Blood Poisoning Symptoms, Treatments and More

By lio

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Blood Poisoning: When to See a Doctor.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Apr. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/blood-poisoning/expert-answers/faq-20058534
• 2. NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/.
• 3. NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/who-can-get-it/.
• 4. NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/treatment-and-recovery/.
• 5. 'What Is Sepsis?' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Jan. 2021, www.cdc.gov/sepsis/what-is-sepsis.html.
• 6. 'Get Ahead of Sepsis – Know the Risks. Spot the Signs. Act Fast.' Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Aug. 2020, www.cdc.gov/patientsafety/features/get-ahead-of-sepsis.html.
• 7. 'Sepsis.' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Jan. 2021, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/sepsis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351214.

Medical Expert

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Blood poisoning is not a formal medical term nor does it have anything to do with poison. It's often used for conditions like sepsis, where bacteria has infected a person's blood.¹‘Blood Poisoning: When to See a Doctor.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Apr. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/blood-poisoning/expert-answers/faq-20058534

While sepsis is not poison in the traditional sense, it is highly dangerous. Bacteria in the blood can move rapidly through the entire body, causing a chain immune reaction that can lead to organ failure or even death. Blood poisoning can be hard to spot and is life-threatening, so it's important to watch for signs and understand how the disease works.²NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/sepsis/.

1. Causes

Sepsis is not contagious. But any infection in the body can potentially move into the bloodstream and cause blood poisoning. Injuries and illnesses, including viruses like influenza, can lead to infection and an untreated infection can quickly and quietly develop into sepsis. That's why it's important to treat infections early and to be sure they're healing properly.⁵‘What Is Sepsis?’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 27 Jan. 2021, www.cdc.gov/sepsis/what-is-sepsis.html.

Medical and dental procedures also present a risk of infection. If a person has recently had surgery, been to the hospital, or had a dental procedure and is showing signs of sepsis, it's important to contact a doctor immediately.¹‘Blood Poisoning: When to See a Doctor.’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 22 Apr. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/blood-poisoning/expert-answers/faq-20058534

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