Bacteremia is a bacterial infection of the blood that can lead to sepsis. Symptoms include fever, rapid breathing, and a rapid heartbeat. Treatment involves antibiotics, and people with medical devices or weakened immune systems should watch for signs of infection.
Bacteremia is a bacterial infection of the blood, although it is not the same as blood poisoning or sepsis. It can be called a precursor to sepsis, if symptoms such as widespread inflammation also develop, but many times bacteremia, if observed, can be treated long before sepsis occurs. Bacteria in the bloodstream can occur in many circumstances, but it most commonly occurs in the very young, very old, or those who are medically vulnerable, especially from a compromised immune system due to disease, recent transplants, or chemotherapy . Alternatively, when people have things like catheters or permanent IV lines, they may be more at risk.
Early symptoms of bacteremia include chills and fever that is usually at least 101 degrees F (38.33 degrees C). Fever can certainly increase, but in some people, especially children, this is the only symptom. Other people have additional symptoms that include rapid breathing, a rapid heartbeat, or symptoms of other illnesses such as pneumonia or meningitis. Diagnosis of the disease is confirmed by blood culture from a blood test to look for bacterial growth. When this is present, bacteraemia is assumed and treatment should be started immediately.
As suspected, the main treatment for bacteremia is antibiotics to kill the infection in the bloodstream. Depending on the disease and the degree to which sepsis is likely to develop, doctors may choose to infuse this medicine intravenously, give injections of the medicine, or give people oral antibiotics. If sepsis is likely, intravenous infusion of drugs may be the first choice. Others may not require such a severe course, but keepers may be told to watch out for symptoms of worsening conditions, such as higher fever, delirium, progressive weakness, changes in skin coloration, or inability to move the neck or jaw.
About 60-80% of people with blood infection respond well to treatment and make a full recovery. You may need to address the infection mode. For example, someone with a stable catheter may need to change the catheter more frequently or may be educated on more sterile approaches to changes to reduce the likelihood of infection. It would be unfair to say that bacteraemia is usually the fault of the affected person. In many cases improper management in hospitals or long-term care facilities is more indicated in bloodstream infections.
Sometimes, despite treatment, people progress to true sepsis, and this condition is life-threatening as it causes inflammation in response to infection. Treatment is still antibiotics and almost always infused intravenously. Occasionally, several antibiotics may be required to stop the growth of bacteria and the inflammatory response that can begin to cause organ damage. For most people with bacteremia, this secondary disease does not occur.
People can and should watch for signs of bacteremia if they have permanent medical devices installed, are at risk from a weak immune system, have recently suffered open wounds or cuts, have had surgery, or have been hospitalized. As stated, the main symptom of the condition is fever. People should not hesitate to contact doctors if a high fever has occurred and they encounter any of these additional risk factors.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
