Dr. Lisa Masterson: What To Do If You Go Into Premature Labor
A viewer asked how to keep her baby safe is she goes into premature labor. Dr. Lisa Masterson said to call your doctor immediately, because they can tell from your voice and breathing patterns how to advise you. You may be able to get off your feet to alleviate pressure, or whether to rush to labor and delivery.
Dr. Lisa Masterson said laying down or drinking water can help you decrease oxytocin, which can cause contractions.
If left untreated, Sepsis can quickly escalate, causing amputations or even death.
The Doctors: Sepsis
A Facebook user said her friend’s mom almost died of Sepsis. She asked what Sepsis is and how to know if she is at risk.
Dr. Travis Stork said Sepsis is very common, infection three quarters of a million people annually. It affects people with compromised immune systems, like young children and the elderly. Using an animation, he explained that it can start with a skin infection, pneumonia, or other illness. Bacteria can enter your bloodstream and multiply, spreading through your body.
As your white blood cells try to fight off the bacteria, they release pro-inflammatory substances throughout your body, raising your heart rate and lowering your blood pressure. Oxygen delivery to tissues is also impaired. It can even cause blood clots and multi-system organ failure. That is why Sepsis can kill you.
The Doctors: Sepsis Symptoms
Symptoms to look for include fever & chills, high or low body temperature, decreased urination, and rapid pulse. Also watch for rapid breathing, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The sooner you see your doctor, the better off you are.
The Drs: Sepsis Treatments
Doctors will treat you with antibiotics immediately, giving you IV fluids to maintain blood pressure. They may even put you on oxygen to help your organs stabilize. Though antibiotics don’t do much for the common cold and other conditions, they save lives in cases of Sepsis.
Treating Sepsis as quickly as possible can prevent it from quickly escalating to amputations or death. Dr. Lisa Masterson added that pregnant women are especially at risk, and could pass Group B Strep on to their babies if it is not treated.
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