what is septic shock?
Septic shock is a life-threatening medical condition that occurs as a severe complication of sepsis , which is the body's extreme response to an infection. In septic shock, an infection causes widespread inflammation, leading to a dangerous drop in blood pressure , organ dysfunction , and impaired tissue perfusion. 🔍 Definition of Septic Shock Septic shock is defined as a subset of sepsis in which underlying circulatory and metabolic abnormalities are profound enough to substantially increase mortality. It is characterized by: Persistent hypotension requiring vasopressors to maintain a mean arterial pressure (MAP) ≥65 mmHg Serum lactate level >2 mmol/L despite adequate fluid resuscitation This condition represents the most severe end of the sepsis spectrum and is considered a medical emergency. ⚠️ Causes and Risk Factors Septic shock is caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection that spreads throughout the body. Common sources include: Pneumonia ...