Question 1

How long can you live with sepsis if iv antibiotics can't cure the infection but oral antibiotics are used to slow the spread of infection?

Accepted Answer

If the doctors have switched to oral treatment, the sepsis itself probably is under control or cured. Continuing oral antibiotics probably is intended to cure whatever underlying infection led to sepsis, or keep it suppressed if not cured. The details depend on that underlying infeciton, different for each one: pneumonia, urinary tract, skin, bone, internal abscess, etc. Discuss with doctors.

Question 2

How long can you live if you don't treat sepsis?

Accepted Answer

Few hours, sometimes a few days.

Question 3

How long can you live being elderly if sepsis?

Accepted Answer

It depends on your overall health, the severity of the sepsis, and how quickly treatment is initiated.  If you are healthy, the sepsis syndrome does not progress to shock (inadequate blood pressure), and treatment is rapid and appropriate  - the odds are quite good that you will survive.  That said, old age is an independent predictor of death in inefction - so wash your hands and get vaccinated!

Question 4

I believe that abx are usually given quickly after there is a strong suspicion of sepsis. how quickly, in your opinion, should n/s drip be given? why?

Accepted Answer

In cases of severe sepsis iv fluids are needed and started asap along with iv antibiotics. The goal is to avoid dehydration, low bp and kidney failure. The rate of infusion of saline or  5%dextrose with normal or half normal saline depends upon blood pressure, cardiorenal status,ability of patient to take by mouth and degree of dehydration or fluid loss upon admission to the hospital.

Question 5

What is sepsis?

Accepted Answer

Sepsis is the term used by doctors to describe a severe, life-threatening bloodstream infection. Sepsis can cause your baby's organs to fail. If untreated, sepsis can be fatal. Treatment with intravenous fluids and antibiotics, and close monitoring in the hospital can prevent serious complications.

Question 6

Is sepsis painful?

Accepted Answer

While sepsis is not classically thought of as painful by itself,  patients with sepsis can require painful interventions such as central venous catheters, endotracheal intubation, and may develop painful complications such as issues with skin integrity. Patients may experience discomfort from fluid overload and difficulty breathing. Not everyone with sepsis has pain, but it can occur.

Question 7

How common is sepsis?

Accepted Answer

Nearly three quarters of a million americans suffer sepsis each year; a high proportion die each year from sepsis.  It is fairly common in most hospitals.

Question 8

Can anyone get sepsis?

Accepted Answer

If you encounter a virulent enough pathogen and have an immune system, you can get septic.

Question 9

How does sepsis spread?

Accepted Answer

Typically sepsis starts in a single area - kidney, open wound, broken bone, etc - but spreads throught the body in the bloodstream.

Question 10

How is sepsis diagnosed?

Accepted Answer

A syndrome consisting of bacteremia, fever or hypothermia, elevated or depressed WBC count, low blood pressure, and shock.  Any combination of the foregoing, depending on severity, can be sign of sepsis.

How long can you live with sepsis