Sepsis Risk and Symptoms: What You Need to Watch For

We need to discuss something you have probably heard, but are unsure of what it is: sepsis. Maybe you are a medical TV drama junkie and heard your favorite TV doctor tell the patient they have it. Or maybe you googled it in passing and said, “That doesn’t apply to me.” However, IT applies to everyone. Let’s take a moment and look at Sepsis Risk and Symptoms: What You Need to Watch For.

What is it?

Sepsis is what happens when your body’s immune system, in its valiant effort to fight an infection, basically goes into overdrive. Instead of just fighting the bad guys (like bacteria or viruses), it starts to damage your own tissues and organs. It’s a life-threatening emergency, and I really want you to understand it because knowing what to look for can genuinely save a life.

So, Who Is at Risk?

Here’s the thing: anyone can get sepsis. It doesn’t matter how old you are or how healthy you think you are. If you have an infection, there’s a risk. However, some people are definitely more vulnerable. This includes folks over the age of 65, as our immune systems can become a bit less effective as we age. 

Pregnant women, newborns, and infants are also in a higher-risk category. People with diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, or even obesity, and other chronic diseases, also increase their risk. The same goes for anyone with a weakened immune system, perhaps due to certain medications or illnesses. Even being in the hospital for another reason, having severe injuries like burns, or using devices like catheters or IVs can increase your chances of developing an infection that could lead to it.

The infection can start anywhere. Respiratory infections like pneumonia and urinary tract infections (UTIs) are the most common culprits, but they can also come from an abdominal infection like appendicitis, a skin infection from a simple cut or bug bite, or even an infection in your central nervous system. The key takeaway is that any infection, no matter how minor it seems, has the potential to trigger this extreme response.

Why is It So Dangerous?

The danger of sepsis lies in the chain reaction it sets off. When your body overreacts, it causes widespread inflammation. At the same time, your blood’s clotting mechanism can go haywire, forming tiny blood clots throughout your blood vessels.

This dangerous combination blocks or reduces blood flow, starving your organs of the oxygen and nutrients they need to function.  This can quickly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and a severe drop in blood pressure known as septic shock. When septic shock kicks in, the situation becomes critical, and the risk of death increases dramatically. It can all happen frighteningly fast, sometimes within just 12 to 24 hours. That’s why it isn’t something you can “wait and see” about. Time is absolutely critical.

Know the Symptoms

Recognizing the signs is your best defense. Since it can affect your whole body, the symptoms can be varied. It’s important to trust your instincts and stay current with the news regarding any new information on diseases or infections. If you have an infection and you just feel like you’re getting much, much worse instead of better, pay attention.  The UK Sepsis Trust uses a helpful acronym, SEPSIS, to outline key symptoms to watch for in adults:

• Slurred speech or confusion
  Extreme shivering or muscle pain
  Passing no urine in a day
  Severe breathlessness
  It feels like you’re going to die
  Skin that’s mottled, discolored, or very pale

Other signs can include a very high or low body temperature, a rapid heart rate, low blood pressure, chills, and clammy or sweaty skin. You might feel extreme pain, discomfort, or just profound weakness. If you or someone you know has an infection and develops any of these symptoms, it’s a red flag.

Yes or No?  What To Do?

If you suspect you have it, act immediately. This is a true medical emergency. Do not hesitate. Go straight to the emergency room or call for an ambulance. When you talk to medical professionals, specifically ask them: “Could this be sepsis?” Using that word can get you the urgent attention that is so desperately needed.
Treatment involves getting fluids and antibiotics (if it’s a bacterial infection) into your system as quickly as possible, usually within an hour. Doctors will also work to find and control the source of the initial infection. Depending on the severity, supportive care like mechanical ventilation for respiratory failure or dialysis for kidney failure might be necessary.

Surviving it is possible, especially with rapid diagnosis and treatment. But prevention is always better. Practice good hygiene, keep any wounds clean, stay up-to-date on your vaccines, and seek prompt medical care for any infection. Please, take this seriously. Being “sepsis savvy” means you’re prepared to protect yourself and the people you care about.