Sepsis (Septicemia) – Spiritual Meaning, Causes, Symptoms, Prevention

Septicemia (sepsis), also known as bacteremia or blood poisoning, is a serious bloodstream infection that can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Without prompt treatment, septic shock can occur, which can be fatal.

In the United States, an estimated 1.5 million individuals develop this infection every year, and more than 250,000 will die from it.

In the United Kingdom, there are approximately 123,000 cases per year.

Worldwide, around 3 million newborns and 1.2 million children suffer from sepsis every year. 

READ MORE: Arterial Embolism – Spiritual Meaning

Symptoms

Common symptoms may include:

• rapid heart rate (tachycardia);
• sudden high fever with chills;
• very fast respiration;
• generally feeling unwell;
• elevated body temperature;
• abdominal pain;
• inadequate blood flow;
• reduced urine volume;
• red dots which appear on the skin;
• vomiting;
• nausea;
• inability to think clearly;
• shortness of breath;
• anxiety;
• diarrhea.

READ MORE: Peptic Ulcer – Spiritual Meaning

Causes

While any type of infection can lead to septicemia, the most likely varieties include:

• bloodstream infection (bacteremia);
• kidney infection;
• abdominal infection;
• pneumonia.

READ MORE: Laryngitis – Spiritual Meaning

Risk Factors

• having a urinary tract infection;
• having a chronic illness;
• having any disease which provokes ulceration of the bowels;
• taking steroids over the long-term;
• having certain medical conditions, such as – heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, meningitis, kidney disease, and liver disease;
• having very large burns;
• taking medications for HIV/AIDS or chemotherapy drugs;
• having severe bacterial pneumonia;
• having the spleen surgically removed;
• alcoholism;
• people who have cellulitis;
• people who have an open wound;
• long-term antibiotic treatment;
• malnutrition, which significantly weakens the immune system;
• intravenous drug use;
• taking immunosuppressive drugs.

READ MORE: Epilepsy – Spiritual Meaning

Spiritual Meaning of Sepsis (Septicemia)

Each infection involves a conflict that has not been realized and resolved. So, either you are not able to consciously perceive this conflict, or you avoid fighting it, or maybe you simply refuse to accept it.

Be honest with yourself. To get attention, the mental energy you tried to repress has attracted viruses, bacteria, or toxins that have invaded your body. Now the body’s strength has been deactivated, and the conflict you tried to avoid hurts you in the form of inflammation.

Acute inflammation is always an urgent call to understand something, while an inflammatory process that has become chronic is a long-held conflict. Clearly, you lack the courage to make a decision in order to solve the problem.

Apparently, you feel as if you’ve lost something, or you would lose something if you did that.

Now your energies are blocked, and you are in a period of stagnation; all energies focus on the outbreak of infection, and your body feels tired. The part of the body where the outbreak was located indicates the psychological causes of the conflict.

We have to observe the phenomenon from a pathological point of view in order to decipher the meaning of that infection. If you do not take the necessary steps for your development, conflicts will arise.

Take a look at the possibilities that different situations offer. Remember that in the case of a chronic conflict, it is important to finish with it by making clear decisions.

READ MORE: Osteoarthritis – Spiritual Meaning

Prevention

Wash Your Hands

Washing and sanitizing your hands is important for preventing the infection efficiently because you stop the infectious bacteria from ever accessing a route of entry.

Exercise

According to studies, practicing regular moderate physical activity (30 to 90 minutes – 4 times per week) increases immune function.

Note – according to a study conducted at the Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina, prolonged high-intensity physical exercise can actually make you more susceptible to sickness.

Antibiotics

Antibiotics don’t work for things like the common cold, the flu, and most sore throats. They are only needed at times to treat severe bacterial infections and specific life-threatening diseases.

Therefore, not taking antibiotics when it is not really necessary is one of the best methods to reduce the risk of this infection.

Reduce Your Stress

Emotional stress weakens the immune system and increases your risk of having any type of infection. The most effective method to reduce your stress includes – mindfulness meditation, yoga, and Tai Chi.

Sleep

According to research, people who fall short are nearly three times as likely to catch an infection. This is most likely due to the fact that sleep regulates the release of the hormone cortisol, which stimulates cells that enhance the immune system.

Vitamin C

Studies have associated vitamin C with a reduced incidence of infections. Foods rich in vitamin C include – kale, lemons, limes, grapefruits, blueberries, cabbage, onions, pummelo, oranges, clementines, blackberries, and strawberries.

Images credit – Shutterstock & Getty

READ THIS NEXT: Eating Disorders – Spiritual Meaning

References

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8375296
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5663596/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4413066/