How to Treat Blood Poisoning From Blue Crab Pinch

Being pinched by a blue crab usually isn't serious. But on rare occasions, the pinch introduces bacteria to the system and can lead to blood poisoning, or sepsis. Sepsis can be very serious, so it's important to treat blood poisoning from a blue crab pinch quickly. The overall death rate for sepsis is approximately 40 percent.

Instructions

1. See your doctor right away if you have been recently bitten by a blue crab and develop any symptoms such as dizziness, fever, confusion, rapid heart rate, diarrhea or cold and clammy skin. A rash around the site of the crab pinch is also a sign of infection. Sepsis can become seriously very quickly, so don't delay in seeking medical help.

2. Expect that the doctor will do a blood culture first to detect the presence of bacteria. In addition, urine and stool samples will be cultured, a spinal tap may be ordered, and your doctor will give you a full physical exam. Sometimes a CAT scan is done to check the functioning of other organs of the body.

3. Expect that antibiotics will be administered intravenously and a hospital stay will be required if you have contracted blood poisoning from a blue crab pinch. Saline solution is often administered intravenously, if blood pressure has been low. Oxygen will be administered through a nasal tube or a mask.

4. Be aware that the area of the crab pinch may need to be drained of accumulated fluid. Depending on the seriousness of the symptoms and the quality of your health prior to contracting blood poisoning, you may need to be admitted to the intensive care unit for a period of time until you are more stable.

5. Know that the other organs of the body, particularly the liver and kidneys, can be negatively affected by blood poisoning. Tests should also be run to be sure the function of those organs is normal after the course of antibiotics is complete.