Bacteremia: Understanding Bloodstream Infections

Bacteremia occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream, either from an infection elsewhere in the body or through a medical procedure such as surgery, dental work, or catheter use.

While small amounts of bacteria in the blood can sometimes clear on their own, persistent or high levels can trigger serious complications, including sepsis.

At our clinic, we specialize in diagnosing and managing bloodstream infections to prevent organ damage and long-term complications.

Causes of Bacteremia

Bacteremia can develop from a variety of sources, including:

Skin infections, abscesses, or wounds
Urinary tract infections (UTIs)
Pneumonia or other lung infections
Infected intravenous or urinary catheters
Dental infections or recent oral procedures
Surgical site or device-related infections
Invasive medical procedures

Symptoms

Symptoms can vary depending on the source and severity of infection.

Common signs include:

Fever or chills
Rapid heart rate
Low blood pressure
Weakness or fatigue
Confusion or disorientation
Shortness of breath
Skin changes such as redness or rash

If left untreated, bacteremia can progress to sepsis or septic shock, which require immediate medical attention.

When to Seek Care

You should seek urgent medical evaluation if you experience fever, chills, or rapid heart rate after surgery, dental work, or while you have a catheter or wound.

Early detection and treatment are key to preventing severe infection and complications.

Diagnosis

Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools to identify the cause and extent of bacteremia.

This may include:

Blood cultures to identify the specific bacteria causing infection
Imaging to locate the source of infection (such as abscess or infected organ)
Laboratory tests to monitor inflammation and organ function

Treatment

Bacteremia requires prompt, targeted antibiotic therapy and treatment of the underlying source of infection.

Treatment options may include:

Intravenous (IV) or oral antibiotics based on culture results
Removal or replacement of infected lines, catheters, or devices
Drainage of abscesses or surgical cleaning of infected areas
Supportive care to stabilize blood pressure and organ function