Sepsis is a medical emergency. If you suspect you have sepsis, seek medical help immediately
September 13th is World Sepsis Day. Unfortunately, about 30% of patients with severe sepsis die and about 50% acquire post-sepsis syndrome. Therefore, it is important to recognize the signs and be aware of the effects it can have on the body, both short-term and long-term.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a rare but life-threatening dysregulated and systemic response to an infection, which can include infections from sources as small as a hangnail to as large as meningitis. Most severely, it can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death, especially if not treated rapidly. The diagnosis of sepsis requires the presence of an infection and a set of signs and symptoms and may progress to septic shock, where there is a significant drop in blood pressure and is the most severe form of sepsis.
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
Sepsis can cause many symptoms, the most common of which are:
Signs of an infection
High or low temperature
Significant pain or discomfort
Low blood pressure
Rapid heart rate
Low oxygen levels
Difficulty breathing
Producing very little urine
Confusion or impaired consciousness
Some of the signs of sepsis found in blood tests include:
High white blood cell count
Immature white blood cells
High C-reactive protein
High lactate
High procalcitonin
Low platelets
Sepsis can cause many other symptoms and blood test abnormalities depending on which organs are affected.
How is sepsis treated?
Sepsis needs to be treated as soon as possible. Treatment typically includes antibiotics (if there is a bacterial infection), intravenous fluids to maintain blood flow to organs, vasopressors to increase blood pressure, supportive care if organ damage occurs, and sometimes surgery to remove dead tissue. Often, patients with sepsis are placed in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for extensive monitoring and treatment.
What factors increase the risk of sepsis?
Any factors increasing the risk of infections also increases the risk of sepsis. This includes young age, old age, pre-existing chronic illnesses, malnutrition, weakened immune system, and previous sepsis. Individuals with central lines or other medical devices causing an opening in the body are also at a higher risk of sepsis.
How can sepsis be prevented?
Since sepsis occurs due to a response to infection, it can be prevented by preventing infections. Unfortunately, this does not ensure that sepsis will never occur. Some ways to prevent infections include receiving vaccinations to prevent viral infections, caring for wounds, maintaining good hygiene, and treating known infections.
What is post-sepsis syndrome?
Post-sepsis syndrome includes long-term physical and/or psychological effects after sepsis. These can include:
Difficulty sleeping
Fatigue
Difficulty breathing
Significant muscle or joint pain
Swelling of the limbs
Repeat infections, especially in the first few weeks and months
Poor appetite
Reduced organ function
Hair loss
Skin rashes
Hallucinations
Panic attacks
Flashbacks
Nightmares
Decreased cognitive functioning
Loss of self-esteem
Depression
Mood swings
Difficulty concentrating
Memory loss
Post-traumatic stress disorder
Post-sepsis syndrome can be treated through psychological support and physical support such as physiotherapy.
Source: https://www.sepsis.org/
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