Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
septicemia
Noun
/ˌsɛp.tɪˈsiː.mi.ə/
Definition
Septicemia is a serious medical condition caused by the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream, leading to systemic inflammation and infection.
Examples
- The patient developed septicemia after the surgery.
- Symptoms of septicemia include fever, chills, and rapid breathing.
- If septicemia is not treated promptly, it can lead to severe complications.
Meaning
It is often referred to as blood poisoning and can result from infections in another part of the body. If untreated, septicemia can lead to sepsis, which is a life-threatening response to infection.
Synonyms
- Blood poisoning
- Sepsis (in some contexts)
- Bacteremia
