Sepsis is a severe ailment that happens when your body has an extreme response to an infection. It's like your defence system that should be fighting off the infection, starts attacking your own tissues and organs. This overreaction can cause widespread inflammation and blood clots, which
hinder blood circulation to vital organs, causing organ damage or even failure.
Sepsis may begin from any kind of infection, be it viral, bacterial, or fungal. Common starting points include infections in the lungs, like pneumonia, urinary tract infection or abdominal infections including appendicitis. It is a medical emergency which can easily turn into a life threatening condition, if not treated.
Sepsis can be contracted by any person, although some people are particularly vulnerable, like small kids, old people, pregnant women and individuals with weak immune systems or chronic problems like cancer or diabetes. The most common Sepsis signs include fever, a fast heartbeat, rapid breathing, confusion and extreme discomfort. In case you or someone you know displays these signs along with an infection, it is important to get medical assistance immediately.
Sepsis is triggered by an infection that goes out of control. It could happen from any infection, but there are a number of typical reasons for Sepsis. Knowing these sources is important to recognise the condition early and receive prompt treatment.
The most common causes of Sepsis are :
Infections of the lungs: The most common kind of lung infection triggering Sepsis is pneumonia. The lungs are especially prone to viral and bacterial infection that may become chronic quickly, if untreated.
UTIs (urinary tract infections): They're common in females and may result in Sepsis in case the bacteria move from the urinary tract to the kidneys.
Skin infections: Wounds or burns on the skin that are not properly treated may become infected. Conditions like cellulitis, an illness of connective tissue and the skin, might also turn into Sepsis.
Infections of the abdomen: Issues like appendicitis, peritonitis (infection of the internal wall structure of the abdomen) and gallbladder or liver infections may cause Sepsis.
Infections from medical devices: Devices like catheters and breathing tubes can introduce bacteria to the body directly, raising the danger of severe infections like Sepsis.
Bloodstream infections: This is known as bacteremia and occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream, a route which bacteria generally utilise to spread throughout the body and trigger Sepsis.
Sepsis can progress rapidly in the body and cause serious complications, including death. Therefore, prompt medical evaluation of the Sepsis symptoms is essential. Recognising the noticeable signs and symptoms of Sepsis may facilitate early intervention and treatment, which can significantly improve survival rates.
The most noticeable signs and symptoms of Sepsis to watch out for are:
Sepsis causes a high fever; and in some people, a drop in temperature may also be seen.
An individual with Sepsis might appear strangely confused, disoriented, or perhaps not able to think clearly, which is a sign of the brain infection.
Sepsis causes severe pain and discomfort; and is often described as the worst pain ever experienced.
The heart speeds up to pump more blood to organs and tissues but this response may slow as Sepsis progresses.
Breathing may become shallow and fast as the body attempts to bring more oxygen.
The skin may become clammy or sweaty as the body fights the infection.
Not being able to urinate much suggests kidney dysfunction due to Sepsis.
Feeling very cold and constant shivering are other common symptoms, especially in early stages of Sepsis.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment of Sepsis using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: Scientifically-formulated mixtures that help restore the body’s balance and promote emotional stability.
Yoga, Meditation and Mindfulness-Practices: Relaxation methods that improve mental wellness and overall health.
Ayurvedic Treatment Methods: Techniques like Panchakarma and therapeutic massages which detox the body and help with emotional balance.
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations: Expert advice on changing your eating habits and lifestyle for optimum health results.
Ayurveda offers a number of natural cures to strengthen the immune system and combat infections triggering Sepsis. These remedies are derived from herbs and plants that heal and restore balance in the entire body, particularly targeting the inflammation and infection that characterise Sepsis.
The following are some important Ayurvedic medicines to manage and control Sepsis :
Turmeric (Curcuma Longa): The ingredient curcumin in turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antioxidant properties which help boost the immune system and combat infection. It is taken either as a powder or capsule added to milk.
Garlic (Allium sativum): Garlic possesses antibiotic and antibacterial properties and is used against the bacterial infections that cause Sepsis. Add fresh garlic while cooking or as a supplement.
Neem (Azadirachta Indica): Neem detoxifies the blood and stops infections due to its antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral qualities. Neem leaves can be prepared as tea or taken as capsules.
Manjistha (Rubia cordifolia): This blood purifier helps the lymphatic system function correctly and aids the immune system in fighting infections. It is available as a powder or in capsule form.
Giloy (Tinospora Cordifolia): Giloy has antipyretic, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help in fever treatment and boosting immunity. It can be taken as a juice or in powdered form with water.
Tulsi (Holy Basil): Tulsi possesses antibacterial, antipyretic and antiviral properties that prevent infections and help reduce fever. You can chew fresh tulsi leaves or drink it as a herbal tea.
Ayurveda considers Sepsis to be a severe imbalance of the doshas (body energies) due to toxic buildup and weakened immunity that causes systemic inflammation.
Yes, Ayurveda works to strengthen immunity and rid the body of toxins to avoid infections that can trigger Sepsis. The key is regular detoxification and balanced doshas.
Daily practices include eating right, regular exercise, getting enough sleep and taking herbal dietary supplements including turmeric and tulsi to strengthen the immune system.
Ayurveda diagnosis of Sepsis is done pulse diagnosis, observation of physical symptoms and analysis of lifestyle and diet to detect early infection signs.
To prevent Sepsis, take fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains and herbs that reduce ama (body toxins) and balance the doshas.
Important herbs that help boost immunity are Amalaki (vitamin C), Neem (detoxifying), and Ashwagandha (increasing stress resistance).
By increasing circulation, reducing stress and boosting the immune system with asanas and breathing exercises, yoga can help manage Sepsis.
Treatments may include Panchakarma for detoxification, herbal medicines for infection and Rasayana therapies for regeneration of body tissues.
Yes, regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate hydration and rest are necessary to reinforce the natural defences of the body.
In Ayurveda, water is vital for digestive health and flushing out toxins from the body, which could cause serious infections.