Know The Symptoms Of Sepsis

Sepsis is more common than heart attacks and claims more lives than prostate cancer, breast cancer and AIDS combined, according to the Indiana Patient Safety Center. 

What Is Sepsis?

Sepsis is an extreme response to infection. When the immune system overreacts, it triggers widespread inflammation that can damage organs and lead to death. Even a minor infection can set off this dangerous reaction.

Sepsis can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and even death. Sepsis complications, such as leaky blood vessels and blood clotting, can reduce blood flow to the point at which the organs no longer receive sufficient oxygen and nutrients, resulting in organ failure. 

Sepsis can affect anyone, but it's most often seen in older adults or those with weakened immune systems. People who have a weakened immune system, a chronic disease like diabetes, or have been in the hospital recently are more susceptible to sepsis. More than 1.7 million people every year in the United States develop sepsis, and 350,000 of them will die from this infection. 

In extreme cases, sepsis can cause septic shock as blood pressure drops and the heart weakens, which can lead to death.

What Causes Sepsis?

Sepsis occurs when chemicals released into the blood to fight an infection trigger a widespread inflammatory response that can be life-threatening.

Any type of infection in the body can cause sepsis, including even minor ones. Infections that can trigger sepsis most often start in the lung, urinary tract, skin or gastrointestinal tract. Most cases of sepsis can be blamed on bacteria. But viruses, including the flu and the virus that causes COVID-19, also can spark it, as can fungal infections.

While sepsis has the same symptoms of infection, such as diarrhea, shivering, vomiting and sore throat, it can turn deadly fairly quickly, attacking vital organs. Without timely treatment, sepsis can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure and death.

Who Is At Risk For Sepsis?

Certain groups of people have a higher risk of sepsis, including:

• People ages 65 and older
• People with weakened immune systems
• People with chronic conditions such as diabetes and cancer
• People with kidney problems
• People with vascular disease
• People who were recently hospitalized

What Are Symptoms Of Sepsis?

Symptoms of sepsis include:

• Rapid heart rate
• Fever
• Hyperventilation
• Hypothermia
• Skin rash
• Decreased urination
• Stomach pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion
• Chills
• Sudden drop in blood pressure

Most sepsis cases begin outside of the hospital, making it essential to spot early warning signs of sepsis at home.

"It's important to share your symptoms with a health care professional as soon as possible," said John Dougherty, MD, an infectious disease physician with Franciscan Health. "Early recognition of sepsis can make a difference between life and death."

An Easy Way To Remember The Signs Of Sepsis:

• S - Shivering (fever or very cold)
• E - Extreme pain and discomfort
• P - Pale or discolored skin
• S - Sleepy, difficult to wake up
• I - "I feel like I might die."
• S - Short of breath

How Is Sepsis Diagnosed?

"In diagnosing sepsis, the most important feature is diagnosing infection," Dr. Dougherty said. "To have sepsis, you have to have infection or suspected infection. Other causes of shock and critical illness can cause abnormalities. The key to differentiate them is when patients have symptoms of infection and signs of infection upon examination."

Blood tests are used to check for infections, an abnormal white blood cell count, a drop in the platelet count, high levels of blood acidity, and kidney and liver problems.

Mucus and urine samples can also be taken to identify the underlying cause, which is usually bacteria. Additionally, various imaging scans can be performed to locate the site of infection. These include X-rays, CT (computed tomography) or MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging).

How Is Sepsis Treated?

Sepsis is a medical emergency. Sepsis is usually treated in the hospital setting with antibiotics and other methods to help keep the organs functioning and blood pressure from dropping. Treatment often includes antibiotics and IV fluids.

Because sepsis and septic shock are considered a medical emergency, patients will likely be placed in a hospital's intensive care unit (ICU). Doctors will initially attempt to stop the inflammation by treating the infection, often with broad-spectrum antibiotics shown to kill a wide range of bacteria. However, once the type of infection is identified, the doctor may switch to other forms of medication that may be more effective.

During the process, the patient will receive intravenous fluids to prevent an extreme drop in blood pressure, along with a supply of oxygen. Vasopressors, which cause blood vessels to contract, can also be taken to increase blood pressure. Corticosteroids, insulin to stabilize blood sugar levels, painkillers and sedatives may be used as well to alleviate pain and discomfort.

What Are The Long-Term Effects Of Sepsis?

The problems for as many as half of people who contract sepsis don't end there. They may experience some long-last effects, including insomnia, impaired brain function, fatigue and joint pain.

Sepsis also can hurt your heart, damaging the lining of the blood vessels and making the person susceptible to blood clots and inflammation. Research published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases suggests people hospitalized for sepsis were twice as likely to have or die from a future coronary heart disease event such as a heart attack as people without a history of sepsis. That risk remained elevated for at least four years. Other research in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine shows 10% to 40% of people with sepsis end up developing a type of irregular heartbeat called atrial fibrillation.

How Can I Protect My Family?

To help protect you and your family from sepsis, be sure to be up to date on all vaccines, including flu and pneumonia. Be vigilant about handwashing, and know the signs of sepsis, especially if you or a loved one already has an infection or illness. 

Can I Prevent Sepsis?

Because sepsis is the result of an infection, following your doctor's instructions after surgery, hospitalization or infection will help you decrease the chances of developing sepsis. This means:

• Taking antibiotics or other medications as prescribed. That means finishing the entire course of medications that were prescribed for you, and not taking someone else's antibiotics or other medications.
• Frequently handwashing
• Talking with your doctor about recommended vaccines for your health conditions
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle with nutritious food, exercise, and rest
• Seek medical care if an illness does not seem to be improving or it is getting worse