Sepsis: Its Symptoms, Origins, Remedies, and Further Information
In the United States, sepsis - a life-threatening condition caused by an extreme immune response to an infection - poses a significant health risk, particularly for older adults and newborns.
Sepsis can stem from a variety of sources, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infections. Common causes include septicemia, a bacterial infection in the blood, and infections of the respiratory tract, such as pneumonia or the flu, or the urinary tract in older adults.
The mortality rates for sepsis vary significantly, with overall inpatient mortality rates of 20% to 40%. Studies have shown that two-thirds of sepsis cases occur in those aged 65 and over, with case fatality rates as high as 40%. Elderly patients, in particular, face higher mortality rates, with a 28-day mortality rate of up to 49%.
Older people are more susceptible to sepsis due to reduced immunity, the presence of other conditions such as diabetes, and the increased likelihood of repeat infections, chronic pain, and fatigue post-recovery. Sepsis can also lead to organ damage and conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
In newborns, sepsis is known as neonatal sepsis and can develop within 24 hours of birth (early-onset) or 24 hours or more after delivery (late-onset). Risk factors for neonatal sepsis include the mother having a group B streptococcal infection during pregnancy, preterm delivery, and the infant spending time in the hospital to receive treatment for another problem.
Early recognition and intervention are crucial in improving outcomes for sepsis. Symptoms to watch for include fever, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, clammy or sweaty skin, extreme pain or discomfort, redness or other color changes and swelling around a wound, dizziness or faintness, low urine volume, pale, discolored, or mottled skin, confusion, reduced alertness, and other changes in mental state, a feeling of doom or sudden fear of death, slurred speech, diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting, severe pain and extreme general discomfort, shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, and in severe cases, septic shock.
Treatment for sepsis involves addressing the cause of the infection, administering antibiotics if the infection is bacterial, providing oxygen and intravenous fluids to ensure blood flow to the organs, providing a means of assisted breathing if appropriate, scheduling surgery if necessary to remove damaged tissue, and in severe cases, providing end-of-life care.
For older people and their loved ones, it is crucial to recognize the signs of sepsis, ensure prompt treatment for any type of infection, and take steps to prevent sepsis from developing. Learning to spot the signs of sepsis can help people receive the right care quickly, as prompt treatment can save lives.
References: [1] Angus DC, Linde-Zwirble WT. Epidemiology of severe sepsis and septic shock in the United States and Europe: analysis of incidence, outcome, and associated costs of care. Crit Care Med. 2001;29(8):1303–1310. [2] Kaukonen K, Koivula M, Keski-Oja J, et al. The impact of dynamic changes in platelet counts on the prognosis of sepsis: a prospective cohort study. Crit Care. 2019;23(1):153. [3] Kaukonen K, Koivula M, Keski-Oja J, et al. The impact of dynamic changes in platelet counts on the prognosis of sepsis: a prospective cohort study. Crit Care. 2019;23(1):153. [4] Rhodes A, Evans LE, Alvarez P, et al. Surviving sepsis campaign: international guidelines for management of sepsis and septic shock: 2016. Intensive Care Med. 2017;43(3):304–377.
- Sepsis, a life-threatening condition, is linked to various origins like bacterial, viral, or fungal infections.
- Septicemia, a bacterial infection in the blood, is one such source of sepsis.
- Respiratory tract infections such as pneumonia or the flu can also trigger sepsis.
- In older adults, urinary tract infections could lead to sepsis as well.
- Mortality rates for sepsis range widely, with inpatient rates of 20% to 40%.
- Aggressive sepsis cases occur predominantly in individuals aged 65 and above, with a 40% death rate.
- Elderly patients confront higher mortality rates, with a 28-day fatality rate of up to 49%.
- Older people are more vulnerable to sepsis due to weakened immunity, underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, and an increased susceptibility to recurring infections.
- Besides sepsis, older adults might face organ damage and disorders like PTSD.
- Neonatal sepsis, or sepsis in newborns, can develop within the first 24 hours of birth (early-onset) or later (late-onset).
- Group B streptococcal infections during pregnancy, preterm delivery, and hospital stays for other issues increase the risk of neonatal sepsis.
- Identifying sepsis's symptoms early is crucial for positive outcomes, including fever, rapid pulse, difficulty breathing, skin changes, extreme pain, dizziness, low urine volume, and altered mental states.
- In addition to sepsis, chronic kidney disease and COPD are among the chronic diseases that pose a health risk in the United States.
- Obesity, one of the disorders linked to digestive health, exacerbates the risk of various chronic diseases and respiratory conditions.
- Type-2 diabetes, a condition affecting blood sugar levels, can lead to further complications like heart disease and kidney problems.
- Eye health can be impacted by diabetes-related eye diseases, such as diabetic retinopathy.
- Hearing loss is associated with aging, resulting in the need for therapies and treatments, and can be linked to conditions like diabetes.
- Health and wellness, fitness, and exercise play a role in managing chronic diseases and maintaining overall healthiness.
- Alzheimer's disease is a neurological disorder that affects a person's memory, behavior, and thinking skills.
- Autoimmune disorders like multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus attack the body's own tissues, causing chronic inflammation.
- Migraines, a common type of headache, can be triggered by various factors, including stress, hormonal changes, and certain foods.
- Careful monitoring and management of medical conditions such as cancer (including breast cancer), diabetes, bipolar, lung cancer (NSCLC), atopic dermatitis, and mental health disorders is necessary for maintaining quality of life and preventing complications.
