Saving Yourself From Sepsis

You have a raging case of pneumonia. If that wasn’t enough, your heart rate is racing, you have the chills but you are sweaty. You could have sepsis.

Sepsis is the consequence of widespread inflammation of the body. Inflammation and blood clotting during sepsis causes reduced blood flow to limbs and vital organs, and can lead to organ failure and even death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, at least 1.7 million adults in the United States develop sepsis, and nearly 270,000 die as a result.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, sepsis can affect anyone but those at particular risk include:

·       The very old (older than 65 years old) or very young or pregnant women

·       People with preexisting infections or medical conditions such as lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes and cancer

·       People with weakened immune systems

·       Patients in the hospital

·       People with severe injuries such as large burns or wounds  

·       Patients with catheters (IVs, urinary catheters) or a breathing tube.

Bacterial infections are the most common cause of sepsis. Sepsis can be caused by fungal, parasitic or viral infections. Common sites and types of infection that can lead to sepsis include:

·       The abdomen: An infection of the appendix (appendicitis), bowel problems, infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis), and gallbladder or liver infections.

·       The central nervous system: Infections of the brain or spinal cord.

·       The lungs: Infections such as pneumonia.

·       The skin: Bacteria can enter skin through wounds or skin inflammation or through the openings made with intravenous (IV) catheters (tubes inserted into the body to give or drain fluids). Conditions such as cellulitis (inflammation of the skin’s connective tissue) can also cause sepsis.

·       The urinary tract (kidneys or bladder): Urinary tract infections are especially likely if the patient has a urinary catheter to drain urine.

Some symptoms of sepsis are shaking or chills, fast heart rate, fever or hypothermia (very low body temperature), warm or clammy/sweaty skin, confusion or disorientation, and hyperventilation (rapid breathing) or shortness of breath.

A person may be diagnosed with sepsis if he or she has a high or low white blood cell count, a low platelet count, acidosis (too much acid in the blood), a blood culture that is positive for infection and abnormal kidney or liver function.

Patients diagnosed with severe sepsis are usually placed in the intensive care unit (ICU) of the hospital for special treatment. Your doctor will then try to identify the source and type of infection, obtain blood and urine tests and X-rays or CT scans. The patient is treated with antibiotics.

IV (intravenous or in the vein) fluids are administered to keep blood pressure from dropping too low. In some cases, you may need vasopressor medications (which tighten blood vessels) to reach an adequate blood pressure. If organ failures occur, you can receive the appropriate supportive care (for example, mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure, dialysis for kidney failure, etc.)

You can prevent sepsis by applying good handwashing techniques, keeping up to date with vaccinations, seeking medical care for chronic conditions and getting medical attention right away if you suspect an infection.

Sepsis can be a life-threatening condition. But as with many other illnesses, early identification and treatment are keys to improved outcomes. It is crucial to treat the underlying infection quickly and appropriately so it doesn’t lead to sepsis. With raised awareness, you can carefully take steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from this disease.