Your immune system goes into overdrive when you have sepsis, a condition that puts your life in danger as it tries to fight an infection. Sepsis has three stages, and the sooner it is diagnosed, the better the prognosis. Before being brought in for treatment, patients who are the victims of nursing home abuse may reach stage three. In this write-up, we will discuss what are the 3 stages of sepsis, causes and treatments. 

what are the 3 stages of sepsis?

Stage 1: Sepsis

Sepsis can be challenging to detect in the beginning, however common signs of the condition during the initial stage include:

• a low temperature of 96.8°F (36°C) or higher than 101°F (38°C)
• a heartbeat per minute greater than 90
• a viral, bacterial, or fungal infection that has been identified through positive blood culture results.
• breathing more quickly than 20 times per minute

Before a medical expert can diagnose sepsis, you must exhibit at least two of these early signs. Your chances of survival are greater the earlier you receive medical attention. It is possible to cure the illness with antibiotic medication if it is discovered before it affects essential organs. 

Stage 2: Severe Sepsis 

So, what are the 3 stages of sepsis? The second stage, severe sepsis, is when organ loss and dysfunction start. Hypotension and reduced blood flow to organs and connective tissues are characteristic symptoms of severe sepsis.

Small blood clusters form because of intense sepsis, which holds oxygen and supplements back from getting to the organs. Low urine creation, changes in mental readiness, trouble breathing, and stomach torment are only a couple of instances of side effects that can be brought about by diminished blood and oxygen stream and related organ failure. 

Stage 3: Sepsis shock 

The final and most complicated stage of sepsis is septic shock. At this stage, sepsis produces severe consequences and creates perfusion anomalies. Low blood pressure, heart failure, or a stroke could all cause the patient to pass away. The biggest mortality risk is associated with septic shock, with estimates ranging from 30% to 50%.

When sepsis is analysed, caregivers should start treatment to prevent it from deteriorating. As per studies, the sort and beginning of the contamination influence the seriousness of sepsis and how rapidly it advances. As per one review, the three clinical issues with the most noteworthy probability of advancing to serious sepsis or septic shock are bacteremia, pneumonia, and peritonitis.

Causes of sepsis 

Now that you know what are the 3 stages of sepsis, let’s find out the causes of it. 

1.Groups at High Risk

Sepsis can strike anyone. But there are certain groups that are at high risk of getting it. Those at increased risk include:

• 65 years of age or older adults
• people with persistent illnesses. Kidney illness, diabetes, lung disease, and cancer are examples of this.
• those whose immune systems are compromised. Those with HIV/AIDS and those receiving immunosuppressant drugs are included in this.
• those who have recently undergone a serious illness or hospitalisation
• Sepsis-prone individuals
• Young children (under one year old)
• pregnant people experiencing issues with their pregnancy or delivery
• Infections

2. Infections 

There are many infections that can cause sepsis. If you are wondering what are the 3 stages of sepsis, you should never ignore these infections- 

• infection of the respiratory system
• lung infection
• Symptoms of appendicitis in the abdomen include inexplicable discomfort, swelling, or pain that worsens when squeezed.
• Peritonitis is an inflammation of the tissue lining your stomach.
• Stomach ache and periodically foul discharge are side effects of a urinary tract contamination, which is a disease of the bladder, urethra, or kidneys.
• Skin diseases, like cellulitis, can be brought on by a catheter that has been put through the skin to regulate liquids or prescription. Cholangitis is a contamination of the bile conduits.
• illnesses of the brain and neurological system, such as meningitis or encephalitis, osteomyelitis, a bone infection, and wound infections, the symptoms of which include pain, swelling, heat, or redness around the wound.
• endocarditis- heart infection 
• Infections in blood
• Viral infections 

Treatments of sepsis 

Besides knowing what are the 3 stages of sepsis, it’s also important to know the treatments of it. 

1.Antibiotics 

When sepsis is suspected, even before the precise etiological agent has been determined, broad-spectrum antibiotics are given. The selection of antibiotics is influenced by the presumed illness source, regional trends of resistance, and patient-specific variables. Once the responsible bacterium has been found, antibiotics can be modified to specifically target that infection.

2.Fluid resuscitation

Sepsis frequently results in fluid loss and a reduction in blood volume, which can cause low blood pressure and impeded organ perfusion. To prevent fluid overload, the rate and volume of fluid administration are closely watched.

3.Source control

Finding and removing the infection’s source is essential for controlling sepsis. This may entail surgical intervention to treat intra-abdominal infections like appendicitis or peritonitis, draining of abscesses, removal of infected tissue or devices or removal of infected abscesses.

4.Corticosteroids

In certain conditions, corticosteroids might be given to sepsis patients to control their provocative reaction. Corticosteroid use in sepsis is a hard decision that should be very carefully weighed against possible benefits and weaknesses.

5.Vasopressors

These drugs may be utilised when fluid resuscitation alone is insufficient to keep blood pressure stable. Vasopressors promote organ perfusion by tightening blood arteries and raising blood pressure. These drugs must be closely monitored in an intensive care setting.

6.Supportive Care

Patients with sepsis frequently need to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) for close observation and supportive care. In extreme circumstances, it might be required to use mechanical ventilation or other organ support techniques, like renal replacement therapy.

Overview

This shall clear your doubts on what are the 3 stages of sepsis. Sepsis is a medical emergency that can be brought on by a wide variety of infections. Your prognosis will be better the sooner you begin treatment.