Septicemia

Septicemia

Septicemia popularly known as blood infection is a presence of disease causing bacteria in the blood stream. The infection can be caused by such things as abscess, pneumonia or intestinal infection. The symptoms may include headaches, fainting or loss of consciousness, fever, heavy breathing or skin rashes. Appropriate antibiotic treatment is important when one has blood infection, as the multiplication of the harmful bacteria in the blood stream can cause death. You should consult your doctor immediately then have the point of infection like abscess in wound removed right away. Eat lots of fruits like oranges that are rich in vitamin C. This vitamin an effective antioxidant and strengthens the immune system. Garlic too is good for the blood infection as it is rich in antibiotic properties, kills bacteria, virus and strengthens immune system. Bee propolis has the same effect as garlic. Vitamin E with selenium is another good remedy for blood infection. It is an effective antioxidant, anticoagulant, dilates blood vessels, improves circulation, and strengthens capillary walls.

 

Blood poisoning is a misnomer considering no poisonous substances infiltrate the blood but refers to the presence of bacteria in the blood. Medically, blood poisoning is known as sepsis. Blood poisoning is a potentially dangerous condition that could turn fatal. Blood poisoning symptoms may include one or two of the following symptoms:

  • Elevated respiratory rate
  • High body temperature
  • Abnormal white blood cells and
  • Elevated heart rate.

Sepsis or blood poisoning is also referred as bacteremia or septicemia. Blood poisoning causes could be traced to bacterial, viral or fungal infections which lead to inflammation and blood clotting in the body. The bacteria in the blood cause blood poisoning rashes as the bacteria breaks the walls of the blood vessels and blood leaks under the skin. The blood poisoning infection operates at three levels.

  • The uncomplicated blood poisoning is common and may not require hospitalization
  • Severe sepsis interferes with the body’s response to infection and is typically characterized by heart, kidney, liver or lungs malfunction.
  • Septic shock is a life threatening stage when blood pressure levels drop dangerously causing low or no blood flow to vital organs. This results in organ failure and consequent death.

If diagnosed early, septicemia blood poisoning must be treated or such bacterial infections could progress from uncomplicated sepsis to a septic shock. Early treatment involves intravenous fluids and antibiotics and usually improves the chances of surviving the infection. Sepsis or blood poisoning is potentially dangerous particularly in infants, elderly, individuals with immunity disorders and individuals with invasive devices such as breathing tubes or urinary catheters. Home remedies for blood poisoning can help treat infections when the sepsis is in an uncomplicated stage. Home remedies must be attempted only in case of mild to moderate conditions. If symptoms do not appear to recede it is advisable to consult a medical practitioner at the earliest. Some popular home remedies are:

  • Poultice made of lobelia and slippery elm. Both the herbs must be taken in equal quantities and formed into a soft paste with water. Apply the paste to a fabric and tie the fabric around the wound or cut. Keep the fabric for more than a day and change it whenever required.
  • Vitamin C boosts the defense system. Citrus fruits and Vitamin C supplements are ideal nutritional choices. Intake of yoghurt before and after antibiotics helps and supports the intestines and eliminates the chances of intestinal disorders.
  • Herbal infusions made of horsetail; nettle, birch leaves and dandelion leaves (a teaspoon each) in boiling water can help removal of toxins and aid cleansing the body.
  • Decoction made from the Echinacea herb stimulates immunity. Use two teaspoons of powdered Echinacea in a single cup of boiling water, steep and drink the cooled infusion two to three times a day.

What Is Sepsis?

Sepsis, also known as blood poisoning, is a potentially life-threatening complication that results from an infection. The condition occurs when chemicals that are actually released into your bloodstream to fight the initial infection cause inflammation throughout your body. This inflammation typically triggers a torrent of symptoms that compound the harm done to your body. Additional symptoms include a drastically increased or decreased body temperature, fast heart rate, high respiratory rate, changes in mental status, abdominal pain, and decreased urine output.

Natural Remedies for Septicemia

According to Dr. Paul Haider, a number of different herbs are effective for supporting care and treatment of septicemia. Three of the fastest and easiest options to try are turmeric, garlic, and honey. However, the condition can also be treated using lime or lemon juice, tea tree oil, and even a multi-tiered treatment regimen of aspirin, hydrogen peroxide, and oregano oil – a remedy supported by our very own Ted of Bangkok, Thailand.

1. Turmeric

A study published by Oregon State University in 2012, presented an important finding that regular consumption of turmeric, or more importantly the compound curcumin found in turmeric, causes an increase in protein levels in the blood. When your blood contains greater amounts of protein, it is more able to fight and prevent infection, making turmeric an effective option for treating septicemia. Additionally, turmeric helps reduce redness, swelling, and pain and functions well with antibiotics. Take 2 grams a day by mouth or diluted in water for the best results.

2. Garlic

Garlic is another effective treatment support for sepsis. This herb contains a compound known as allicin, which helps reduce inflammation throughout the body. It also helps fight infection and boost your immune system. To employ this remedy, peel a clove of garlic, chop it up, and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Eat this mixture each morning to improve your body’s ability to fight infection and to treat your sepsis.

3. Honey

A separate study conducted by the University of Malaya suggests that even honey is an important treatment option for sepsis. Research suggests that honey acts as an immunomodulator or modulates the immune system, which could significantly improve treatments for sepsis. Take at least 2 tablespoons of honey by mouth each day, and apply a poultice of honey to the affected wound at least once a day for the best results.

While sepsis is a dangerous condition, aggressive, immediate treatment increases the odds of your full recovery from the condition. Try these treatment suggestions in addition to conventional medical treatment for a balanced treatment approach or continue reading below for more suggestions from our readers who have tried different natural remedies to cure blood poisoning.