Why does septic shock cause hypotension

Although cytokines help the immune system fight infection, they can have harmful effects:. Most often, sepsis is caused by infection with certain kinds of bacteria that are usually acquired in a hospital. Rarely, fungi, such as Candida , cause sepsis.

Infections that can lead to sepsis begin most commonly in the lungs, abdomen, or urinary tract. In most people, these infections do not lead to sepsis. However, sometimes bacteria spread into the bloodstream a condition called bacteremia Bacteremia Bacteremia is the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream. Sepsis may then develop. If the initial infection involves an abscess, the risk of bacteremia and sepsis is increased. Occasionally, such as in toxic shock syndrome Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxic shock syndrome is a group of rapidly progressive and severe symptoms that include fever, rash, dangerously low blood pressure, and failure of several organs.

It is caused by toxins produced The heart attempts to compensate by working harder, increasing the heart rate and the amount of blood pumped. Eventually, the bacterial toxins and the increased work of pumping weaken the heart.

As a result, the heart pumps less blood, and vital organs receive even less blood. When tissues do not receive enough blood, they release excess lactic acid a waste product into the bloodstream, making the blood more acidic acidosis Acidosis Acidosis is caused by an overproduction of acid that builds up in the blood or an excessive loss of bicarbonate from the blood metabolic acidosis or by a buildup of carbon dioxide in the blood The kidneys excrete little or no urine, and metabolic waste products such as urea nitrogen accumulate in the blood.

The walls of blood vessels may leak, allowing fluid to escape from the bloodstream into tissues and cause swelling. Lung function worsens because blood vessels in the lungs leak fluid, which accumulates, making breathing difficult. As the microscopic blood clots continue to form, they use up the proteins in blood that make up clots clotting factors. Then, excessive bleeding disseminated intravascular coagulation Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation DIC Disseminated intravascular coagulation is a condition in which small blood clots develop throughout the bloodstream, blocking small blood vessels.

The increased clotting depletes the platelets The risk of sepsis is increased in people with conditions that reduce their ability to fight serious infections. These conditions include the following:.

Being a newborn see Sepsis in Newborns Sepsis in Newborns Sepsis is a serious bodywide reaction to infection spread through the blood. Newborns with sepsis appear generally ill—they are listless, do not feed well, often have a gray color, and may have Having certain chronic disorders such as diabetes Diabetes Mellitus DM Diabetes mellitus is a disorder in which the body does not produce enough or respond normally to insulin, causing blood sugar glucose levels to be abnormally high.

Urination and thirst are The scar Having a weakened immune system due to use of drugs that suppress the immune system such as chemotherapy drugs Chemotherapy Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to destroy cancer cells. Although an ideal drug would destroy cancer cells without harming normal cells, most drugs are not that selective. Instead, drugs The cells have lost normal control mechanisms and thus are able to multiply continuously, invade nearby HIV is transmitted The risk is also increased in people who are more likely to have bacteria enter their bloodstream.

Such people include those who have a medical device inserted into the body such as a catheter inserted into a vein or the urinary tract, drainage tubes, or breathing tubes. When medical devices are inserted, they can move bacteria into the body. Bacteria may also collect on the surface of such devices, making infection and sepsis more likely. The longer the device is left in place, the greater the risk. Injecting recreational drugs Recreational Drugs and Intoxicants read more : The drugs and needles used are rarely sterile.

Each injection may cause bacteremia to varying degrees. In addition to possible organ failure, septic shock can lead to amputation of a limb. The risk for amputation increases when blood clots form in the body.

Blood clots prevent the passage of blood. And when parts of the body are deprived of blood and oxygen long term, body tissue starts to die. Sometimes, the damage is reparable. When too much of your body tissue dies, the only option is to remove the dead tissue. This may involve removal of a finger, toe, foot, arm, or leg. Even if you recover from septic shock, you may live with post- sepsis symptoms for weeks or months.

Post-sepsis symptoms can include insomnia , fatigue, depression, and cognitive decline. The longer you wait, the greater the risk of the infection progressing into a life-threatening emergency. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: May 8, Medically Reviewed. Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking.

Definition of Sepsis. Antibiotics are often used to treat the associated bacterial infection. The type of antibiotic used depends on the type of bacterial infection and where in the body the infection started. You may be started on antibiotics immediately to increase your chances of survival. Initially, two or three types of antibiotics may be used. The most effective type of antibiotic can be used once the bacterium responsible for the infection is identified.

In severe cases of sepsis or septic shock, the large decrease in blood pressure and blood flow can kill organ tissue. If this happens, surgery may be required to remove the dead tissue. Home Illnesses and conditions Blood and lymph Septic shock. Septic shock See all parts of this guide Hide guide parts 1. About septic shock 2. Treating septic shock. About septic shock Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that happens when your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level after an infection.

People with a weakened immune system have an increased risk of developing septic shock. This includes: newborn babies elderly people pregnant women people with long-term health conditions, such as diabetes , cirrhosis or kidney failure people with lowered immune systems, such as those with HIV or AIDS or those receiving chemotherapy Symptoms of septic shock Symptoms of septic shock include: low blood pressure hypotension that makes you feel dizzy when you stand up a change in your mental state, such as confusion or disorientation diarrhoea nausea and vomiting cold, clammy and pale skin Septic shock is a medical emergency.

What are the risk factors? Which tests are used to diagnose septic shock? What complications can septic shock cause? How is septic shock treated? Recovering from septic shock. Read this next. Is Sepsis Contagious? Medically reviewed by Daniel Murrell, M. Toxic Shock Syndrome. Medically reviewed by Carissa Stephens, R. Can Depression Cause Brain Fog? Medically reviewed by Timothy J.

Legg, Ph. Cross Infection. Medically reviewed by Graham Rogers, M. Blood Culture. Medically reviewed by Judith Marcin, M.

Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M.