Health encyclopaedia

Health encyclopaedia - Alphabetical Topic List

Septic shock

Septic shock occurs when bacteria gets into the bloodstream (bacteraemia). If the number of these bacteria increases by reproduction, the affected person has septicaemia, a condition popularly known as 'blood poisoning'.

Bacteria can do harm by producing very powerful poisons (toxins). Septic shock is the result of the dangerous effects these toxins have on the blood circulation. The mortality in septic shock may be over 60%. See Toxic shock syndrome.

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• SARSScabiesScarlet feverScarsSchizophreniaSciaticaScoliosisScurvySeasonal affective disorderSecond opinionSelf-injurySeptic shockSexual health clinicsSexually transmitted infectionsShinglesShort-sightednessSick building syndromeSickle-cell anaemiaSinusitisSjogren's syndromeSlapped cheek syndromeSleep apnoeaSlipped discSmear testSmoking (quitting)SnoringSore throatSpina bifidaSpinal muscular atrophySports injuriesSprainsSquintStaphylococcal infectionsSterilisationStillbirthStings, insectStings, marine creaturesStreptococcal infectionsStressStretch marksStrokeSubarachnoid haemorrhageSubdural haematomaSudden infant death syndromeSuicideSunburnSupraventricular tachycardiaSyphilis

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