Red Flags For Septicaemia

How It Is Linked to Sepsis

Septicaemia occurs when harmful bacteria enter the bloodstream and there are red flags for septicaemia which can be life-threatening. Commonly referred to as blood poisoning, it can lead to severe infection and organ damage if left untreated. Septicaemia is closely linked to sepsis, a broader infection which can end in multi-organ failure.

However, septicaemia is a bacterial infection in the bloodstream that triggers an extreme immune response. Toxins are released, causing widespread inflammation. Key symptoms are a high fever, chills, rapid breathing and even confusion. You should regard this as a medical emergency which requires immediate medical intervention.

If you suffered from septicaemia which you believe may have been due to medical negligence, Jefferies Claims may be able to help.

How Is Septicaemia Linked to Sepsis?

While the terms septicaemia and sepsis are often used interchangeably, they are distinct medical conditions. Septicaemia specifically refers to the presence of bacteria in the blood. Meanwhile sepsis is the body’s extreme and dysregulated immune response to an infection, including septicaemia.

If septicaemia is not promptly treated, it can progress to sepsis, leading to organ failure, tissue damage, and even death. The progression from septicaemia to sepsis highlights the importance of early detection and treatment.

Red Flags and Warning Signs of Septicaemia and Sepsis

It is essential to recognising the symptoms of septicaemia and sepsis. Some key warning signs include:

• A sudden spike in temperature to above 38.3°C or a drop below 36°C.
• Severe shaking and feeling excessively cold.
• Rapid breathing and heart rate.
• Mental fog, disoriented, difficulty concentrating, or even loss of consciousness.
• A dangerous drop in blood pressure, which may indicate septic shock.
• Muscle aches that are unusually intense.
• Pale, mottled or bluish skin Indicating poor blood circulation.
• Decreased urination, which could signal kidney impairment.

You will require early medical intervention with antibiotics and fluids. This can significantly improve survival rates and reduce complications.

Causes and Risk Factors

Septicaemia is commonly caused by bacterial infections originating from the lungs (pneumonia), urinary tract (UTIs), abdomen (peritonitis), or skin (cellulitis). You are at higher risk if you have a weakened immune system or a chronic illness. However you are also at higher risk if you have recently had surgery or an open wound

Infections, improper catheter use, and delayed medical intervention can also contribute to the development of septicaemia. Additionally, medical negligence in identifying or treating infections in their early stages can escalate the risk of sepsis.

Making a ‘No Win, No Fee’ Personal Injury Claim

You may be eligible to make a claim if:

• A doctor or medical provider failed to diagnose your infection leading to septicaemia.
• There was a delayed treatment or misdiagnosis.
• You received inadequate medical care during hospitalisation.
• Hospital-acquired infections due to negligence resulted in septicaemia.
• Incorrect antibiotic prescriptions or failure to administer proper medication.

Take The Next Step

At Jefferies Claims, we will support you and your family through the claim process with care and understanding. We only work with lawyers who will assess all aspects of your case and who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an initial no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our expert team.