How to Treat and Diagnose Blood Poisoning
The term "blood poisoning," although used frequently, is not actually a medical term. When people refer to blood poisoning, they are usually referring to sepsis, or septicaemia, a blood disease where bacteria enters the blood. This can occur when an individual gets a cut, wound or scrape, which allows bacteria to enter the bloodstream. blood poisoning can also occur after dental work or dental surgeries, where foreign objects are entering the mouth through open wounds and possibly introducing bacteria into the blood.
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Instructions
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Take the patient's temperature. A high fever generally accompanies blood poisoning. If you have a high fever, forgo the steps below and see a doctor immediately.
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Check the patient's white blood cell count. Because the body is working to fight the foreign bacteria that has entered the bloodstream, the white blood cell count will be high. A doctor can draw blood to examine your white blood cell count.
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Check the arms and legs for red lines. Sometimes a red line will follow up the arm, indicating a blood infection. Watch the red line closely to see if it moves or changes.
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If the patient is diagnosed by a doctor with sepsis or septicaemia, she will probably be admitted into the hospital, most likely the intensive care unit. Close monitoring is very important, as well as a course of intravenous antibiotics. In extreme cases, blood transfusions may be necessary.
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Herbal remedies like Echinacea and Goldenseal have been thought to treat the symptoms of blood poisoning and clear bacteria from the blood. If you are deciding to take these supplements, tell your doctor and do not rely on these remedies alone. It is very important, especially if you develop a fever, that you get medical attention for blood poisoning.
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Tips & Warnings
See a doctor immediately if you believe you have blood poisoning.
Go to the hospital if your fever spikes abnormally.
Resources
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