What is a Bacterial Infection in Blood? Warning Signs You Shouldn't Ignore

• Written by Gungun Bhatia

  Reviewed by Munmi Sharma

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One moment, you're feeling slightly feverish; the next, you're being rushed to the hospital.

This is how quickly a bacterial infection in the blood can turn into a life-threatening emergency. Known medically as bacteremia, this condition occurs when harmful bacteria in the bloodstream spread rapidly. If you don't get it treated, it can lead to some life-threatening issues. This silent but dangerous condition demands urgent attention.

But how do bacteria end up in your blood? In this blog, we'll explain a bacterial infection in the blood, how it occurs, the signs to watch for, and what treatments are available. Let’s begin!

Understanding Bacterial Infection in Blood

A bacterial infection in the blood, or bacteremia, happens when harmful bacteria enter your bloodstream, which isn't normal and can be serious. Usually, your blood is clean and free of germs. When these harmful bacteria grow in the blood, they can spread throughout your body, leading to issues like inflammation, organ failure, or even shock.

This condition usually occurs because of an infection that starts somewhere else in the body, like the lungs, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal system. A bacterial infection in the blood can lead to a bacterial bloodstream infection or sepsis in more serious cases.

Read More: What is Sepsis?

Common Causes of Bacteria Entering the Bloodstream

The most common sources of bacteria in the bloodstream include:

• Pneumonia and respiratory infections
• Dental infections
• Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)
• Skin infections
• Stomach infections
• Infected wounds or surgical sites
• Endocarditis (heart valve infection)
• Infected intravenous (IV) lines or catheters
• Burns

While not every infection spreads to the bloodstream, people with weakened immune systems, like elders, cancer patients, or those with chronic issues, are at higher risk.

Bacterial Blood Infection Symptoms: Signs to Watch Out for

Identifying a bacterial bloodstream infection early can mean the difference between life and death. Be alert to these blood infection symptoms due to bacteria:

• Fever & Chills
• Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)
• Rapid Heartbeat (Tachycardia)
• Rapid Breathing (Tachypnea)
• Reduced Urine Output
• Skin Rash or Discolouration
• Pain and Discomfort
• Sweating
• Light-headedness and Dizziness
• Nausea, Vomiting, or Diarrhea
• Fatigue or Weakness
• Confusion or Disorientation
• Abdominal Pain

If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if you already have an infection, seek immediate medical attention. Bacterial blood infections progress quickly and require urgent care.

Diagnosis: Detecting Bacteria in Blood Culture

If doctors think you have bacteria in the bloodstream, they'll likely order a test. This test is a reliable way to find out if there are bacteria in your blood. Here's how it works:

• Blood Samples are drawn and incubated.
• Lab technicians monitor for bacterial growth.
• If bacteria grow, they are identified, and antibiotic sensitivity is tested.

The bacteria in blood culture help doctors determine the type of bacteria and choose the most suitable treatment. Sometimes, they run several tests over a day or two to get more accurate results.

Additional tests may include:

• Complete blood count (CBC)
• Imaging like CT Scans or X-rays to identify the infection source
• Sputum test
• Urine test
• Wound culture

Bacteria in Blood Treatment: What Happens Next?

Treatment must start as soon as a bacterial blood infection is suspected, ideally before the culture results arrive.

Hospitalisation & Monitoring

When people have bacteremia, they often end up in the hospital. This is especially true for individuals who already have health issues, are older or show symptoms of sepsis. In that case, it becomes even more crucial for them to get medical help immediately.

Intravenous (IV) Antibiotics

When a patient shows signs of bacterial infection in blood, doctors immediately start broad-spectrum IV antibiotics. These antibiotics help the body fight off the infection quickly. The doctors can change the treatment once the lab returns with the culture results, which show what kind of bacteria is causing the issue.

