Experts warn that certain symptoms could be a sign of Sepsis, a life-threatening condition that requires urgent medical treatment.
In the United Kingdom, around 245 cases are recorded each year, and this disease causes more deaths than Breast Cancer, Colorectal Cancer and Prostate Cancer combined.
Sepsis is difficult to diagnose in the early stages because the symptoms can resemble common illnesses such as Influenza (flu), Food Poisoning or a Chest Infection. However, it is a medical emergency: the risk of death increases by about 8% for every hour that antibiotic treatment is delayed. If not treated quickly, the condition can progress to Septic Shock, leading to organ failure and death.
Sepsis always starts with an infection – usually a chest, urinary tract or skin infection. It can affect anyone, but the risk is higher in infants, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems.
The six main symptoms of sepsis
1. Slurred speech or confusion
A sudden change in mental status – such as disorientation, slurred speech or confusion – is a serious sign. This occurs when the infection affects brain function, causing decreased consciousness, delirium or even coma.
2. Severe tremors or muscle pain
Severe chills, fever, and muscle aches can be early signs of sepsis and often feel like a very severe flu.
3. Not urinating for an entire day
If a person does not urinate for 24 hours, this is an alarm sign that may indicate kidney failure or severe shock and requires immediate medical attention.
4. Difficulty in breathing
Very rapid, shallow breathing or a feeling of shortness of breath can occur because the body has difficulty supplying oxygen to the organs.
5. The feeling that you are “going to die”
A strong and sudden sense of imminent danger, often described as a feeling of "the end is near", is also considered a critical symptom.
6. Spotted or discolored skin
Skin that looks pale, blue, or mottled indicates that blood circulation is not working properly. It may appear as a marble pattern or with red, blue, or purple streaks, often on the hands, feet, and soles of the feet. Sometimes there may also be a rash that does not go away when pressed with a glass, similar to that of Meningitis.
Signs in children
In babies and young children, symptoms can be harder to spot. According to the National Health Service, warning signs include:
repeated vomiting
food refusal
no urination for 12 hours
very rapid breathing
seizure or convulsion
pale, blue, or mottled skin
redness that does not fade when pressed
severe drowsiness or difficulty waking up
unusual coldness to the touch
Who is most at risk?
The risk is greater for people who:
have recently had surgery
use a urinary catheter
they stayed in the hospital for a long time
have a weakened immune system
are receiving chemotherapy
are pregnant
are too young or too old
How is sepsis treated?
Sepsis should be treated immediately in a hospital. Treatment usually includes:
intravenous antibiotics
intravenous fluids
oxygen, if necessary
Ideally, antibiotics should be given within an hour of diagnosis. Some patients may need long-term hospital treatment, especially if organs are affected, but with prompt intervention, many people recover completely. /GazetaExpress/
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