According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sepsis affects over 1.7 million American adults, with at least 350,000 of them either dying during hospitalization or being discharged to hospice. Shockingly, one in three hospital deaths involves sepsis, and nearly 87% of sepsis cases start before a patient even reaches the hospital.
A septic shock could vary from person to person depending on their case. Here's what people should know about this life-threatening response to infection that damages the body's organs.
What Is Sepsis? Here Are the Symptoms, Risks, and Other Facts of This Life-Threatening Response to Infection
Nature of Sepsis
Sepsis is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the body's response to infection becomes extreme, CDC explains. The chain reaction is triggered by existing infections, most commonly originating from the lung, urinary tract, skin, or gastrointestinal tract. If left untreated, sepsis can rapidly progress to cause tissue damage, organ failure, and even death.
It is important to note that sepsis is not contagious and cannot be spread to other people. However, infections can lead to sepsis, and certain infections can be transmitted between individuals. When sepsis sets in, the body begins to harm its own tissues and organs, leading to potentially fatal consequences.
As per NHS, initial symptoms may include weakness, chills, rapid heart rate, and breathing difficulties. In cases where infection enters the body through a minor wound, the surrounding area may become red, swollen, and warm to the touch. Prompt medical attention is crucial to prevent sepsis from escalating and causing severe complications.
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Symptoms of a Septic Shock
Common signs and symptoms of sepsis include unexplained sweating, shivering, and altered mental state, The Sun reported. In specific cases where sepsis is caused by an infection in a wound or the colon, it may also result in moderate-to-severe diarrhea.
While some individuals may visibly display signs of being unwell, others might have more subtle indications of septic shock, making it challenging to identify. Nevertheless, certain behaviors may signal that someone is at risk.
Typical indicators of septic shock encompass difficulty standing up, dizziness, excessive sleepiness, drastic changes in mental alertness like confusion or disorientation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and cold, clammy, and pale skin.
Who Are at Risk?
The chances of surviving sepsis heavily rely on promptly receiving intensive medical care. The longer the delay in seeking treatment, the higher the risk of mortality.
As per the Sun's report, this urgency is particularly crucial for vulnerable groups, including newborns, adults over 65 years old, pregnant individuals, and those with underlying health conditions like diabetes or kidney failure.
Additionally, people who have recently experienced a serious illness or have been hospitalized and those who were previously infected with sepsis are at risk of developing the condition. Lastly, a person with a compromised immune system due to conditions like HIV or AIDS or receiving chemotherapy is also at heightened risk.
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