How can I get ahead of sepsis? | Protecting Yourself From Sepsis
However, despite increased understanding and awareness of this life-threatening medical condition, doctors often fail to quickly and effectively diagnose and treat sepsis. The consequences of these medical failures are often tragic for patients and their families.
Sepsis needs to be detected early and treated appropriately. Since it is very common, doctors should always carefully monitor their patients for any signs of the development of the condition. Doctors should immediately identify symptoms and implement comprehensive treatment protocols that can prevent the condition and ultimately save lives.
What is sepsis?
Sepsis is a reaction that occurs in your body when it resists an infection. Usually, when you are sick, your body will send an immune response to detect and kill the infection. When the body sends a very large response, it can cause blood vessel problems. This can lead to blood clots that prevent the body from getting the blood it needs and can cause tissue damage.
An infection that may lead to sepsis is usually a bacterial infection, but it can also be an infection caused by viruses, fungi, or parasites. The most common places for the development of primary infection are the abdomen, lungs, pelvis, or urinary tract.
Types of infections that cause sepsis
Some types of infection that may lead to sepsis include:
- Appendicitis
- Cell inflammation (skin infection)
- Kidney infections
- Urine infections
- Meningitis
- Peritonitis (abdominal inflammation)
- Pneumonia
What are the symptoms of sepsis?
Symptoms may include:
- Fever or chills
- Rapid heart rate
- Difficulty breathing or other respiratory distress
- Rash
- Hypothermia (low temperature)
- Nausea with or without vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Low blood before
- The high or low number of white blood cells
- Abnormal kidney and/or liver functions
If not caught and treated quickly, sepsis can lead to gangrene, dysfunction of organ function and/or organ failure, and eventually death. If the doctor delays in diagnosing sepsis, and fail to diagnose or treat the condition thoroughly, the patient may suffer severe damage. Victims of sepsis may need respiratory tubes and/or nutrition, dialysis, or other invasive treatments to save their lives.
ragab123434@gmail.com