Blood Poisoning Causes
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Bacteria
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The term "blood poisoning" is a little misleading---you don't actually have poison in your blood---you have bacteria. Bacteria enter the blood through wounds or during medical or dental procedures. When having surgery, injections, intravenous tubes, catheters, dialysis, breathing tubes, or feeding tubes, there is always a risk of developing blood poisoning. Symptoms of blood poisoning include high fever, chills, increased heart rate, suddenly feeling very ill, and vomiting or abdominal pain. According to the Mayo Clinic, prompt medical attention is required---including hospitalization to administer intravenous antibiotic. Without prompt treatment, blood poisoning quickly becomes life threatening.
Staph Infection
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Bactermia or blood poisoning is linked to the staph bacteria. Staph bacteria cause different types of "staph infections," one being blood poisoning. When staph bacteria enter your blood stream, they travel deep into your body and can affect your internal organs. A weakened immune system increases your risk of developing a staph infection. According to the Mayo Clinic, people who participate in contact sports are more likely to contract a staph infection. Staph spreads easily through open wounds and skin-to-skin contact. Athletes shouldn't share razors, towels, uniforms or equipment. Wipe down gym equipment with anti-bacterial wipes before using. If you've had a medical procedure, or have been with others who were sick while you had an open wound, and you start to have symptoms of staph infection--high fever, chills, increased heart rate, suddenly feeling very ill, and vomiting or abdominal pain--you need to seek immediate medical care.
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Warning
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Blood poisoning---left untreated---can develop into a life-threatening condition called thrombocytopenia (low blood platelet count). The bacteria infection in your blood will start to destroy blood platelets. Blood platelets are responsible for causing blood to clot and wounds to stop bleeding. If your blood platelet count falls, you are at risk for severe bleeding both externally and internally. According to the Mayo Clinic---although rare---bleeding into the brain or digestive tract can be life-threatening. Signs of low blood platelet count include excessive bruising, red or purple spots on the skin, cuts that bleed excessively or never heal, sudden nose bleeds, blood in your urine or stool, and unusually heavy bleeding during menstruation. Some of these symptoms could also alert you to other serious medical conditions, always discuss your symptoms with your doctor.
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