Our immune system protects us from many illnesses and infections. However, on occasion, it may have adverse effects as well that lead to sepsis. Sometimes the immune system, while fighting an infection may go into overdrive. This causes toxins to be released into the bloodstream causing inflammation across the body.

This can lead to septic shock which can be a fatal condition and must be treated as a medical emergency. Some of the symptoms of sepsis include a fever over 101 F or temperature below 96.8 F, heart rate greater than 90 beats per minute, breathing rate more than 20 breaths per minute and infection.

It takes two of these symptoms together for sepsis to be diagnosed. Organ failure can cause severe sepsis which is signaled by discoloured skin, lower urine output, changes in mental ability, breathing trouble and a host of other symptoms. This, in addition to low blood pressure is a sign of septic shock. Septic shock has a mortality rate of nearly 50% so it is imperative the patient receive medical attention immediately.

Here at Sri Ramakrishna Hospital, we are prepared for every eventuality and our consultants in the General Medicine Department are experts in the management and treatment of sepsis and septic shock.

Hypertension or high blood pressure is generally considered to be a disease of civilisation. It is widespread and growing to a point where it is estimated there will be more than 1.5 billion people living with it by the year 2025.

High blood pressure means increased pressure on the artery walls which leads to a host of long-term health complications. If uncontrolled, it dramatically increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. Risk factors are numerous and range from age to race to family history to obesity and so on. Symptoms are few if any and it develops over the course of years so it is essential that you have regular checkups to ensure you get the right treatment if you have it.

If detected early, it can be controlled through medication and lifestyle changes. Our General Physicians in Coimbatore work with patients to help them manage hypertension over the long run and lead normal, healthy lives.