Best Sepsis Doctors in Chennai

Sepsis is a critical medical condition that arises when the body's reaction to an infection or injury triggers a system-wide inflammatory response that could potentially lead to severe organ damage, septic shock, or even death. Sepsis can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Infants, older adults (above the age of 65 years), pregnant women, and people with compromised immune systems due to HIV and cancer are more susceptible to sepsis. The other risk factors include chronic medical conditions like diabetes or kidney disease, recent infections or trauma, use of medical devices like catheters, recent antibiotic or steroid use, and malnutrition.

The city of Chennai has a high population density and varying sanitation standards, which, combined with its humid climate, increase the risk of sepsis cases caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Fortunately, Apollo Hospitals in Chennai house top-notch sepsis specialists who provide prompt diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and supportive care, which are essential in managing sepsis and reducing the risk of complications or mortality associated with this condition.

Types/Stages of Sepsis

Sepsis progresses through the following stages:

• Sepsis: This is the earliest and most treatable stage of sepsis, characterised by symptoms such as fever, elevated heart rate, rapid breathing, and confirmed infection.

• Severe Sepsis: This stage involves organ dysfunction or failure, characterised by symptoms such as decreased urine output, mental status changes, low platelet count, skin discolouration, breathing problems, irregular heartbeat, and extreme weakness.

• Septic Shock: This is the most severe stage of sepsis, characterised by a dangerous drop in blood pressure. This stage carries a high mortality risk.

Symptoms of Sepsis

If you experience the following symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a septic shock specialist:

• Changes in mental status, such as disorientation or confusion

• Fast, shallow breathing

• Unexplained sweating

• Lightheadedness

• Shivering or chills

• Extreme weakness

• Overpowering sleepiness or difficulty staying awake

Tests to Diagnose Sepsis

The Best Doctors For Sepsis at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai diagnose the condition using a combination of clinical evaluation and laboratory tests:

• Clinical Evaluation: Doctors assess the patient's symptoms, such as fever, low blood pressure, increased heart rate, difficulty breathing, and changes in mental status.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests like complete blood count, lactate level test, and C-reactive protein test are used to check for signs of infection and organ damage.

• Cultures: Urine and blood cultures are tested to identify the specific pathogen causing the infection.

• Imaging Tests: X-rays, CT scans, or ultrasounds may be used to identify the source of the infection.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Sepsis at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

The doctors for severe sepsis at Apollo Hospitals in Chennai recommend the following treatment options according to the stage of sepsis:

• Antibiotics: The first-line treatment strategy is antibiotics administered intravenously. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are initially used until the specific infection is identified.

• Supportive Care: Oxygen therapy, mechanical ventilation, and intravenous fluids are administered to maintain vital body functions.

• Surgery: The Best Surgeons For Sepsis may suggest surgical intervention to remove infected tissue or repair damage caused by the infection.