How to Tell If You Have Blood Poisoning

Blood poisoning, medically known as septicemia, can be a fatal condition. Septicemia refers to the effects of bacteria in the blood. Unwanted bacteria usually enter the body through a wound, infection, medical or dental procedure such as a surgery, or an injection. Recognizing the signs of blood poisoning is essential to gaining the prompt medical treatment required to prevent death. Advanced cases of blood poisoning can cause a fatally low drop in blood pressure.

Instructions

• 1

  Experiencing a sudden and high fever following a medical or dental procedure, wound, or injection can indicate possible blood poisoning.

• 2

  Vomiting, nausea and abdominal pain are also symptoms associated with septicemia.

• 3

  Feeling seriously ill, which is usually exhibited by unusual weakness, could also mean blood poisoning.

• 4

  Check your heart rate -- if it is faster than usual and you have a wound, infection or a recent shot or medical procedure, septicemia could be the cause.

• 5

  Having the chills is another symptom of blood poisoning.

• 6

  Suffering from confusion and decreased body temperature are usually associated with advanced septicemia. This can quickly lead to death through respiratory system collapse or organ failure. Shock, which is when the blood supply to the organs is reduced or cut off due to a traumatic situation in the body, usually is the cause of organ failure in those who have suffered blood poisoning.

• 7

  Seek immediate emergency medical attention if you are experiencing one or more of above symptoms and could have been exposed to bacteria through a recent infection, wound, injection, or medical or dental procedure. Blood poisoning, if caught early, can usually be treated through intravenous medications and oxygen during a hospital stay.