What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
What Is Bacteria in the Blood?
Bacteria in the blood is also known as bacteremia, or blood poisoning 1. According to the Mayo Clinic, the term "blood poisoning" is misleading because it is the presence of bacteria in the blood causing problems, not poison 12. Wrong Diagnosis.com, a website maintained by Health Grades Inc., says bacteremia is a condition in which bacteria have invaded the bloodstream 3.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Symptoms
According to Wrong Diagnosis.com, symptoms of bacteria in the blood include:
- an increased heart rate
- an increase or decrease in body temperature
- increased rate of breathing
- decreased oxygen in the blood
- sweating accompanied by chills 3
The Mayo Clinic says symptoms of bacteremia also include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and feeling extremely ill 2.
Causes
Difference Between O Positive & O Negative Blood
Learn More
According to Wrong Diagnosis.com, bacteria in the blood can be caused by a complication from another condition, or it can be a symptom of another underlying problem 3. The Mayo Clinic says bacteria enter the blood through a wound or infection 12. Often this occurs during a medical or dental procedure.
Diagnosis
The Mayo Clinic says bacteria in the blood is usually diagnosed by performing a blood culture 12.
Treatments
Can a Tooth Abscess Cause a Blood Infection?
Learn More
According to the Mayo Clinic, treatment includes hospitalization with the administration of intravenous antibiotics 2. Bacteria in the blood is a serious condition and requires immediate medical attention.
Complications
The Mayo Clinic says bacteria in the blood can rapidly become a life-threatening condition 12. According to Wrong Diagnosis.com, once bacteria have entered the bloodstream, the infection can easily spread to other areas of the body, which can lead to abscesses, meningitis and inflammation of organs such as:
- the heart
- abdominal cavity 3
Bacteria in the blood also can lead to sepsis, shock, unusual blood clotting, organ failure and ultimately death.
Bacteremia vs. Septicemia
Bacteremia and septicemia are often confused with each other. According to the Mayo Clinic, septicemia, or sepsis, is a life-threatening result of bacteremia that will affect organ function and eventually lead to a fatal drop in blood pressure 12. Thus, in general, sepsis is the body's reaction to bacteria in the blood.
Related Articles
References
Writer Bio
Terri Peerenboom, R.N., began writing for Demand Studios in 2010. She specializes in health-related topics, and has written and published over 100 articles for LIVESTRONG.COM. She holds a Bachelor of Science in nursing from the University of Texas and a Master of Arts in counseling from Sam Houston State University.