Septicemia

Septicemia means that bacteria are in your bloodstream. This is also called bacteremia. It happens when bacteria from another part of your body enter your blood and spread. It usually starts in your lungs, urinary tract, skin or belly (abdomen). You may also hear the term blood poisoning.

Once bacteria are in your bloodstream, they can travel quickly. This can cause inflammation throughout your body. If you don’t get treatment right away, septicemia can sometimes lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening medical emergency. It occurs when your immune system overreacts to the infection. (You can also get sepsis from a local infection without bacteria in your bloodstream.) Sepsis can cause tissue damage, organ failure and even death.

If you have symptoms of septicemia, you need medical attention right away. Early treatment — within one hour — with antibiotics is the most important thing you can do to prevent the condition from worsening.

What are the signs and symptoms of septicemia?

At first, some symptoms of septicemia may look like signs of the flu. But as the condition gets worse, you may start to notice more severe signs. Signs and symptoms may include:

• High fever or chills
• Weakness or low energy
• Low blood pressure
• Rapid breathing
• Fast heartbeat
• Heart palpitations

An important sign to look out for is blood poisoning red lines (lymphangitis). These red streaks on your skin leading from the site of an infection can mean it’s spreading.

Septicemia causes

A bacterial infection is the most common cause of septicemia. These infections usually start in your lungs, urinary tract, skin or belly. Your body can naturally remove some germs. But when they grow and spread, your immune system can’t handle them all.

Bacteria can enter your bloodstream in many ways. Some are as simple as brushing your teeth too forcefully. Other ways include:

• Abscessed tooth
• Kidney infection
• Pneumonia
• Scrapes and other wounds
• Sinus infections
• Urinary tract infection

Almost any type of bacteria can cause septicemia. The most common culprits include:

• Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal disease)
• E. coli (E. coli infection)
• Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal septicemia)

Bacteria usually cause septicemia. But viruses and fungi can also lead to the condition. Viral infections like COVID-19 and the flu can cause it.

Is blood poisoning contagious?

You can’t spread septicemia to other people. But you can spread the bacteria and viruses that can lead to the condition.

Risk factors

Anyone can get septicemia. But it’s more likely to affect you if you’re in the hospital or recently had surgery. This is especially true if you have a catheter or an IV line. Septicemia affects newborns and people age 65 and older most often. You’re also at a higher risk if you have:

• Had septicemia before
• A long-term (chronic) medical condition, like diabetes or cancer
• Severe injuries, like extensive burns or open wounds
• A weakened immune system

How can I reduce my risk?

You can reduce your chances of developing septicemia by:

• Talking to a provider about recommended vaccines
• Keeping any wounds clean and covered
• Taking good care of any medical conditions
• Washing your hands regularly
• Getting routine dental cleanings

How to tell if you have septicemia

A healthcare provider will perform a physical exam and take note of your symptoms. They’ll order a blood test to identify the bacterium that’s in your blood. They may also check your white blood cell count.

How is septicemia treated?

Septicemia treatment needs to start right away to prevent the condition from progressing to sepsis. Healthcare providers will likely treat you in the intensive care unit (ICU). They’ll give you medicine and fluids through an IV line and monitor your condition.

You’ll receive antibiotics for septicemia that developed due to bacteria in your blood. The type of antibiotic you need depends on the type of bacteria. Antivirals can treat viruses. An antifungal can treat a fungus.

If you receive an early diagnosis and don’t have too much organ damage, your provider may send you home with an oral (by mouth) antibiotic.

When should I seek medical attention for septicemia?

Septicemia is a medical emergency. Be aware of the signs. Call your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms:

• High fever
• Chills
• Weakness
• Sweating
• Drop in blood pressure

What is the outlook for people with septicemia?

If treatment is effective, you should recover completely. You may start to feel better in a few weeks or months. More serious cases may take longer.

But you must get treatment quickly for it to be effective. If not, septicemia can lead to sepsis and septic shock. Septic shock can damage your organs and is often fatal. If you survive, you may develop long-term complications. For example, if you have serious kidney damage, you may have to be on dialysis for the rest of your life.

If you’ve had septicemia and recovered, you’re more likely to develop it again in the future.

What is the difference between septic shock and septicemia?

If you don’t get immediate treatment, septicemia can worsen and lead to sepsis. Sepsis happens when your immune system overreacts to the infection. This can cause inflammation and tissue damage.

Septic shock is the most dangerous, serious stage of sepsis. Your blood pressure drops severely, and widespread organ failure can develop. Septic shock can be fatal.