Home Health Center Septic Shock   Septic Shock - Causes

Causes of Septic Shock

 There are many causes of septic shock but primarily a weakened system is the primary cause. Any form of bacteria can result in septic shock. Sometimes fungi or virus can also cause septic shock. The bacteria present in the body causes damage to the tissue where it persists. This damage can lead to diffused ability to absorb oxygen and eventual organ damage and failure. The body also produces dangerous toxins of its own to fight the sepsis. This can also lead to its own set of complications.

When bacteria increase in the body, the condition is called bacteremia. Bacteremia leads to a condition called systemic inflammatory response syndrome which is basically your body’s immune system getting compromised. Bacteremia coupled with the inflammatory response leads to sepsis. Sepsis can lead to eventual organ failure and only once the blood pressure cannot be maintained with intravenous fluids, then it is classified as a case of septic shock.

There are some conditions, if untreated, can lead to septic shock. These conditions include

• Diverticulitis
• Pancreatitis
• Meningitis
• Bacteremia
• Pneumonia
• Appendicitis

The sepsis and septic shock happens because of certain inherent risk factors. Some of these risk factors include

• Diseases of the genito-urinary or urinary organs
• Diseases of the intestines
• Diabetes
• Catheters that have been inserted for long periods of time
• Chronic use of antibiotics
• Leukemia
• Recent surgery, infection, or use of steroids
• Lymphoma