The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) wants to warn you about sepsis, which occurs most often in people aged 65 years or older or less than 1 year, have weakened immune systems, or have chronic medical conditions (e.g., diabetes).
The number of sepsis cases is on the rise. The rate of hospitalizations that listed sepsis as the primary illness more than doubled between 2000 and 2008, according to a 2011 CDC study.
Sepsis is a complication caused by the body’s overwhelming and life-threatening response to infection, which can lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. It is difficult to predict, diagnose, and treat. Patients who develop sepsis have an increased risk of complications and death and face higher healthcare costs and longer treatment. More than 90 percent of adults and 70 percent of children who developed sepsis had a health condition that may have put them at risk.
How is sepsis diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose sepsis using a number of physical findings like fever, increased heart rate, and increased breathing rate. They also do lab tests that check for signs of infection.
Many of the symptoms of sepsis, such as fever and difficulty breathing, are the same as in other conditions, making sepsis hard to diagnose in its early stages.
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
There is no single sign or symptom of sepsis. It is, rather, a combination of symptoms. Since sepsis is the result of an infection, symptoms can include infection signs (diarrhea, vomiting, sore throat, etc.), as well as ANY of the symptoms below:
*Shivering, fever, or very cold
*Extreme pain or discomfort
*Clammy or sweaty skin
*Confusion or disorientation
*Short of breath
*High heart rate
How can I prevent sepsis?
1. Get vaccinated against the flu, pneumonia, and any other infections that could lead to sepsis. Talk to your doctor for more information.
2. Prevent infections that can lead to sepsis by:
o Cleaning scrapes and wounds
o Practicing good hygiene (e.g., hand washing)
3. Know that time matters. If you have a severe infection, look for signs and symptoms like: shivering, fever, or very cold, extreme pain or discomfort, clammy or sweaty skin, confusion or disorientation, short of breath, and high heart rate.
The CDC is working to increase awareness of sepsis and the need to prevent and urgently treat sepsis among the public, healthcare providers, and healthcare facilities.
Read personal stories and perspectives on sepsis at: CDC’s Safe Healthcare Blog.