Burn Injury Resource Center
Diagnosis of septic shock:
- History and physical exam.
- Observing characteristic symptoms.
- Tests including blood tests, blood cultures ( may not become positive for several days after the blood has been taken), urine, sputum and spinal fluid test, organ function tests, X-ray, CT scan and others.
Treatment of septic shock:
- Septic shock is a medical emergency, the treatment is started even before diagnosis through lab conformation.
- Admission to the intensive care unit is essential.
- Mechanical ventilation and oxygen administration.
- Treatment of infection with antibiotics.
- Intravenous fluids and medication administration to raise blood pressure and restore blood volume.
- Support of organ dysfunction,
- Surgery.
Out come of septic shock: the outcome depends on:
- The age of the patient.
- The underlying health condition of the patient.
- The causative microorganism.
- The number of organs that have failed as a result of the septic shock ( the lesser the better outcome).
- The timing of the start of treatment (the sooner the better outcome) and the method of treatment.
Prevention of septic shock:
Although some causes can not be prevented, immediate treatment of bacterial infections, wounds or burns decrease the incidence of septic shock.
- Take care of any infection that you get ( see wound infection) and contact your doctor or go to the emergency department if you develop symptoms of septic shock.
- If you are taking care of a patient with burns in a hospital, contact the treating staff if you notice any symptom of septic shock on the patient.
- If you are a care giver of a burned patient at home, contact the treating physician if you notice any symptoms of septic shock on the patient ( see burn wound care at home).
- Due to the increase of elderly patients and the increase in the invasive medical procedures and devices along with the increase in immunocompromised patients in recent decades, the rate of death from septic shock has increased.
Kramer and Pollack, LLP; are VERY well versed in all aspects of representing burn injury victims. They have handled a multitude of burn injury cases ranging from hot water scald burns, to stove tipping cases to explosion cases. They are competent, experienced and very thorough
This information is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice; it should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Call 911 for all medical emergencies.