SEPSIS claims the lives of more than 50,000 Britons every year.
The deadly condition is the body’s overreaction to infection.
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When sepsis occurs, the body begins to damage its own tissues and organs, which can lead to death.
It’s usually triggered by illnesses we’re all familiar with — the flu, urinary tract infections, and skin infections — but any pathogen can cause the condition.
According to the NHS, those affected may initially experience weakness, chills and a rapid heart rate and breathing.
If the infection entered the body through a small cut, the area around the wound will become red, swollen, and warm to the touch.
Sweating for no apparent reason, chills, and a change in mental status are also common signs of sepsis.
In some cases, when the condition is caused by an infection of the cut or the colon, moderate to severe diarrhea can also occur.
For some people it can be quite obvious that this is happening and they will be visibly uncomfortable.
For others, however, the signs of septic shock can be difficult to spot.
However, there are some behaviors that might indicate you are at risk.
In general, the most common symptoms of septic shock are:
- Can’t get up
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- Severe sleepiness or difficulty staying awake
- A significant change in mental status, such as B. extreme confusion or disorientation
- Diarrhea
- nausea and vomiting
- Cold, damp and pale skin
If you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, you should call 999.
A person’s chances of surviving sepsis are highly dependent on receiving critical medical care as soon as possible.
The longer medical care lasts, the more likely it is that a patient will die.
This is especially important for newborns, the elderly and pregnant women, and people with long-term health problems (such as diabetes or kidney failure).
People with a weakened immune system (eg, people with HIV or AIDS or people receiving chemotherapy) are also at risk.
Luckily, once you get medical help, treatments are available to you.
These include oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, medications, antibiotics, and surgery.
