West Indy News

Franciscan Health Plainfield Health Center recently issued the following announcement.

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 the body's overwhelming and potentially life-threatening response to an infection. It can lead to tissue damage, organ failure and even death. More than one million people every year in the United States develop sepsis, and up to half of them die from it. 

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

In extreme cases, sepsis can cause septic shock as blood pressure drops and the heart weakens, which can lead to death. Sepsis can affect anyone, but it's most often seen in older adults or those with weakened immune systems.

What Are Symptoms Of Sepsis?

Symptoms of sepsis include:

• Rapid heart rate
• Fever
• Hyperventilation
• Hypothermia
• Skin rash
• Decreased urination
• Stomach pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Confusion

What Causes Sepsis?

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 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. People who have a weakened immune system, a chronic disease like diabetes, or have been in the hospital recently are more susceptible to sepsis. 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

How Is Sepsis Diagnosed?

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 usually treated in the hospital setting with antibiotics and other methods to help keep the organs functioning and blood pressure from dropping.

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. The may experience some long-last effects, including insomnia, impaired brain function, fatigue and joint pain.

According to the Sepsis Alliance, post-sepsis syndrome is a condition that affects up to 50% of sepsis survivors. They are left with short or long term physical and/or psychological effects such as:

• Muscle weakness
• Fatigue
• Difficulty swallowing
• Cloudy thinking
• Difficulty concentration
• Poor memory
• Difficulty sleeping
• Sadness
• Anxiety

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. 

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

For more information about sepsis, visit SurviveSepsis.com.

Original source can be found here.