Sepsis in COVID-19

Sepsis is a major cause of death world-wide even under normal circumstances. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the condition is claiming even more lives.

Sepsis

It is a medical condition where body’s immune system goes into an overdrive and causes tissue damage, multiple organ dysfunction and even death. It is triggered by infections. Every year, nearly 25% of the deaths around the world is due to sepsis.

Triggers

The sepsis condition is triggered by a number of pathogens like parasites, fungi, viruses and bacteria. Viruses like coronavirus, bird flu virus, swine flu virus, ebola virus, yellow fever virus, etc. are known to cause sepsis. The overreaction is triggered by other medical conditions like pneumonia, urinary tract infections, abdominal cavity infections, wound infections, etc.

Symptoms

Some of the symptoms of sepsis are:

• Fever
• Rapid and heavy breathing
• Confusion
• Strong feeling of illness
• Drop in blood pressure along with increase in heart rate.

Treatment

Late detection is a major factor impeding successful treatment of the condition. Sufficient ventilation and blood circulation are ensured. The patient’s blood is tested and is then administered a broad spectrum anti-biotic. The patient may be put into an artificial coma (protectionally incubated). The organs are supported using equipment and therapies like ventilators, kidney replacement therapy, coagulation therapy, etc.