In the United States every year, 1.7 million people are diagnosed with sepsis. It’s important you know the signs and procedures to help keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
Sepsis is a medical emergency that occurs when the immune system overreacts to an infection and works against the body instead of helping it, sometimes leading to tissue damage, organ failure or even death. According to Sepsis Alliance, sepsis is the No. 1 cost of hospitalization in the U.S., accounting for an estimated $62 billion annually, and it’s also the leading cause of death in U.S. hospitals.
Those who are at a higher risk of contracting infection — infants, seniors, those with chronic illnesses or those with a weakened or impaired immune system — are also at a higher risk of developing sepsis; however, it can affect patients of any age and overall health.
“Sepsis can affect anyone and can develop from any type of infection,” said Thomas E. Quinn Jr., MD, a specialist in pulmonology and critical care medicine with MRMG Pulmonary & Critical Care. “It is vital to recognize the warning signs and to seek medical care as soon as sepsis is suspected.”
If patients show more than one symptom of sepsis, especially when there are signs of an infection, a doctor will likely suspect sepsis. Some of the warning signs include:
∙ Symptoms typically associated with an infection, such as fever and chills
∙ Confusion, sleepiness or mental decline
∙ Shortness of breath
∙ Severe pain or discomfort
∙ Rapid heart rate
∙ Sweaty or clammy skin
It is imperative that someone displaying signs of sepsis get immediate medical attention. Without prompt medical care, sepsis can quickly progress to severe sepsis, then septic shock and even death.
“Signs of severe sepsis include organ dysfunction, such as difficulty breathing, low or no urine output, abnormal liver tests and changes in mental status,” Dr. Quinn said. “Septic shock is diagnosed when a patient’s blood pressure drops to dangerous levels.”
Seek help immediately by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room when someone exhibits these signs, and remember the acronym TIME:
T: Temperature that is not normal – either high or low
I: Signs of an infection
M: Mental decline, confusion or difficult to rouse
E: Extreme illness, severe discomfort or a feeling of being near death
Dr. Quinn said one of the best ways to prevent sepsis is by getting recommended vaccinations, such as the pneumococcal vaccine, flu vaccine and the COVID-19 vaccine.
Go to Sepsis.org or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s website for more information about sepsis.
Thomas E. Quinn Jr., MD, is a specialist in pulmonology and critical care medicine with MRMG Pulmonary & Critical Care.