In 2011, Sepsis Alliance created Sepsis Awareness Month, which has since fallen every September. As such, we thought we’d dedicate a little time to talking about sepsis, what it is and how it can affect you. Read on to learn all about the condition this sepsis awareness month.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is an emergency condition that needs immediate medical treatment.
Sepsis Research defines sepsis as a condition where ‘your body’s response to an infection spirals rapidly out of control, injuring its own tissues and organs. Even with modern intensive medical care, sepsis can quickly lead to shock, multiple organ failure and death.’
Sepsis often lies undetected at first, as your body will be using its energy fighting the initial infection.
Is sepsis more dangerous to older people?
Sepsis can affect people of any age, but Sepsis Alliance has found there is much more risk of hospitalization in older adults: ‘Adults age 65 years and older are 13 times more likely to be hospitalized with sepsis than adults younger than 65 and 63% of older adults 60 years and older are admitted to the ICU present with sepsis upon admission.’
As such, it’s very important to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms of sepsis when you are visiting a loved one at home or in care. As sepsis is a reaction to a pre-existing infection, it is especially prevalent in older adults who have suffered from pneumonia, urinary tract infections or influenza.
How serious is sepsis?
Sepsis Research estimates that five people in the UK die every hour from sepsis, so the problem is very serious. In the UK, there are around 50,000 deaths annually from sepsis – to put that into perspective that’s more deaths than breast and bowel cancer combined.
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
The NHS website lists the following as symptoms of sepsis:
- Pale, blotchy or blue skin / lips / tongue
- Rash that doesn’t fade when a glass is rolled over it
- Difficulty breathing
- Confusion / slurred speech
- In children- a weak, unusual, high pitched cry or being difficult to wake / sleepier than normal
It is important to note that, should you or someone else experience any of the above symptoms, the NHS advises you to call 999 immediately. The website also notes there can be many symptoms of sepsis, and it is very hard to spot. Call 111 if you or someone else is suffering from any of the following:
- You / they feel very unwell
- You / they haven’t urinated all day
- You / they are vomiting and cannot keep any food or milk down
- You / they have redness, pain or swelling around a wound
- You/ they have a very high or low temperate / are shivering / are shaking
- You / they have rapid breathing or a rapid heart rate
If you or someone else is not suffering any of the above symptoms but still feels unwell, call 111.
For more information on Sepsis this Sepsis Awareness Month take a look at:
Symptoms of sepsis – NHS (www.nhs.uk)
Sepsis Charity UK | Sepsis Research
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