What is septic shock?

Septic shock is defined as a severe and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs as a result of an infection, leading to systemic inflammation and a significant drop in blood pressure. In this condition, the body's response to infection causes widespread vasodilation, resulting in reduced blood flow and inadequate perfusion of vital organs. This can culminate in multi-organ dysfunction or failure if not promptly and effectively treated.

Unlike cardiac arrest, which involves the heart's inability to pump effectively, septic shock is specifically tied to an infectious process that causes the body to go into shock due to the overwhelm of toxins in the bloodstream. Dehydration-related shock involves fluid loss without the systemic infectious factors present in septic shock. Blood loss shock, on the other hand, relates strictly to hematological causes, such as hemorrhage. Therefore, septic shock stands out as a distinct type of distributive shock specifically triggered by an underlying infection.