Definition
Septic shock is a bacterial infection that spreads to the vascular system. In this context, the pathogens distributed in the body lead to a disturbed blood circulation, which manifests itself in a circulatory disorder. The patient is conspicuous by an increased pulse, lowered blood pressure and fever. The shock is defined by reference values regarding pulse and blood pressure and indicates the emergency condition of the patient. If the undersupply of organs resulting from the circulatory disorder cannot be remedied, there is a risk of multiple organ failure.
Causes
The cause of septic shock is a bacterial infection that generalizes in the body. A generalized infection is the transfer of bacteria from their actual source of infection to the blood system. The pathogens distributed with the blood flow can reach all organs in this way.
The infection is thus no longer local, but generalized throughout the body. The trigger for the transfer of the bacteria can be manifold. However, a bacterial focus must have existed somewhere in the body to trigger a septic shock.
The easiest way to explain the development is to use a central venous catheter (CVC). For example, if a patient requires intensive care with a constant flow of infusions, a central venous catheter is often inserted. It allows safe access to the vascular system, which can be used for more than a few days.
However, in order for the catheter to lie in the blood vessel, the skin and other structures must first be punctured. There is therefore a connection to the skin surface. The catheter can be used as a guide for bacteria from an infected puncture wound and enables them to penetrate the vascular system.
De facto, therefore, all surgical procedures or other wounds that injure the skin can lead to septic shock in the worst case. However, chronic diseases such as diabetes mellitus or immune deficiency can also promote the development of septic shock. As a rule of thumb, any accumulation of bacteria in the body can lead to inflammation and, if not treated or treated properly, can progress until it connects to the vascular system.
In this case the spread can be due to hygienic, therapeutic or immune-related aspects. Pneumonia (pneumonia) can also be a possible trigger of septic shock. A pneumonia is often a bacterial infection of the lungs through so-called pneumococci.
The bacteria accumulate in the alveoli of the lungs and lead to an inflammation, which hinders the gas exchange in the lungs. If the inflammation progresses, it connects to the vascular system via the small vessels surrounding the alveoli. If the bacteria distributed with the bloodstream cause a severe circulatory disturbance with fever, doctors speak of the development of septic shock from pneumonia.