Fluids & Supportive Care

IV fluids are essential for keeping blood pressure steady and ensuring the body stays hydrated. If someone is in a serious situation, they might need extra support like oxygen therapy to help them breathe, mechanical ventilation if their lungs aren't working well, or even dialysis if their kidneys are struggling to do their job. Each of these treatments plays a significant role in ensuring patients get the care they need when their health takes a turn for the worse.

Removal of the Infection Source

If the infection started from a catheter, a prosthetic device, an abscess, or an infected wound, properly removing or treating that issue is essential. This is crucial to ensure the infection doesn't come back and cause more problems in the future.

Monitoring for Complications

Doctors are always on the lookout for complications that might pop up, such as sepsis, organ damage, or the possibility of the illness coming back. They regularly recheck blood cultures to ensure the bacteria are completely gone. By closely monitoring these factors, healthcare providers can step in quickly if anything unusual occurs.

Who's at Risk? Understanding Vulnerability

Anyone can end up with a bacterial infection in the blood, but certain groups are at a higher risk. Let’s break it down a bit:

Older Adults (Above 65 Years)

The immune system becomes weaker with age. Hence, it becomes challenging for older people to fight off infections, particularly bloodstream infections like sepsis. Additionally, the treatment cost for senior citizens is touching the heights. Hence, it is always advisable for senior citizens to purchase a health insurance plan. But which insurance company is the best?

Care Health Insurance is one of the renowned health insurance providers in India. It helps senior citizens focus on their well-being without stressing about the budget with a Care Supreme Senior plan. Under this plan, there are several benefits like annual health check-ups, organ donor coverage, ambulance cover, Ayush treatment, and many more, for people above 60 years. Hence, buy the Supreme Senior plan today and spend the golden years without stress.

People with Chronic Illnesses

If someone has health issues such as diabetes, kidney problems, liver cirrhosis, or chronic lung disease, they are more likely to get infections. These conditions affect the body’s ability to fight off germs, making it easy for bacteria to enter the bloodstream.

Organ Transplant Recipients and Immunocompromised Individuals

Patients taking immunosuppressive drugs usually find it more challenging for their bodies to fend off bacterial infections. These medications can lower the immune system’s effectiveness, making it more difficult for the body to tackle a bacterial blood infection that it would typically handle with ease.

Infants and Young Children

The immune systems of infants and young children are in the growing phase. This can lead to infections that can become serious and spread into the bloodstream. Monitoring their health while they're still building up those defences is essential.

Post-surgery Patients

If surgical wounds are not properly cared for, particularly in hospitals, they can become bacterial entry routes. That’s why following care instructions to keep everything sterile is super important.

Cancer Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy affects your immune system. While in treatment, your body struggles to fight infections like usual. Even a minor cold can turn serious. So, it’s essential to be careful and monitor your health.

People with Poor Dental Hygiene

If you have an oral infection, bacteria can enter your bloodstream, especially if your gums bleed. This happens when your mouth’s protective barrier is weak. That's why dental health is key to your overall health. Keeping your gums healthy can prevent many issues.

Knowing these risk factors can make it easier to seek early medical attention when symptoms arise and to take prompt preventive action.

Prevention: How to Reduce Your Risk

Even though not all infections can be avoided, taking the following steps can lower your chance of getting a bacterial bloodstream infection:

• Take proper care of your wounds and maintain adequate hygiene
• Finish all prescribed antibiotic courses
• Remain current on your immunisations
• Seek out infection treatment as soon as possible
• Steer clear of needless IV lines or catheters
• Assure sterile procedures during dental or surgical operations

Don't Ignore the Signs!

A bacterial infection in your blood is more than just a regular illness—it's a serious issue that needs quick action. Pay attention to early signs such as fever and tiredness, and don't ignore severe symptoms like confusion or trouble breathing. Getting help fast can make a difference. Don't wait if you think you might have a bacterial bloodstream infection. Getting diagnosed quickly, starting treatment immediately, and keeping a close eye on the situation are essential to avoid serious problems.

Health isn’t something to gamble with. Listen to your body—and take action before it’s too late.

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. The health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. Refer to your policy documents for more information.