Sepsis kills more than 258,000 American each year and leaves thousands of survivors often with life altering changes. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, there are over 1 million cases of sepsis each year, and it is the ninth leading cause of disease-related deaths.
Sepsis is a syndrome or constellation of symptoms that occur when an infection spreads from one location throughout the body. The body will react in a predictable manner to the spread of infection. The body’s immune response initially fights the infection, but ultimately becomes dysfunctional and we begin to harm ourselves. The infection in our blood vessels, and our response to them, causes vessels to dilate and our blood pressure to drop. This is referred to as Septic Shock. Further immune dysfunction causes clotting in small blood vessels and a decrease of blood and oxygen flow to organs, resulting in anaerobic metabolism and acid accumulation. Without adequate blood pressure and oxygen, organs begin to malfunction. This evolves into Septic Shock with Organ Dysfunction. After some time, the lungs are no longer able to compensate for the acid accumulation resulting in Septic Shock with Organ Dysfunction and Respiratory Failure.
What symptoms should I watch for an infection that may be spreading throughout the body?
- Fever or low body temperature with chills or shaking
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Urinating less or not at all
- Difficulty breathing, dizziness, or weakness
- A change in mental status i.e. confusion, loss of consciousness, or seizures
- Extremes of age - being very young or very old
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes, COPD, heart failure, urinary catheter
- A weakened immune system related to a chronic condition or medication
- Recent surgery or dental procedure
- Severe injuries, such as large burns