Sepsis, a common but not commonly known condition
Here’s a statement made by the Sepsis Alliance on their website www.sepsis.org: “Sepsis awareness can and does save lives, yet only 71 percent of American adults have ever heard the word. That’s why they were founded in 2007 by Dr. Carl Flatley, whose daughter, Erin, died unnecessarily of sepsis when she was 23 years old.
Its mission is to “save lives and reduce suffering by improving sepsis awareness and care.” So, with that lofty goal in mind, I’m going to do my part to inform you about this potentially deadly infection.
Sometimes called septicemia, sepsis is when your body has an unusually severe overactive and toxic response to an infection. Simply put, it’s your immune system going awry.
“During sepsis, your immune system, which defends you from germs, releases a lot of chemicals into your blood," WebMD explains. “This triggers widespread inflammation that can lead to organ damage. Clots reduce blood flow to your limbs and internal organs, so they don’t get the nutrients and oxygen they need.
In severe cases, sepsis causes a dangerous drop in blood pressure. Doctors call this ‘septic shock.’ It can quickly lead to organ failures, such as your lungs, kidneys, and liver. This can be deadly.”
Every cut, scrape, or break in the skin can cause an infection. In addition, many types of microbes can cause sepsis, including bacteria, fungi, and viruses.
“Most sepsis is caused by bacterial infections, but it can be a complication of other infections, including viral infections, such as COVID-19 or influenza,” the National Institutes of Health says. “Severe cases of sepsis often result from a body-wide infection that spreads through the bloodstream. In some cases, bloodstream infection cannot be detected, and doctors use other information such as body temperature and mental status to diagnose sepsis.”
Anyone can develop sepsis, but it is more common in people with weakened immune systems because of conditions such as HIV or cancer. People who take some medications such as steroids are also at risk. You say that’s not you? Pregnant women, young children, the elderly, especially if they have other health issues, and those who’ve recently been hospitalized or had surgery are also at risk.
Webmd also says that people who use catheters or breathing tubes are at risk, as are those who have diabetes, appendicitis, pneumonia, meningitis, cirrhosis, or a urinary tract infection.
“Because it can begin in different parts of your body, sepsis can have many different symptoms. The first signs may include rapid breathing and confusion. Other symptoms include fever and chills; very low body temperature; peeing less than usual; fast heartbeat; nausea and vomiting; diarrhea; fatigue or weakness; blotchy or discolored skin; sweating or clammy skin; or severe pain.”
No ifs, ands, or buts, sepsis is a medical emergency. If you begin to experience any of the above symptoms, you should get immediate medical attention. NIH says that 1.7 million adults in America develop sepsis each year, and 270,000 die as a result. It’s one of the biggest reasons people are admitted to ICU (intensive care units).
“Infection prevention begins with ensuring that all wounds be cleaned as quickly as possible and be kept clean as they heal,” Sepsis Alliance says. “They should also be monitored for signs of an infection.”
“Always wash your hands before touching an open wound. If the wound is deep, gaping, or has jagged edges and can’t be closed easily, it may need stitches. See your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
“If the wound does not appear to need stitches, rinse it and the surrounding area with clean (not soapy) water. Gently running water over the wound can help remove any dirt or debris that may be inside. If you believe that there is still debris in the wound, this should be checked by a healthcare provider.”
You can apply an antibiotic cream or ointment, but for sure, you should cover the wound to protect it from getting dirty and from rubbing against your clothes. Then observe the wound for any signs of infection, including redness, warmth to the touch, increased pain, and/or discharge (you know, pus).
Sepsis Alliance’s vision is to live in a world in which no one is harmed by sepsis. Now that you know the word, you can research a lot more information online.
Kathy Hubbard is a member of the Bonner General Health Foundation Advisory Council. She can be reached at kathyleehubbard@yahoo.com.
