Hemodynamic monitoring, to evaluate the pressures in the heart and lungs in treatment of shock, may be required. This can only be done with specialized equipment and intensive care nursing.

Prognosis

Septic shock has a high death rate, exceeding 50%, depending on the type of organism causing the infection and the degree of organ failure.

Complications

Respiratory failure, cardiac failure, or any other organ failure can occur.

Call Your Health Care Provider If:

Go to the emergency room if symptoms of septic shock are present. You may need to call an ambulance if you have no means of transportation, or if you feel like you are unable to drive.

Ency. home > Disease > S > Septic shock

[an error occurred while processing this directive]