10 causes of sepsis
Sepsis is the body’s response to a life-threatening infection. It can lead to organ-failure as well as tissue damage, and, in the worst-case scenario, death. Almost any infection can cause sepsis. But here are 10 causes of sepsis.
1. Pneumonia
Sepsis can be caused by any infection anywhere in the body. That is why pneumonia is one of the most common causes of sepsis. Pneumonia can be community-acquired; but also can be hospital acquired.
2. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
A urinary tract infection (UTI) is an infection in any part of the urinary tract (system). The system includes the kidneys, ureters, bladder and urethra (and prostate in a man).
There are different types of UTI, and the symptoms are different. The doctors name for the type of infection, depends on which part of the urinary tract is affected, e.g.
- Kidney = pyelonephritis
- Bladder = cystitis
- Urethra = urethritis
- Prostate = prostatitis (men only).
UTIs affect women more than men. Symptoms range from mild to life-threatening sepsis. Luckily, in most cases, the infection can be treated with antibiotics.
Severe sepsis usually requires hospital treatment with IV fluids and antibiotics, sometimes on ICU.
3. Septicaemia (bloodstream Infection)
The term ‘blood poisoning’ is often used to describe sepsis as well as refer to any other infection of the blood, whether it be of the bacteraemia or septicaemia type. The former means that there are bacteria in the blood, whereas the latter implies any kind of infection in the blood, including those caused by viruses. While blood poisoning is not a correct term for sepsis, any infection in the blood can cause sepsis.
4. Diabetes (and all autoimmune disease)
Diabetes is an autoimmune disease that causes long-term damage to the body, especially the eyes, feet and kidneys. If you have diabetes, you are prone to getting cuts and wounds that do not heal well. They may develop infections, which may develop into sepsis as a reaction.
Most autoimmune diseases (and cancer) make sepsis more likely; especially if the patient is being treated with immunosuppressant drugs or chemotherapy.
5. Appendicitis
The appendix is a tiny organ located in the large intestine. If the appendix becomes inflamed (appendicitis), it may burst and cause sepsis to develop rapidly.
6. Flu and COVID-19
‘The flu’ (influenza) and now COVID-19, are two of the most common viral infections, and are extremely contagious. In unusual cases, individuals with them may end up developing sepsis as a result of the infection. If you notice your symptoms getting worse, consult a doctor to prevent severe infection.
7. Malaria
According to statistics released by the World Health Organization (WHO), malaria is one of the deadliest diseases in the world. In 2021, there more than 619,oo0 deaths from malaria, most of which were in Africa and certain tropical regions. Individuals who develop malaria are at risk of getting sepsis, which causes much of the mortality. If you are traveling to a region that has a high risk of malaria, remember to take all necessary precautions, including the use of mosquito nets and spray.
8. Meningitis
Meningitis is a serious condition that occurs when the meninges become infected and inflamed. The meninges are the layer of tissue surrounding the brain as well as the spinal cord. Bacterial, viral, and fungal meningitis are the most common types of meningitis, even though there are other causes. If meningitis is severe enough, it causes sepsis.
9. Gastroenteritis
Gastroenteritis is a very common condition that causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. It affects people of all ages, but is particularly common in young children. Most cases in children are caused by a virus called rotavirus.
10. Other
Burns, and infected wounds and catheters (common in hospitals), are other common causes of sepsis.
Summary
We have described 10 causes of sepsis. We hope you have found it helpful.
Last Reviewed on 7 March 2024