© Shutterstock

What is sepsis? -

Sepsis (also known as blood poisoning, though this is not an accurate description) is the immune system's overreaction to an infection or injury. It's a potentially life-threatening condition and should be considered a medical emergency.

© Shutterstock 

Who is at risk from sepsis? -

Anyone with an infection can get sepsis. Those most at risk from the condition include adults 65 or older.

© Shutterstock 

Risk factors -

People with a weakened immune system, perhaps as a result of recent severe illness or hospitalization, are at risk.

© Shutterstock 

Chronic medical conditions -

Those suffering from chronic medical conditions are also particularly susceptible to sepsis, people with diabetes for example.

© Shutterstock 

Other factors -

Lung disease, cancer, and kidney disease can contribute towards the onset of sepsis.

© Shutterstock 

Sepsis in infants -

Babies under one year old are at risk, particularly if they're born early (premature) or their mother had an infection while pregnant.

© Shutterstock 

Sepsis at birth -

Similarly, women who have just given birth, had a miscarriage, or had an abortion are at risk from contracting sepsis.

© Shutterstock 

What causes sepsis? -

Bacterial infections are most often to blame for sepsis. But it can also happen because of other infections, for example when a bacterial infection elsewhere in the body, such as the lungs or skin, enters the bloodstream.

© Shutterstock 

Blood flow impaired -

As sepsis worsens, blood flow to vital organs, such as your brain, heart, and kidneys, becomes impaired.

© Shutterstock 

Sign and symptoms -

Sepsis is life threatening. But it can be hard to spot. So, what are the signs and symptoms of the condition?

© Shutterstock 

High heart rate -

A patient with sepsis might have one or more of the following symptoms, an example being a respiratory rate higher than or equal to 22 breaths a minute, in other words breathlessness.

© Shutterstock 

Low blood pressure -

Sepsis also causes blood pressure to drop dramatically.

© Shutterstock 

Confusion and disorientation -

If a person is acting confused, has slurred speech, or is not making sense, they might also be demonstrating the effects of sepsis.

© Shutterstock 

Blotchy skin or rash -

Blue, pale, or blotchy skin, or a rash, are all possible indicators of sepsis. Likewise, clammy or sweaty skin should be considered a symptom.

© Shutterstock 

Septic shock -

A severe decrease in blood pressure can lead to septic shock, when abnormalities in cellular metabolism result in problems with how cells work and produce energy. Progression to septic shock increases the risk of death.

© Shutterstock 

Children and sepsis -

Besides demonstrating all or any one of these symptoms, a child with sepsis can also display unusual behavior such as not responding like they normally do, lacking interest in eating or ordinary day-to-day activities.

© Shutterstock 

Sepsis in youngsters -

Being sleepier than normal or difficult to wake are other tell-tale signs that a youngster could be suffering from sepsis.

© Shutterstock 

When to call a doctor -

If you or your loved one has an infection that's not getting better or is getting worse, it's vital to act fast. A medical assessment by a healthcare professional is needed to confirm sepsis.

© Shutterstock 

Treatment for sepsis -

If confirmed, the main treatment for sepsis, severe sepsis, or septic shock is a course of broad-spectrum antibiotics, administered intravenously. This will begin as soon as possible and invariably means a stay in a hospital intensive care unit (ICU).

© Shutterstock 

Antibiotics and more -

The aim of the antibiotics is to fight the infection and prevent septic shock, which can cause your organs to fail. A patient can also undergo a raft of additional tests or treatments to identify and combat the condition. IV fluids and extra oxygen can help with this.

© Shutterstock 

Recovering from sepsis -

Fortunately, most people make a full recovery from sepsis, but this can be a long and often complicated process. Sepsis can leave you physically and emotionally scarred, symptoms that can take a long time to heal. In fact, the scientific definition of this long-term condition is known as post-sepsis syndrome (PSS).

© Shutterstock 

Post-sepsis syndrome -

Feeling weak and drained after you've had sepsis can be an unfortunate side effect. Difficulty sleeping is not uncommon.

© Shutterstock 

Lack of appetite -

A poor appetite coupled with a general feeling of lethargy is another manifestation of PSS.

© Shutterstock 

Panic attack -

In more extreme cases, PSS can induce flashbacks, nightmares, and panic attacks.

© Shutterstock

Getting ahead of sepsis -

Note that you cannot catch sepsis from another person. It happens when your body overreacts to an infection. However, an infection can lead to sepsis, and you can spread some infections to other people. Preventing infection is therefore the best way of impeding sepsis.

© Shutterstock 

Simple hygiene -

Taking a few simple steps like washing your hands often with soap, and keeping cuts covered until healed, can help prevent the spread of infection.

© Shutterstock 

Vaccines -

Keeping up with recommended vaccines for things like flu and chickenpox can help alleviate the threat of sepsis.

© Shutterstock 

Exercise regularly -

Stay fit! Gentle, easy exercise builds up strength and a good level of immunity.

© Shutterstock 

Take control -

Keep control of any chronic health conditions. Undergo regular checkups, and learn to recognize the signs and symptoms of sepsis before they take hold.

© Shutterstock 

Support groups -

There are several organizations out there that offer support to survivors of sepsis, and to relatives of those who've suffered the condition. These include the Sepsis Trust and the Sepsis Alliance.

Sources: (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) (National Health Service) (Sepsis Alliance) (Sepsis Trust)

See also: 30 signs that you may have heart trouble

© Shutterstock