Blood Poisoning Facts

Blood poisoning is a term that's generally used to describe the effects that bacteria in the blood has on the body. The scientific term that's used to describe bacteria that exists in the blood is bacteremia. According to the National Cancer Institute, other terms for blood poisoning include septicemia and toxemia. Blood poisoning is a life-threatening condition that needs to be taken very seriously.

Causes

• Blood poisoning is caused by an infection to the body. These infections can come from a localized infection, such as pneumonia, or an infection from a cut or wound. Sources of infections that cause blood poisoning include lung infection, influenza, appendicitis, peritonitis, urinary tract infections, skin infections, post-surgical infections and nervous system infections.

Symptoms

• Primary symptoms of blood poisoning or bacteremia include sudden high fevers, chills and a rapid heart rate. Other symptoms of blood poisoning include vomiting, abdominal pain, nausea and appearing seriously ill.

Risk Factors

• People who have problems with their immune system, such as those who are HIV positive or have leukemia, are at a higher risk for blood poisoning. Other people who are at risk for blood poisoning include very young and very old people, and people who are receiving chemotherapy or long-term steroid injections.

Prevention

• There are several steps that individuals can take to reduce their risk for blood poisoning. One of the best ways is by cleaning wounds and treating them with an antiseptic. Antiseptics prevent wounds from bleeding and help to protect against infection. After developing a mouth infection, it's also important to see your dentist to prevent the infection from spreading. If you have a boil, apply a hot compress to the boil for 20 minutes three times a day until it pops. Avoid squeezing boils because this can lead to infection and potentially blood poisoning.

Treatment

• According to the Mayo Clinic, blood poisoning requires immediate treatment at a hospital. People with blood poisoning are usually treated with intravenous antibiotics that are used to fight against bacteria in the bloodstream. If blood poisoning or bacteremia is not treated quickly, it can turn into sepsis, a life-threatening condition.

Sepsis

• According to the Mayo Clinic, sepsis is a condition where the body damages its own tissues because of a response to an infection. If not treated, sepsis will eventually effect functioning of organs and can even result in septic shock. Treatment for sepsis includes high quantities of antibiotics and intravenous fluids. Blood poisoning needs to be treated early to prevent bacteremia from progressing to sepsis.