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Septicemia is a life-threatening systemic infection caused by bacteria in the blood, often from infected wounds or dental procedures. Burns, internal injuries, and autoimmune disorders can also increase the risk. Prompt treatment with antibiotics is crucial.
Septicemia is a systemic infection, usually caused by bacteria of various types that contaminate a person’s blood. When septicemia is not treated with the proper antibiotics, infected blood can contaminate other organs or tissues in the body, creating life-threatening infections. There are many things that can cause this condition, especially cuts that have become infected.
Infections of the mouth or teeth, if not treated with antibiotics, can cause blood poisoning. A serious complication can occur if a dentist begins treatment of the affected teeth and there is further development of bacterial endocarditis (BE), which is a streptococcal infection. Strep enters the bloodstream and then grows within the heart tissues creating blockages. Anyone with heart disease is slightly more vulnerable to EB and needs to take antibiotics before dental procedures. In most cases, where an infection of the mouth, such as an abscess, is clearly evident, dentists will treat the infection before performing any type of oral surgery.
Infections of surgical cuts or wounds both carry a risk or the development of septicemia. These wounds that start to feel warm, look red, have red streaks oozing, or appear to be draining pus should all be examined by a doctor. Since many people who have had surgery now go home within a day or two, self-examination is important to rule out possible infection. With a large cut or surgical wound, you have a slightly increased risk of blood poisoning, because the loss of blood reduces the body’s natural immune defenses.
Burns are another important causal factor in septicemia. Third-degree burns are particularly vulnerable to infection, and the larger the burn, the greater the chance of infection. Third-degree burns often damage nerve endings in the skin, causing people to feel no pain at the burn site initially. People may not notice the initial burn infection without visual inspection.
Another possible cause of blood poisoning is internal injury, such as a stomach injury after a car accident. Intestinal rupture, gallbladder disease, and ruptured appendix or spleen are most often treated with antibiotics from the start, as the blood is immediately exposed to high and dangerous levels of bacteria. This is especially problematic with intestinal perforations, which spill intestinal contents to other parts of the body, causing almost immediate septicemia.
A partial or missed miscarriage can also cause septicemia if the pregnancy remains in the uterus and becomes infected. Virtually any internal infection can cause blood poisoning due to direct contact with blood cells.
Some conditions make you more prone to septicemia. Those with autoimmune disorders are more prone to infections of all kinds, as they have weakened immune systems. People with diabetes tend to show a higher overall risk of blood poisoning because they also lack the ability to heal from cuts. Diabetics with foot injuries are asked to take extra care, as these injuries or even small cuts can be very susceptible to infection.
