Monday...July 12th...2010

Linda is home..released today from the hospital....was transferred from Immediate Care to the general hospital yesterday (got the same wing Dave was in...same neat nurses)....

Linda was diagnosed with Septic Shock from Pneumonia....a very serious condition....for 5 hours the other night, Linda has no recollection or memory...and some pretty serious stuff was happening....high fever....throwing up.....difficulty breathing....very low blood pressure....incoherent....etc..etc....the 911 call was the right thing to do....and most likely saved her life....

Septic Shock

Definition

Septic shock is a serious condition that occurs when an overwhelming infection like pneumonia leads to life-threatening low blood pressure.

Alternative Names

Bacteremic shock; Endotoxic shock; Septicemic shock; Warm shock

Causes

Septic shock occurs most often in the very old and the very young. It also occurs in people who have other illnesses.

Any type of bacteria can cause septic shock. Fungi and (rarely) viruses may also cause the condition. Toxins released by the bacteria or fungi may cause tissue damage, and may lead to low blood pressure and poor organ function

The body also produces a strong inflammatory response to the toxins. This inflammation may contribute to organ damage.

Symptoms

Septic shock can affect any part of the body, including the heart, brain, kidneys, liver, and intestines. Symptoms may include:

Cool, pale extremities
High or very low temperature, chills
Lightheadedness
Low blood pressure, especially when standing
Low or absent urine output
Palpitations
Rapid heart rate
Restlessness, agitation, lethargy, or confusion
Shortness of breath
Skin rash or discoloration

Treatment

Septic shock is a medical emergency. Patients are usually admitted to the intensive care unit of the hospital.

Treatment may include:

Breathing machine (mechanical ventilation)
Drugs to treat low blood pressure, infection, or blood clotting
Fluids given directly into a vein (intravenously)
Oxygen

Outlook (Prognosis)

Septic shock has a high death rate. The death rate depends on the patient's age and overall health, the cause of the infection, how many organs have failed, and how quickly and aggressively medical therapy is started.

Possible Complications

Respiratory failure, cardiac failure, or any other organ failure can occur. Gangrene may occur, possibly leading to amputation.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Go directly to an emergency department if you develop symptoms of septic shock