Question:
What exactly is septic shock and what causes it?

I have read several times about people getting an infection and then go into septic shock. What can you do to prevent this from happening after surgery?    — angela D. (posted on May 29, 2002)

May 29, 2002
Septic shock, resulting from acute blood stream infection, is characterized by fever, chills, increased heart beats, increased breathing, and altered mental function combined with low blood pressure and inadequate organ blood flow. It can lead to widespead injury of tissues and eventually multiple organ failure and death. After surgery patients are usually given antibiotics to prevent infections and blood stream infections. Septic shock is usually seen in patients who avoid medical care during the early stages of an illness and then go to the hospital after they realize they are deathly ill. To prevent complications after surgery, you can do your part now by following your doctors pre-op regimine...protein, vitamins, exercise, etc. Hope this helps. You should have thoughts of this type of complication in the far back of your mind. Just know it is a possibility. Quality healthcare providers will recognize the early signs of an infection and start treatment. While I'm not a doctor, I am an Infection Control Associate in an acute care facility. Email me privately if you would like. Best wishes.
   — ERICK B.